Guide to Celebrating the Holidays in Green Bay, WI

Christmas should never be celebrated with a grain of salt. And in Green Bay, it definitely is not. This is a time of year that locals seem to take very seriously - and which is made known in the plethora of light displays and family events scattered throughout the city.

Downtown Lighting Ceremony - Friday, November 17th

The season kicks itself off with the annual Lighting Ceremony at the Old Fort Square in downtown Green Bay. It's a wonderful area to begin your holiday shopping (if you haven't already), especially with the Christmas spirit becoming more apparent. It's also fun and convenient to take advantage of the free trolley that provides rides around the area. The lighting begins at 5:30 in the evening and lasts until 8:00.

WPS Garden of Lights - November 24 - December 17; December 22, 23, 29, 30

Every year the Green Bay Botanical Garden hosts an outstanding lighting event in which will never be forgotten. Over 150,000 lights are on display throughout the garden, in the design of flowers, insects, and more. A great place to take the family, one can choose to either walk the trail or pay $2 to ride in a horse-drawn wagon. For an overall admission price of only $5 for adults ($3 for children 5-12), this is at the top as one of my can't-miss holiday events.

Time Warner Cable Holiday Parade - November 18

For the past 23 years, the Green Bay Holiday parade has been marching itself through the downtown area on the third Saturday of November. Like any other parade, this one involves plenty of decorations, floats, music, fun characters, and more. What makes this parade not like any other, however, is the option to follow Santa to the Quality Inn and Suites for free cookies and cocoa afterwards!

Grizzy's Holiday Light Tour - December 1-31

One of the most unique (and relaxing) ways to appreciate the sight of holiday lights, Regency Suites Hotel puts together an amazing tour from the seat of a double decker bus. You can sit back and just enjoy as you are driven around to see the absolute best decorated homes in town. Afterwards, you will be given free hot cocoa, coffee, and cookies. For $8 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under, this is probably the best event for its price. This tour also offers an Adult's Only ride (for an additional price) on Friday and Saturday nights from 9-11:30 PM, which is about an hour longer and includes three drink tickets.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland - December 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 22-23, 29-30

Each year, The NEW Zoo hosts an outstanding lights display with horse-drawn wagon rides - which just happens to be included in the admissions fee. Open every weekend until the end of December from 5-9pm, this event is also at the top of my list of must-see holiday attractions.

Festival of Trees - December 1-10

One of the most popular events in the city, The National Railroad Museum sure knows how to entice the Christmas spirit. For the cost of normal admission ($8 adults, $5 ages 4-12), you can bring your family to this all-day event of beautifully decorated trees and a visit from Santa.

Breakfast with Santa - December 10

From 9-11 AM, you can bring your little ones for an unforgettable morning - to share a mouth-watering breakfast with Santa and his elves. $12 gets you in, and also allows you to ride the Holiday Express train and spend the rest of the day viewing the Festival of Trees, if you choose.

Winterfest on Broadway - January 27, 2007

What better way to put the Christmas season to rest than with an all-out winter bash downtown? From 10 AM to 4 PM, fun sights and activities litter the streets for the whole family to enjoy. Try your hand in one of the many games (like dunking people in the dunk tank!), decorate cookies, or simply enjoy the sight of sculptors creating art out of blocks of ice. Other entertainment and delicious food make up this memorable fun-filled day.

Throughout the Christmas season, Green Bay is a magnet of attraction for people from surrounding cities and throughout Northeast Wisconsin. There are so many more events and activities that I have not mentioned here, from museum events and attractions to holiday concerts and plays. This town is one that definitely isn't lacking when it comes to the holiday spirit.