Door County is sparkling with festive cheer this weekend, and there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate. From twinkling lights and holiday markets to wagon rides and caroling, the peninsula’s villages are embracing the season with all the joy and charm locals and visitors have come to expect.
In Sturgeon Bay, Christmas by the Bay returns Friday, with the community “Unwrapping Windows” car cruise at 5:30 p.m., followed by the tree-lighting ceremony at the Old Bell Tower at 7 p.m. Saturday. The holiday market in downtown Sturgeon Bay runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring local vendors, seasonal treats, and festive crafts. Trolley rides, a hot chocolate bar, and a Santa meet-and-greet at the Maritime Museum add to the downtown buzz, making it the perfect spot to soak in the holiday atmosphere.
If you’re in Ellison Bay, the holiday spirit shines bright with the annual tree?lighting ceremony scheduled for Sunday at 5:00 p.m. at the Ellison Bay Visitors Center, where locals and visitors alike will gather to welcome the season. After the lights go up, the community will warm up over a hearty chili dinner, hosted by the Ellison Bay Service Club at the nearby Mink River Basin, and share holiday cookies generously sponsored by Nicolet Bank and Colleen’s Heritage Bakery.
For a cozy, small-town celebration that perfectly captures Door County’s welcoming, festive spirit. Egg Harbor will host its beloved Holly Days celebration on Friday and Saturday. This two-day event is packed with family-friendly fun, including horse-drawn wagon rides, caroling, children’s activities, and the classic old-fashioned tree lighting. Holly Days captures the slower, nostalgic pace of the season, offering a warm, welcoming way to enjoy the holiday sights, sounds, and smells.
Whether you’re in Sturgeon Bay enjoying gift-wrapped storefronts, gazing upon the newly lit majestic Christmas tree in Ellison Bay, or soaking in Egg Harbor’s Holly Days nostalgia, Door County has something for everyone this weekend. Dress warmly, bring your sense of wonder, and prepare to stroll through villages glowing with lights, sip seasonal treats, and find perfect gifts for everyone on your list. For locals and visitors alike, there’s no better way to kick off the holiday season than by embracing the unique festive spirit that makes Door County so special.
For more event details, visit the Destination Door County website.
