December Events
The Christmas Festival
Step into the magic of the season at the Christmas Festival, a beloved holiday tradition held inside the PIER 290 Boat Showroom. The space is transformed into a festive holiday experience featuring beautifully decorated, themed booths—each showcasing an exciting raffle package waiting to be won.
Every raffle ticket purchased directly supports six local charities, turning holiday cheer into meaningful local impact. It’s a joyful blend of community, generosity, and seasonal spirit—where every ticket helps make a difference.
✨ Celebrate the season. Support local causes. Share the joy.
https://www.visitlakegeneva.com/event/the-christmas-festival/15776/
CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY TRADITION
Grand Geneva Gingerbread House Competition
We are searching for the best Gingerbread House builders around! Cash prizes will be awarded again this year for the Judge's Choice Winners 1st-3rd place and judges from United Way of Walworth County and Grand Geneva will award prizes in five different age categories.
Area residents display their masterpieces beginning November 22 through December 31, 2026, during a Gingerbread House Walk on the upper level in the Brissago Foyer from 8am-8pm daily. All are welcome to view these fabulous creations in person. We invite any guests who enjoy the Gingerbread House Walk to donate any monetary amount of their choosing to the United Way of Walworth County to help make the holidays brighter for other families in our community.
https://www.visitlakegeneva.com/event/2026-gingerbread-house-walk/17739/
A Royal Holly Ball: The Social Event of the Season 
Join the Geneva Lake Conservancy for our Annual Holly Ball Gala
Tickets go on sale: Wednesday, October 14 at GenevaLakeConservancy.org for this limited and highly anticipated event.
We are delighted to invite you to the Conservancy’s signature celebration, the Annual Holly Ball Gala, an elegant evening dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and cherished landscapes of Walworth County. Guests will enjoy a refined night of fellowship, beginning with cocktails and conversation, followed by a gourmet dinner and drinks. The evening will feature live music and dancing, a silent auction with exceptional items. Stay tuned for all of the details.
We hope to see you there in your most regal attire.
https://www.visitlakegeneva.com/event/a-royal-holly-ball/17908/
Join us in the freshly remodeled Clausing Barn—a beautifully rustic, octagonal structure built in 1897—for a festive morning of food, fun and heartwarming holiday magic with Santa. Enjoy a full breakfast buffet, a cozy meet-and-greet with the big man himself and a special take-home gift for every child—all in a picture-perfect historic setting.
A full breakfast buffet with French toast, waffles, eggs, bacon, pastries, and more
Full admission to Home for the Holidays
Adult (18-64): $52 | Teen (13-17): $52 | Senior (65+): $40 | Child (5-12): $27 | Child under 5: $5
❄️ Freeze for a Reason. Make Waves for Good. 🌊
Watch the brave (or be the brave!) as participants water ski, wakeboard, tube, or take the plunge into the icy waters of Lake Geneva—all in support of local charities. Prefer to stay warm? Join the shoreline crowd for live entertainment, a high-energy winter ski show by the Aquanuts, hot drinks, great food, raffles, and can’t-miss silent and live auctions.
Want in on the action?
Sign up to participate!
📍 Location: PIER 290, Lake Geneva
📅 Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
🎟️ Spectators welcome—free to attend!
🎯 100% of proceeds support local charities across the 531 zip code region, helping fund programs for children, families, healthcare, individuals with disabilities, safety services, and more.
Whether you’re skiing, plunging, cheering, or bidding—you’re making a real impact. So grab your winter gear, rally your crew, and join us for a freezing-good time for an even better cause.
💙 Interested in sponsoring? Learn more at 531fund.org
Christmas Trains on the East Troy Railroad
Take your family on a magical ride from our East Troy Depot to Santa's Workshop at the Salvation Army's Castle building, where children visit with Santa, families take photos, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, and children receive a small gift on the return trip. The round-trip takes just under 2 hours and the cars are heated. The Castle building includes heated bathrooms and the Elegant Farmer will be selling some of their Holiday items and treats upstairs. Trains depart at 9 am, 10:30 am, Noon, 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays from November 28th to December 20th. Check the website for details. Reservations are required