Hayward Turns Into A Winter Wonderland Each Year In Wisconsin

If you're looking for a weekend escape that's full of lights, cheer and neighborly love, Hayward should be your destination. The small "up north" town transforms itself between Thanksgiving and New Years and works to create a community and family-based event entirely run by volunteers. The whole city gets involved and you never know what you might find. Sip variations on hot chocolate, take a sleigh ride, and watch a festive parade - all things the city provides to add to their Christmas magic. Gather up the family and get ready to explore the best winter town in Wisconsin.

The "A Lure of Lights" festival in Hayward is much more than strings of festive bulbs.

Hayward's the home of the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, so the festival name is a bit of a pun.

From Black Friday through late December, the city calendar is chock full of Christmas events to keep you entertained, fed and in the holiday spirit.

The city is lit for the entire month and every day brings new opportunities to find your holly, jolly.

Enjoy a magical horse drawn sleigh ride through downtown Hayward!

These are offered for free on Saturday, November 30th and Saturday, December 14th from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

A full community event, the "Start Your Engines" parade is just for vehicles that promise to go all out with holiday lights and decor.

They are lit up and decorated for each year's theme, prepared to entertain those who line the parade route.

There are Christmas games, meet-and-greets with Santa, a 5K run and a Gingerbread house contest.

Literally every night there is something. Come out for the open S'mores Pit.

Test your kitchen skills in the Gingerbread House contest.

One of the tastiest events is the Hot Chocolate Crawl.

Businesses hand out steaming cups of deliciousness to warm you from the inside out.

There's the obligatory ugly sweater wearing, so pick one up now!

Spend your Christmas season playing outside at Shue's Pond.

These events are weather dependent, so be sure to check the website, linked below, for more information to come.

Stop and say hi to Mrs. Claus.

All the businesses get in the spirit by trying to outdo each other with window decorations and other themed events.

Folks dress up for the 5K and show off some amazing holiday-themed running outfits.

This winter wonderland town in Wisconsin is full of fun. For more information about Hayward's "A Lure Of Lights," visit their website here.

Have you ever spent Christmas time in Hayward, the best winter town in Wisconsin? What are your favorite events?

What are your favorite places to visit in winter in Wisconsin? If you're looking for some suggestions, here are the 10 most enchanting, magical Christmas towns In Wisconsin.