This Iconic Holiday Event in Wisconsin is the One Thing You Must Do This Season

The holiday season in Wisconsin is the perfect time to get out, enjoy the festivities, and maybe even check out a new place to experience some classic holiday magic.

If you’re looking for a cozy, small-town event to help you get in the spirit, Ripon’s "Dickens of a Christmas" is just what you need. It’s got all the charm you’re looking for—twinkling lights, festive decorations, and enough holiday cheer to fill your cup, without the hassle of big crowds or endless waiting. Whether you’re a die-hard Christmas fan or just in need of a relaxing weekend escape, this event has everything you need to feel the magic of the season.

The fun begins on Friday night with the Dickens Holiday Parade. This lighted parade takes over Ripon’s historic downtown, featuring decorated floats, musical groups, and—of course—Santa. The best part? All the parade entrants are encouraged to go big with the lights, so the whole downtown will be aglow with holiday cheer. It’s a great way to kick off the weekend; you might even find yourself humming “Jingle Bells” before you know it.

Saturday kicks off with two crowd favorites: Breakfast with Santa and the Holiday Tour of Homes. Start your morning off with pancakes and a chance to hang out with the big guy himself. Afterward, take the Holiday Tour of Homes, where you can see Ripon’s most festively decorated houses. It’s perfect for getting some new decorating ideas (or just admiring what others have done).

But the real star of the weekend is the Living Windows event. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, over 20 downtown storefronts are transformed into live holiday scenes with characters dressed in Victorian-era clothing.

It’s like walking through a Christmas card come to life. You can snap photos of the scenes, and trust me, you’ll want to—especially if you’re looking for a great backdrop for some holiday family pics. As you stroll, carolers will be spreading festive tunes, making it feel like you’re in a classic Christmas movie.

In addition to Living Windows, Ripon offers a lot more holiday fun. Take a stroll through the Enchanted Forest, where trees twinkle and shine with lights. Or check out the Gingerbread House Contest, where local bakers compete to create the most deliciously over-the-top, sugar-coated mansions you’ll ever see.

If you’re feeling extra festive and want to knock out some holiday shopping, Ripon’s downtown shops will be open late on Friday and Saturday—perfect for snagging quirky gifts while soaking up the holiday cheer (and maybe a few extra cookies).

For an extra bit of holiday magic, jump on a horse-drawn carriage for a cozy ride through downtown Ripon. The rides are free from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday—perfect for checking out the lights without having to fight for parking. (Though if you feel like tossing a few bucks in the tip jar, that’s always appreciated!)

Ripon’s Dickens of a Christmas gives you all the holiday fun with none of the usual chaos. Between parades, carriage rides, Victorian scenes, and enough sweet treats to make you forget about your New Year’s resolution, you’ll find something to make your spirits bright. So grab your friends or family, bundle up, and come make some memories at Ripon’s holiday bash—you won’t regret it!

Why not keep the holiday magic going with an overnight stay in Ripon? There are tons of cozy local Ripon, Wisconsin rentals that are perfect for crashing after a day of parades, gingerbread houses, and way too much hot cocoa. You’ll have a comfy spot to kick back, relax, and laugh about how you almost got stuck in a carriage ride with 10 other people. Plus, you’ll wake up ready to do it all over again—or maybe just hit up a local coffee shop to recover. Either way, extending your stay in Ripon is a no-brainer.