If you want to find the true heart of the holiday season, just step into a small town. Small towns in Wisconsin celebrate the season in beautiful and timeless ways – and always with plenty of pine and lots of lights. It’s a sight to behold and if you’re lucky, you may even run into a group of carolers! Some towns in Wisconsin are simply magical at Christmas - here are seven of our favorites.
1. Wisconsin Dells
Wisconsin Dells might be the Waterpark Capital of the World, but there’s much more to this popular tourist community! Its tree of light is simply spectacular - it’s a 55-foot silver maple tree that holds 30,000 dazzling lights! Even more festive holiday trees can be found along the River Walk.
2. Ephraim
If you’re feeling the holiday blues, wash them away with a visit to this picture-perfect lakeside village. Historic bluff side buildings are decked out with all the holiday trimmings. Soak in every moment!
3. Cedarburg
This little town is impossibly cute during the holidays and it has a fantastic selection of stores and restaurants to explore. If you have a holiday gift list to fill, this is your spot.
4. Hayward
There’s much more to this destination than outdoor recreation. Sure, Hayward has some of the state’s best snowmobiling, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing. But the holiday storefronts will take you back to simpler times, and it’s beautiful!
5. Prairie du Chien
This historic river town is one of the state’s oldest, established as a European settlement in the 1600s. It has some beautiful historic buildings and it looks incredibly festive during the holidays.
6. Chippewa Falls
Every winter, a 300-acre park in this town is transformed into a winter wonderland. Irving Park in Chippewa Falls was founded in 1906 and every holiday season it seems as fresh and brilliant as ever!
7. Lake Geneva
This little town on Geneva Lake is home to grand mansions that were built long ago as summer escapes for wealthy Chicago residents. There’s a lot to love about the town during the holiday season, including lively events, festive shops, and grand Victorian homes decked out for the season.
Take plenty of time to enjoy these holiday hotspots – they all make relaxing winter escapes. For more travel inspiration, here are some of the state’s most charming small towns.
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