When the first snowflakes begin to fall, Door County transforms into a cozy, twinkling winter wonderland filled with festive cheer, small-town charm, and timeless holiday traditions. From European-style markets and tree lightings to community parades and Christmas parties, Door County 2025 Holiday Events offer something special for every kind of traveler.
Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa by the fire, shopping for handcrafted gifts, or watching the first holiday lights flicker on, here’s your guide to the can’t miss events happening across the peninsula this holiday season.
Dates: November 15–17, 2025 & November 21-22, 2025
Kick off the holiday season with Christmas by the Bay in charming downtown Sturgeon Bay. Enjoy a festive weekend featuring the beloved holiday parade, a tree lighting ceremony, live music, carriage rides, and even a visit from Santa himself! Local shops and restaurants join in the celebration with special deals, treats, and warm winter drinks. It’s the perfect start to your Door County holiday adventure — full of small-town cheer and sparkling lights along the waterfront. Click here for a full schedule of events each weekend.
Dates: November 15, 2025 – December 31, 2025
Held at the Door County Maritime Museum, the Merry-Time Festival of Trees is a stunning indoor winter wonderland featuring dozens of creatively decorated trees, wreaths, and displays by local businesses and artists. Visitors can stroll through the galleries, enjoy festive treats, and even enter raffles to win one of the beautifully adorned trees.
It’s one of Door County’s most heartwarming traditions and a must-see event that blends maritime heritage with holiday joy.
Date: Sunday, November 23, 2025
Celebrate the holidays in Ellison Bay the weekend before Thanksgiving. There will be a tree lighting followed by a community chili supper at the Mink River Basin.
Dates: November 28–30, December 5–7, and December 12–14, 2025
Experience the magic of a European-style Christmas market right here in Door County at the Sister Bay Historical Society’s Christkindlmarkt. Browse handcrafted gifts from local artisans, enjoy mulled wine and German-inspired fare, and soak in the festive glow of twinkling lights and holiday music. Each weekend features unique vendors, live entertainment, and a joyful community spirit that captures the essence of the season.
This beloved event is perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking to enjoy authentic holiday charm in the heart of Sister Bay.
Dates: November 28-29, 2025
Celebrate the start of the holiday season at Holly Days in Egg Harbor, a beloved two-day event filled with festive fun for all ages. Stroll through the charming downtown as it transforms into a winter wonderland with holiday lights, music, and the scent of fresh pine in the air. Enjoy children’s activities, horse-drawn wagon rides, caroling, and visits with Santa, along with local shopping specials and cozy dining options. The festivities culminate with the village tree lighting ceremony — a magical moment that perfectly captures the warmth and community spirit of Door County during the holidays.
Date: November 28-29, 2025
Celebrate the season at the Capture the Spirit Festival In Sister Bay. The events includes a holiday arts and craft fair and cookie decorating at Sister Bay Village Hall, visit with Santa’s elves and reindeer. Watch Santa arrive to turn on the holiday lights and read a wintertime story on Friday, November 28. Create holiday craft projects at Sister Bay Library, Saturday November 29.
Dates: December 5–7, 2025
Fish Creek’s Hometown Holiday weekend brings festive cheer to the heart of the peninsula. Enjoy the community tree lighting in Clark Park on Friday night, followed by carriage rides, caroling, cookie decorating, and local shopping specials throughout the weekend. Santa makes an appearance, too — perfect for family photos and spreading holiday joy.
The event embodies the spirit of Door County’s small-town charm — cheerful, community-driven, and full of warmth.
Date: December 6, 2025
Kick off your Christmas season with Harbor Holiday in Baileys Harbor, where the town lights up for a day of festive fun. The event features a holiday craft market, visits with Santa, wagon rides, and the official town tree lighting ceremony at the Town Hall. Families can enjoy cookies, cocoa, and plenty of small-town Christmas magic as the harbor sparkles under twinkling lights.
Date: December 6, 2025
Step back into a simpler time at Christmas in the Village in Ephraim, where timeless traditions come to life. Families can enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, holiday crafts, caroling, cookie decorating, and a visit from Santa. The village glows with classic holiday charm as the community gathers for the annual tree lighting. This cozy, family-friendly celebration captures the true spirit of the season in one of Door County’s most picturesque towns.
Date: December 6, 2025
A beloved local tradition, the Jacksonport Community Christmas Party welcomes residents and visitors alike for an evening of classic holiday festivities. Enjoy homemade cookies, live music, and a visit from Santa himself in this nostalgic, family-friendly gathering. It’s the kind of event that makes you feel instantly at home — a true reminder of the neighborly spirit that defines Door County.
Date: December 31, 2025
Ring in the new year Door County–style at the New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Cherry Drop in Sister Bay, one of the most unique celebrations in Wisconsin! As part of the lineup of Door County 2025 Holiday Events, this festive night features live music, food and drink specials throughout the village, and a dazzling fireworks show over the bay. Then, just before midnight, gather in the heart of Sister Bay to watch the giant, sparkling cherry descend — a playful nod to the peninsula’s famous cherry orchards. With a lively crowd, cheerful countdown, and unforgettable energy, the Cherry Drop is the perfect way to toast to a fresh start surrounded by Door County magic.
Date: January 1, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Downtown Egg Harbor
Once you’ve warmed up from the morning’s Polar Plunge (or opted to stay dry!), head to downtown Egg Harbor for the New Year’s Day Parade, a quirky, small-town celebration that perfectly captures Door County charm. With homemade floats, festive costumes, and plenty of humor, this lighthearted parade welcomes everyone — no registration required, just show up and join in! Local businesses line the route with warm drinks and treats, making it the perfect way to welcome the new year with friends and family.
Date: January 1, 2026
Location: Lakeside Park Beach, Jacksonport
Kick off the new year with one of the boldest and most beloved Door County traditions — the Jacksonport Polar Bear Plunge! Every New Year’s Day, hundreds of brave souls (and plenty of enthusiastic spectators) gather on the shores of Lake Michigan to take a quick, exhilarating dip into the icy waters. Whether you dive in or cheer from the beach bundled in blankets and hot cocoa, it’s an unforgettable way to start the year — full of laughter, energy, and community spirit.
After a day filled with laughter, shopping, and twinkling lights, there’s no better place to unwind than Fresh Coast Motel in the heart of Fish Creek. Our newly refreshed boutique property blends cozy comfort with modern design — the perfect retreat for your winter getaway.
Warm up with a cup of cocoa, stroll to local shops and restaurants, and enjoy easy access to holiday favorites like Christkindlmarkt, Hometown Holiday, and Harbor Holiday — all just a short drive away.
Whether you’re planning a festive family trip or a quiet winter escape, let Fresh Coast Motel be your home base for experiencing the very best of Door County 2025 Holiday Events.
Book your holiday stay today and make this Christmas one to remember.
