10 Wisconsin Towns That Turn Into Christmas Wonderlands

Wisconsin's small towns offer enchanting holiday experiences with festive decorations and events.

Does any state get more into Christmas than ours? We think not. Some towns embrace this time of year, making them the best Christmas towns in Wisconsin. You ought to head to these towns for the ultimate holiday experience. While others really take to heart, here are some of our picks for the best places to visit for Christmas in Wisconsin! If you're looking for a magical Christmas town in Wisconsin, read on!

1. Cedarburg, Wisconsin: A Quaint Town Dressed Up for Christmas

If you are looking for a charming, warm Christmas experience, look no further than Cedarburg. The setting is gorgeous, featuring its centuries-old limestone buildings, coffeehouses, and pubs. The storefronts are adorned with beautifully crafted Christmas decorations and an abundance of cheer. There are all sorts of winter events for you to get involved in, including Festive Friday Eves, the Holiday Art Fair, and other events across town from now through Christmas. Get the details about this year's festivities here!

2. Milwaukee, Wisconsin: A Festive City Full of Holiday Cheer

There are numerous holiday events taking place in Milwaukee, including the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival. Jump on the Jingle Bus for a 40-minute self-guided tour via a podcast. Head to the Historic Third Ward to see the tree. The Jingle Bus is wheelchair accessible, and audio descriptions are available via the podcast tour. You can learn more about the tour on the official website.

3. Madison, Wisconsin: The Capital City Glows for the Holidays

There are numerous festive activities to enjoy in Madison during the holiday season. There is the Olbrich Holiday Concert Series - If you play your cards right, you might run into Santa himself! For some of the best holiday lights, head to Olin Park and drive around for free. You can even get a candy cane at the end of the ride! Take a look at Madison's full holiday itinerary for this year on the official Visit Madison website.

4. Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin: A Charming Town Sparkling for Christmas

The people of Chippewa Falls love their Christmas Village. There are over 100,000 lights that take over Irvine Park. Life-size Christmas scenes with a Victorian feel are on display through January 1st. Food vendors are set up nearby for visitors, and Parking is available at Irvine Park. Don't miss this one! Click here to learn more about Christmas Village at Chippewa Falls.

5. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin: A Family-Friendly Christmas Wonderland

You might only think of visiting Wisconsin Dells during the summer, but consider visiting there during Christmas instead. There are plenty of places to snowmobile and ski. You can get photos taken with Santa at Outlets at the Dells, too, and you might visit there during Christmas instead of meeting Santa Claus himself! Click here for some awesome holiday deals!

6. Ripon, Wisconsin: A Small Town Bursting with Holiday Spirit

In Ripon, it's all about an ode to Charles Dickens, with their Dickens of a Christmas Weekend. Since 1988, it has been a unique, Victorian-themed festival featuring Living Windows, carriage rides, and home tours. Check out this website for all the details about Dickens of a Christmas weekend!

7. Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin: A Scenic Town Decked Out for Christmas

It's always a good time to visit the Old World Christmas Market, but Christmas is especially awesome. The market is reminiscent of a German Christkindlesmarkt, with a wide array of gifts, toys, ornaments, and, of course, food. You can get breakfast with Santa at the Osthoff Resort. The Siberian Outpost offers dog sled rides and demonstrations throughout the year. There is no shortage of fun holiday things to do here! Click here to learn more.

8. Stockholm, Wisconsin: A Tiny Town Full of Holiday Charm

Stockholm is a charming little town, and these streets get a holiday makeover this time of year. It truly is an "old-fashioned" holiday experience in this Christmas village in Wisconsin, complete with sleigh rides, food, and, of course, Santa. True to its Swedish heritage, Stockholm has "God Jul: A Swedish Christmas." Get the details about this year's festivities here.

9. Hudson, Wisconsin: A Festive Town Glowing for the Holidays

Hudson loves Christmas. If you haven't gotten one already, go out to a free farm like Santa's Evergreens Tree Farm and cut your own tree. Enjoy A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol at the St. Croix Off Broadway Dinner Theater. Go ice skating at Burton Field! The possibilities are endless. Check out Hudson's holiday calendar here.

10. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin: A Winter Wonderland by the Water

Many people from Wisconsin and Illinois head to Lake Geneva during the summer months, but Christmas is also a great time to visit. Head to the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa for lights, music, daily holiday teas, and gingerbread houses. Restaurants offer holiday specials, and trust me, there are plenty of shops to find the perfect gift for those who are hard to shop for. The Grand Geneva Resort offers wheelchair-accessible pathways and accommodations. It's a holiday tradition you won't forget!

Does your town do Christmas right? REPRESENT by completing this nomination form. We love hearing from you, and pictures of the best Christmas towns in Wisconsin are even better. How will you be celebrating Christmas in Wisconsin this year? What's your pick for the most magical Christmas town in Wisconsin? Read some more about the prettiest Christmas towns in Wisconsin.

Plan your Wisconsin Christmas adventure with the Only In Your State itinerary planner to visit all these magical towns and their holiday festivities. Don't forget to check out these five spots we are especially thankful for this year.

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