Santa Sightings: December 8-9, 2018

Get your lists ready – one week closer to Christmas!

Saturday, December 8

Waffles With Santa | 7:15 – 11 am
Lakeland School, Elkhorn

Breakfast With Santa | 8 am – 12 pm
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa – Evergreen Ballroom,
Lake Geneva
(262) 249-4788, www.grandgeneva.com

Pancakes with Santa | 8 – 11:30 am
Army Lake Camp, The Salvation Army, East Troy
(262) 642-6400, www.usc.salvationarmy.org

Breakfast With Santa | 9 – 10:30 am
Baker House, Lake Geneva
(262) 248-4700, www.bakerhouse1885.com

Christmas Train | 9 am; 10:30 am; 12 pm; 1:30 pm; 3 pm
East Troy Electric Railroad, East Troy
(262) 642-3263, www.easttroyrr.org

An Old World Christmas | 10 am – 4 pm
Old World Wisconsin, Eagle
(262) 594-6301
www.oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org

Santa’s Hours | 11 am – 1 pm
Bradley’s Department Store, Delavan
www.delavanwi.org

Visit Santa in his Workshop | 11 am – 2 pm
Santa’s Temporary Workshop, Lake Geneva
(262) 395-8128, www.streetsoflakegeneva.com

Snap! Snap! A Visit From Santa | 12 – 2 pm
The Ridge Hotel, Lake Geneva
(800) 225-5558, www.ridgelakegeneva.com

Santa In The Chalet | 2 – 4 pm
Downtown, Burlington
(262) 763-6044, www.burlingtonchamber.org

Santa Visits | 2 – 4 pm
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa – Lobby, Lake Geneva
(262) 248-8811, www.grandgeneva.com

Santa’s Coming to The Cove | 3 – 5 pm
The Cove of Lake Geneva, Lake Geneva
(262) 249-9460, www.coveoflakegeneva.com

Santa Cruise | 4:30 – 9:30 pm
Lake Geneva Cruise Line – Winter Harbor, Williams Bay
(262) 248-6206, www.santacruiselakegeneva.com

Sunday, December 9

Breakfast With Santa | 8 am – 12 pm
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa – Evergreen Ballroom, Lake Geneva
(262) 249-4788, www.grandgeneva.com

Brunch & Cookie Decorating with Santa | 9 am – 2 pm
The Ridge Hotel,  Lake Geneva
(800) 225-5558, www.ridgelakegeneva.com

Christmas Train | 9 am; 10:30 am; 12 pm; 1:30 pm; 3 pm
East Troy Electric Railroad, East Troy
(262) 642-3263, www.easttroyrr.org

Jolly Old St. Nicholas at The Abbey Brunch | 10 am – 1 pm
The Abbey Resort – 240° West, Fontana
(262) 275-9000, www.theabbeyresort.com

An Old World Christmas | 10 am – 4 pm
Old World Wisconsin, Eagle
(262) 594-6301, www.oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org

Visit Santa in his Workshop | 11 am – 2 pm
Santa’s Temporary Workshop, Lake Geneva
(262) 395-8128, www.streetsoflakegeneva.com

Santa In The Chalet | 2 – 4 pm
Downtown, Burlington
(262) 763-6044, www.burlingtonchamber.org

Santa Cruise | 4:30 – 8:30 pm
Lake Geneva Cruise Line – Winter Harbor, Williams Bay
(262) 248-6206, www.santacruiselakegeneva.com

For more information on holiday fun, go to VisitWalworthCounty.com
or call (262) 728-6000

 

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Santa Sightings: December 1-2, 2018

Another weekend full of chances to share your wish list with Santa Claus!

Saturday, December 1

Pancake Breakfast With Santa | 8 – 11 am
Badger High School, Lake Geneva

Breakfast With Santa | 8 am – 12 pm
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa – Evergreen Ballroom, Lake Geneva
(262) 249-4788, www.grandgeneva.com

Christmas Train | 9 am; 10:30 am; 12 pm; 1:30 pm; 3 pm
East Troy Electric Railroad, East Troy
(262) 642-3263, www.easttroyrr.org

Santa at Twin Lakes Fire Department | 10 am – 2 pm
Twin Lakes Fire Department, Twin Lakes

An Old World Christmas | 10 am – 4 pm
Old World Wisconsin, Eagle
(262) 594-6301, www.oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org

Apple Barn Christmas – Simple as ABC | 10 am – 7 pm
Apple Barn Orchard & Winery, Elkhorn
(262) 728-3266,
www.applebarnorchardandwinery.com

Visit Santa in his Workshop | 11 am – 2 pm
Santa’s Temporary Workshop, Lake Geneva
(262) 395-8128, www.streetsoflakegeneva.com

A Victorian Christmas | 12 – 3 pm
Geneva Lake Museum, Lake Geneva
(262) 248-6060,
www.genevalakemuseum.org

Christmas Card Town Parade | 1:30 – 3 pm
Downtown, Elkhorn
(262) 723-5788, www.elkhornchamber.com

Santa Visits | 2 – 4 pm
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa – Lobby, Lake Geneva
(262) 248-8811, www.grandgeneva.com

Santa’s Coming to The Cove | 3 – 5 pm
The Cove of Lake Geneva, Lake Geneva
(262) 249-9460, www.coveoflakegeneva.com

Lake Geneva Electric Christmas Parade | 5 – 6 pm
Williams St. & Cook St., Lake Geneva
www.visitlakegeneva.com

Santa On The Square | 5 – 8 pm
Village Square Park, East Troy
www.easttroy.org

Santa Parade Train | 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Village Square Park, East Troy
www.easttroy.org

Santa Cruise | 4:30 – 9:30 pm
Lake Geneva Cruise Line – Winter Harbor, Williams Bay
(262) 248-6206, www.santacruiselakegeneva.com

Christmas Tree Lighting | 6:30 – 7 pm
Village Square Park, East Troy
www.easttroy.org

Sunday, December 2

Breakfast With Santa | 8 am – 12 pm
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa – Evergreen Ballroom, Lake Geneva
(262) 249-4788, www.grandgeneva.com

Christmas Train | 9 am; 10:30 am; 12 pm; 1:30 pm; 3 pm
East Troy Electric Railroad, East Troy
(262) 642-3263, www.easttroyrr.org

Jolly Old St. Nicholas at The Abbey Brunch | 10 am – 1 pm
The Abbey Resort – 240° West, Fontana
(262) 275-9000, www.theabbeyresort.com

An Old World Christmas | 10 am – 4 pm
Old World Wisconsin, Eagle
(262) 594-6301,
www.oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org

Visit Santa in his Workshop | 11 am – 2 pm
Santa’s Temporary Workshop, Lake Geneva
(262) 395-8128, www.streetsoflakegeneva.com

Santa Cruise | 4:30 – 8:30 pm
Lake Geneva Cruise Line – Winter Harbor, Williams Bay
(262) 248-6206, www.santacruiselakegeneva.com

For more information on holiday fun, go to VisitWalworthCounty.com
or call (262) 728-6000

Oh Tannenbaum…

The first blanket of snow has already graced the ground, setting the scene for a magical start to the holiday. For some, the holiday experience begins on that serene walk out on the farm, saw in hand, to go pick out the perfect Christmas tree.

Walworth County is home to some pretty amazing tree farms that provide a variety of tree types, garlands, wreaths and other adornments of the season. The farms open daily from Thanksgiving to Christmas to ensure enough time to roam the field and swing into their shops to gather the perfect pieces to deck your halls. Some of the local tree farms even go that extra mile to make it a memorable experience by providing hot cocoa, coffee or hot apple cider to warm you up after the chilly task.

For the other folks, simply enjoying the fresh pine smell and delight that decorating the new tree brings to their home, is all they need to make it a wonderful holiday. Head out now and get a fresh cut Christmas tree at one of these fantastic businesses:

Pre-Cut & Cut-Your-Own

• Country Side Trees
  W7015 N. Walworth Road, Walworth | (262) 275-5105
  Open daily, November 17 – December 24
  Weekdays 10 am – 4:30 pm, Weekends 9 am – 4:30 pm
  Open 10am- Noon on Christmas Eve
  countrysidetreeswi.com
• Evergreen Acres
  N9171 Nelson Road, East Troy | (262) 495-4502
  Open daily, November 23 – December 24
  Daily 9 am – 4:30 pm
  evergreenacresllc.com
• Sugar Creek Tree Farm
  N6447 Church Road, Burlington | (262) 767-1177
  Open daily, November 23 – December 24
  Daily 8 am – 4:30 pm
  sugarcreektreefarm.com
• Valley View Tree Farm
  W798 Valley View Road, Burlington | (262) 534-7234
  Open daily, November 17 – December 24
  Choose & Cut 10 am – 4 pm
  Daily 10 am – 6 pm
  Visit them on Facebook – Valley View Tree Farm, LLC

Pre-Cut Christmas Trees

• Boxed & Burlap
  2935 State Highway 67, Delavan | (262) 374-5497
  Monday – Saturday 6 am – 6 pm, Sunday 6 am – 3 pm
  Open 6 am – 3 pm on Christmas Eve
  boxedandburlap.com
• Pesche’s Greenhouse
  W4080 Hwy 50 W, Lake Geneva | (262) 245-6125
  Monday – Saturday 8 am – 5 pm, Sunday 8 am – 4 pm
  Open 10am- Noon on Christmas Eve
  peschesgreenhouse.com
• Terra Yard Creations
  202 E. Grant Street, Elkhorn | (262) 379-1700
  Weekdays 10 am – 6 pm, Saturday 10 am – 4 pm, Sunday 12 – 4 pm
  Closed on Christmas Eve
  www.terrayardcreations.com

For more ideas to kick off your holiday season, go to the events calendar at VisitWalworthCounty.com!

Santa Sightings: November 23-25, 2018

Santa is on his way!  This weekend starts his visits to the Lake Geneva area.  Grab your lists and head to one of these locations to spot the big man in red.

“He’s making a list and checking it twice. Gonna find out who’s naughty and nice.
Santa Claus is coming to town!”

Friday, November 23

Santa Cruise | 4:30 – 9:30 pm
Lake Geneva Cruise Line – Winter Harbor, Williams Bay
(262) 248-6206, www.santacruiselakegeneva.com

Tree Lighting Ceremony | 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Tower Park, Delavan | www.delavanwi.org

Bay Festival of Trees – Tree Lighting | 6 – 6:30 pm
Edgewater Park, Williams Bay

Saturday, November 24

Breakfast With Santa | 8 am – 12 pm
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa – Evergreen Ballroom, Lake Geneva
(262) 249-4788, www.grandgeneva.com

Breakfast With Santa | 8:30 – 10 am
Lake Lawn Resort, Delavan
(262) 728-7950, www.lakelawnresort.com

Christmas Train | 9 am; 10:30 am; 12 pm; 1:30 pm; 3 pm
East Troy Electric Railroad, East Troy
(262) 642-3263, www.easttroyrr.org

Downtown Delavan Holiday Open House
Downtown, Delavan | www.delavanwi.org

Santa Visits | 2 – 4 pm
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa – Lobby, Lake Geneva
(262) 248-8811, www.grandgeneva.com

Santa Cruise | 4:30 – 9:30 pm
Lake Geneva Cruise Line – Winter Harbor, Williams Bay
(262) 248-6206, www.santacruiselakegeneva.com

11th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting | 6 – 7 pm
Abbey Resort Lobby, Fontana
(800) 709-1323, www.theabbeyresort.com

Sunday, November 25

Breakfast With Santa | 8 am – 12 pm
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa – Evergreen Ballroom, Lake Geneva
(262) 249-4788, www.grandgeneva.com

Christmas Train | 9 am; 10:30 am; 12 pm; 1:30 pm; 3 pm
East Troy Electric Railroad, East Troy
(262) 642-3263, www.easttroyrr.org

Jolly Old St. Nicholas at The Abbey Brunch | 10 am – 1 pm
The Abbey Resort – 240° West, Fontana
(262) 275-9000, www.theabbeyresort.com

Santa Cruise | 4:30 – 8:30 pm
Lake Geneva Cruise Line – Winter Harbor, Williams Bay
(262) 248-6206, www.santacruiselakegeneva.com

For more information on holiday fun, go to VisitWalworthCounty.com
or call (262) 728-6000

Feast in Walworth County this Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving marks the true beginning of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. There is a frenzy of planning and preparation for this holiday, from coordinating family visits to packing up everyone in the car. Give yourself a break this year! Resorts and restaurants throughout the Lake Geneva area have opened their dining rooms and invite you to host your family at their Thanksgiving feasts.

I do know that there are some of you who love hosting friends and family at your place. To-go options (offered at select locations) save you time in the kitchen so that you can still enjoy an amazing chef-prepared meal, along with more quality time with you family! But don’t forget to reserve your’s now; some order deadlines are as early as a week prior to Thanksgiving!

With Thanksgiving 2018 fast approaching we invite you to enjoy one of these dining options to round out your Thanksgiving plans:

240° West at The Abbey Resort
Fontana | 800-709-1323
10 am – 5 pm (buffet)

Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Delavan | (262) 749-4621
11 am – 3 pm

Crafted Americana at The Ridge Hotel
Lake Geneva | 262-249-3800
Buffet 11 am – 6 pm
Plated 6 – 9 pm

The Frontier Restaurant at Lake Lawn Resort
Delavan | 262-728-6000
11 am – 6 pm (buffet)

Geneva Chophouse @ Grand Geneva Resort
Lake Geneva | 800-558-3417
10 am – 3 pm (buffet)

Grand Ballroom @ Grand Geneva Resort
Lake Geneva | 800-558-3417
11 am, 3:30 pm (buffet)

The Grandview Restaurant at The Geneva Inn
Lake Geneva | 262-248-5680
12 – 6 pm (family-style)

Grand Cafe @ Grand Geneva Resort
Lake Geneva | 800-558-3417
4 – 9 pm (buffet)

The Hunt Club Steakhouse
Lake Geneva | 262-245-7200
12 – 8 pm (three course menu)

Ristorante Brissago @ Grand Geneva Resort
Lake Geneva | 262- 249-4788
5:30 – 9 pm (reservations required)

Stefana’s Lakeside Dining
Lake Geneva | 262- 249-4788
5:30 – 9 pm (reservations required)

Pre-Order / To-Go

Evergreen Country Club
Elkhorn | 262-723-5722
Place order by November 18

Crafted Americana @ The Ridge Hotel
Lake Geneva | 262-249-3800
Place order by November 19

Geneva National Clubhouse
Elkhorn | 262-245-7026
Place order by November 14

The Frontier Restaurant @ Lake Lawn Resort
Delavan | 262-728-9155
Place order by November 19

No matter what style of meal you choose this Thanksgiving, may you enjoy good food paired with good times with family and friends. Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Go to VisitWalworthCounty.com for more information on all of these Thanksgiving options and more.

Member Monday: Ice Castles WI

The marvels of winter are about to be taken to the next level here in Walworth County. There has been a lot of excitement since the news broke that Ice Castles would be coming to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin in 2018.  Along with excitement, there have been a lot of questions from anxious winter enthusiasts about Ice Castles – Wisconsin and when we get to enjoy the newest winter attraction! I am thrilled to have had an opportunity to interview and learn more about Ice Castles and cannot wait to share the much desired information about this awe-inspiring, must-see winter phenomenon!

Q: Please tell us a little bit about the Ice Castles. 
A: Ice Castles is an awe-inspiring, must-see winter phenomenon that brings fairy tales to life. The frozen attraction is located in six cities across North America. The experience is built using hundreds of thousands of icicles hand-placed by professional ice artists. The castles include breathtaking LED-lit sculptures, frozen thrones, ice-carved tunnels, slides, and fountains.

Q: How and where did Ice Castles get started?
A: Ice Castle began in 2008 when Brent Christensen built an elaborate slide in the front yard of his home in Alpine, Utah, for the entertainment of his kids. He formed his company a year later and built his first large-scale Ice Castle at Midway, Utah’s Zermatt Resort. Since then he has created ice castles all over the United States and Canada.

Q: Who makes the Ice Castles?
A: Each location has a team of builders that are trained to build the Ice Castle. The process is overseen by a site manager, who has worked closely with Brent Christensen to design the castle.

Q: How do you make an Ice Castle? How long does it take?
A: The Ice Castles are made by hand. Our crews grow roughly 10,000 icicles every day and place them throughout the Ice Castle to provide something for the water to freeze to. Over time the icicles just get absorbed into the ice structure. It is roughly a three month process to build the castle.

Q: How many locations do you have Ice Castle displays?
A: We have six locations across the US & Canada.

Q: Where can the Lake Geneva Ice Castles be found, and what are the hours?
A: The Ice Castle will be located on Riviera Beach, 812 Wrigley Drive, Lake Geneva. The hours will be announced soon.

Q: How should visitors dress to visit Ice Castles? What is appropriate attire?
A: Dress for winter! Warm clothes and winter boots are best. Shoes and boots with flat soles (like dress shoes or cowboy boots) are slippery and not recommended.
Everything inside the Ice Castles is made of ice and snow, including the walking paths. On sunny, warm days, the ice and snow will melt and the surface can become slippery.
Most people don’t have any difficulty walking through the Ice Castles with or without ski poles. However, if you are concerned about your safety inside the Ice Castles, please make your concern known to one of our staff before entering the Ice Castle. When you enter the Ice Castles, you agree to obey the Ice Castle rules and you accept our Waiver of Liability.

Q: How long does it take to go through the Ice Castles?
A: Typically people spend about an hour in the Ice Castles.

Q: Are there any tips & tricks about Ice Castles that visitors should know or keep an eye out for?
A: Here is a link to a blog post on 5 ways to enhance your Ice Castles experience: 5 Tips to Enhance your Ice Castle Experience

Q: What age range is suitable to visit Ice Castles?
A: Ice Castles is an amazing experience for all ages.

Q: How much does it cost? Where can you buy tickets?
A: Online| Mon. – Thurs. |General Admission (12+): $15.95     Child (4-11): $10.95
Online| Fri. – Sun. | General Admission (12+): $18.95     Child (4-11): $14.95

Walkup (Standby) | Mon. – Thurs. |General Admission (12+): $20     Child (4-11): $15
Walkup (Standby)| Fri. – Sun. |General Admission (12+): $25     Child (4-11): $20

Tickets will go on sale late November/early December. We recommend signing up for updates on our website to be notified when tickets go on sale!

Q: Are there group discounts?
A: Yes we offer 15% discount when you spend $150 or more in checkout.

Q: What made you choose to create an Ice Castle in Lake Geneva, WI?
A: We believe the weather in Lake Geneva is ideal for building and sustaining the Ice Castles experience. Additionally, Lake Geneva’s proximity to Chicago, Illinois; and Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin makes it the perfect weekend getaway for those looking to escape the city. Riviera Beach, where Ice Castles will be built, offers a stunning backdrop that will compliment the beauty of the attraction.

Q: How long will Ice Castles be in Lake Geneva?
A: Typically we open late December and stay open until early March- weather permitting. We hope to return again after this season!

Q: Are there special events planned?
A: Yes, we will have Ice Princesses and fire performers. Details will be on our website within the next few weeks.

Q: Can pictures be taken in and of the Ice Castles?
A: Yes, and we want to see them (#icecastles)! Keep in mind that we do not allow tripods, blocking off of any part of the castle, or any props.

Q: Where can people share their experience? (Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
A: We love to see guest photos! Tag us on social media:
Instagram     @icecastles_
Facebook        https://www.facebook.com/IceCastlesWI/

For more information about Ice Castles WI and their upcoming announcements, check out the Ice Castles national website or on their Facebook page.

Also visit the Walworth County Visitors Bureau events calendar
for up-to-date information on Ice Castles, Winterfest 2019
and other great winter fun!

Homemade For The Holidays: Craft Fairs In The Lake Geneva Area

Jump start your holiday shopping with arts, crafts, and vendor fairs.  Artisans and vendors will display their handcrafted jewelry, small batch soaps, homemade quilts, country furniture, fine art, unique items, and much more. Find that perfect something in the Lake Geneva area at these arts, crafts, and vendor fairs!

Holiday Affair Craft Show  
Saturday, November 10 | 9 am – 4 pm
7 Locations, Elkhorn
(262) 723-3288 | walworthcountyfair.com
Details

Christmas Holiday Market
Saturday, November 10 | 10 am – 5 pm
The Cove of Lake Geneva, Lake Geneva
(262) 249-9460 | coveoflakegeneva.com
Details

Fashion Forward Vendor Shows
Saturday, November 17 | 9 am – 2:30 pm
Timber Ridge Lodge, Lake Geneva
(866) 636-4502
Details

Holiday Market Artisan Pop-up Shop
Saturday, November 17 | 12 – 5 pm
The Ridge Hotel, Lake Geneva
(800) 225-5558 | ridgelakegeneva.com
Details

Craft In The Woods
Saturday, November 24 | 9 am – 4 pm
YMCA Camp MacLean, Burlington
(262) 763-7742 | ymcachicago.org
Details

Holiday Bazaar Craft & Vendor Fair
Saturday, November 24 | 10 am – 3 pm
Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva, Lake Geneva
(262) 248-1981 | harborshoreslg.com
Details

Small Business Saturday Shopping Event
Saturday, November 24 | 12 – 8 pm
Timber Ridge, Lake Geneva
(866) 636-4502
Details

Holiday Craft Fair
Saturday, December 1 | 9 am – 2 pm
Badger High School, Lake Geneva
(262) 348-2000
Details

Christmas In The Woods
Saturday, December 1 | 10 am – 5 pm
Woods Elementary School, Lake Geneva
(262) 248-3816
Details