Last updated: November 11, 2024
Discover the festive wonders of Oshkosh with our detailed guide. Whether Oshkosh is your backyard or a new adventure, our guide brings you the best of the holidays.
A highlight of the season is the Oshkosh Celebration of Lights, where dazzling displays illuminate the night and bring a sense of joy to all. In addition, the Celebration of Lights features a charming parade that showcases community spirit and festive creativity. And the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a vibrant array of light displays throughout the city. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Oshkosh Holiday Light Displays
Oshkosh Celebration of Lights
- What to Expect
- Massive holiday light display with Santa visits.
- Description
- Over one million twinkling holiday lights illuminate the EAA Grounds, featuring a 100-foot tree, sculptured scenes, and animated light displays. Santa visits are included with admission, and community nights offer free admission with donations.
- Where
- Oshkosh | More Info : Oshkosh Celebration of Lights
Green Bay Botanical Garden’s Garden of Lights
- What to Expect
- Nature-inspired light displays with over 350,000 lights.
- Description
- Green Bay Botanical Garden's Garden of Lights features over 350,000 twinkling lights in 40 nature-themed displays, including the Caterpillar, Butterflies in Motion, and Lake of Lights.
- Where
- Green Bay | More Info : Green Bay Botanical Garden’s Garden of Lights
Fox Cities Festival of Lights
- What to Expect
- Handicap-accessible trails with new and familiar displays.
- Description
- The Fox Cities Festival of Lights is a community-driven holiday light display at Darboy Community Park, featuring over 100,000 lights and 50 displays, including replicas of local landmarks. Visitors can walk through the half-mile trail, enjoy hot chocolate, and see Santa on select nights.
- Where
- Harrison | More Info : Fox Cities Festival of Lights
Enchantment in the Park
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday light display with over one million LED lights and festive activities.
- Description
- Enchantment in the Park is an interactive holiday light display featuring over one million LED lights, live music, and festive activities. Visitors can drive or walk through Regner Park to experience the dazzling light show, enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, and meet Santa Claus. The event also includes fire pits for marshmallow roasting and concessions supporting local organizations.
- Where
- West Bend | More Info : Enchantment in the Park
Celebration of Lights
- What to Expect
- Spectacular holiday light display with Santa visits.
- Description
- The Oshkosh Celebration of Lights features over one million twinkling holiday lights, including a 100-foot tree, sculptured scenes, and animated light displays. Santa is available for visits, and community nights offer free admission with donations.
- Where
- Oshkosh | More Info : Celebration of Lights
Lights in Lincoln Park
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
- Description
- Lights in Lincoln Park features over 70 wild animal light displays, drive-thru light tunnels, and other spectacular lighting effects. This event supports the Zoological Society and offers a unique experience with Santa visits and Family Fun Walks.
- Where
- Manitowoc | More Info : Lights in Lincoln Park
Oshkosh Holiday Markets and Shopping
Old World Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Traditional holiday market with international artisans and German cuisine.
- Description
- The Old World Christmas Market at The Osthoff Resort is a traditional holiday event reminiscent of Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt. Guests can browse unique items from international and regional artisans, enjoy delectable German fare, and participate in various holiday activities.
- Where
- Elkhart Lake | More Info : Old World Christmas Market
Oshkosh Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Nutcracker in the Castle at The Paine
- What to Expect
- Elaborately decorated rooms with over 70 Christmas trees and live performances.
- Description
- Explore the Nutcracker fairytale at The Paine, where each elaborately decorated room of the historic mansion reveals a new chapter of the story. Follow Clara and the Nutcracker Prince through settings like the opening party scene with a giant Christmas tree and the Land of Sweets. Visit the Sugar Plum Fairy’s Cupcake Café for a scrumptious treat.
- Where
- Oshkosh | More Info : Nutcracker in the Castle at The Paine
Oshkosh Other Holiday Activities
Christmas in the Air at EAA
- What to Expect
- Santa Claus arrives by helicopter for visits and photos.
- Description
- Celebrate the holidays at EAA's Christmas in the Air, a free community event featuring holiday decorations, activities like writing letters to Santa, visiting the Sweet Shoppe, and local dance and music performances. Santa Claus arrives by helicopter at noon for visits and photos.
- Where
- Oshkosh | More Info : Christmas in the Air at EAA