Here’s a list of 13+ fun things to do in Jefferson County, WI this December that’ll get you out of the house–and into the holiday spirit!
- Parades
- Holiday Train Stops
- Christmas Musical
- Shine Storytime
- Live Nativity
- Light Displays
- and more!
PARADES
Whitewater Parade of Lights
The first Friday of December is traditionally the date for Whitewater’s Christmas parade, but this year Whitewater’s event will be EXPANDED to include window displays, a park lighting ceremony, and a holiday market to shop.
DATE: Friday, December 6, 2024
TIME: Parade is at 6:00 PM, Festivities start at 4:00 PM
LOCATION: Downtown Main Street in Whitewater
COST: Free
For more information about this parade and events in Whitewater, click here!
(Here is the Facebook event for 2024)
Jefferson’s Holiday Parade of Lights
The days are getting darker, but Jefferson will be bright during its 28th annual Holiday Parade of Lights!
☀️ Shine Realty’s broker (Adriane Stuebs) is honored to serve as President Elect for the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce!☀️
DATE: Saturday, December 7, 2024
TIME: Parade is at 5:30 PM
LOCATION: Downtown Jefferson
COST: Free
For more information about this parade, click here!
Palmyra’s Lions Club Christmas Parade
Santa Claus is coming to the Village of Palmyra! Following the parade, there will be a Christmas Tree Lighting at Turner Museum along with hot chocolate, cookies, and carolers.
DATE: Saturday, December 7, 2024
TIME: Parade is at 5:00 PM
LOCATION: Downtown Palmyra
COST: Free
For more information about this parade, click here!
Fort Atkinson’s Annual Holiday Parade
Relish downtown Fort Atkinson for the 28th Annual Holiday Parade!
DATE: Sunday, December 8, 2024
TIME: Parade is at 4:30 PM
LOCATION: Downtown Fort Atkinson
COST: Free
For more information about this parade, click here!
LIGHT DISPLAYS
Cambridge Holiday Lights in Ripley Park
Drive through the free quaint half-mile holiday lights display at Lake Ripley Park in Cambridge!
DATE: December 1, 2024 – January 1, 2025
TIME: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
LOCATION: Lake Ripley Park – N4310 Park Rd, Cambridge, WI
COST: Free (donations appreciated)
To learn more about this event, click here!
Fort Atkinson’s Magic on the Polar Path
Get in the holiday spirit along the lighted bike path with live animals, Christmas carolers, and local mascots in Fort Atkinson!
DATE: Friday, December 6, 2024 (*Fort Polar Path lights display will be open November 2, 2024 – January 4, 2025.)
TIME: 4:00 – 6:30 PM
LOCATION: on the bike path between Rotary Pavilion and Lions Park in Fort Atkinson
COST: Free ($10 for professional photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus)
To learn more about this event, click here!
MUSICAL EVENTS
Watertown’s CPKC Holiday Train Stop
The CPKC Holiday Train is back in Watertown! Professional musicians play free holiday concerts from the train’s stage during its tour of Canada and the United States, to spread holiday cheer while helping people struggling with food insecurity.
Watertown Parks & Recreation will be on-site beginning at 6pm selling hot cocoa, treats, and light-up toys (cash only).
DATE: Sunday, December 8, 2024
TIME: 6:00 – 9:00 PM [train is expected to arrive at 7:50 pm and depart at 8:35 pm]
LOCATION: Brandt-Quirk Park – 800 Carriage Hill Dr., Watertown, WI
COST: Free with donation of cash or non-perishable food items for the Watertown Food Pantry
To learn more about this event, click here!
Miracle on 34th Street Musical in Fort Atkinson
Enjoy this unforgettable musical version of the beloved Christmas movie, Miracle on 34th Street at The Fireside Theatre.
DATE: Performances through December 22, 2024
TIME: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM (arrival, dining, and showtimes vary by day)
LOCATION: The Fireside Theatre – 1131 Janesville Ave, Fort Atkinson, WI
COST: $86.95 and up
To get tickets and learn more about this event, click here!
Christmas Band Chapel in Watertown
Join the Maranatha Baptist University Symphonic Band for an enthusiastic celebration of the Christmas season!
DATE: Thursday, December 12, 2024
TIME: 9:15 AM
LOCATION: Maranatha Baptist University Gym – 745 W. Main St, Watertown, WI
COST:
To get tickets and learn more about this event, click here!
MORE FESTIVE EVENTS
Johnson Creek Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Enjoy the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Veterans Park in Johnson Creek! There will be snacks, warm beverages, and horse-drawn wagon rides! Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at 3:00 PM; the tree lighting will take place at 5:00 PM.
DATE: Sunday, December 1, 2024
TIME: 3:00 – 5:00 PM
LOCATION: Veterans Park – 121 Lincoln Street, Johnson Creek, WI
COST: Free (donations of non-perishable food items will be collected for the food pantry)
Santa at the Langholf in Fort Atkinson
Bring your wish list and have a holiday treat with Santa Claus at the Langholf!
DATE: Sunday, December 1, 2024
TIME: 1:00 – 3:00 PM
LOCATION: The Langholf – 225 S Main St, Fort Atkinson, WI
COST: Free
To learn more about this event, click here!
Live Nativity in Watertown
See a LIVE outdoor portrayal of the true story of Jesus’ birth in Watertown. The presentations will include songs, narratives, and live animals.
DATE: Friday and Saturday, December 6 & 7, 2024
TIME: 5:00 – 8:00 PM (performances every 30 minutes)
LOCATION: St. Luke’s Lutheran Church – 301 Clark Street, Watertown, WI
COST: Free
To learn more about this event, click here!
Lake Mills Classic Christmas Weekend
The magic begins Friday evening with a tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 PM in Commons Park, followed by the arrival of Santa.
Saturday, the annual Lake Mills Winter Market with 65+ vendors, crafts, bakery, concessions & more will be at St. Paul Lutheran Church and School.
☀️🌟 Shine Realty is honored to be active supporters of Legendary Lake Mills! ☀️🌟
DATE: Friday & Saturday, December 6 & 7, 2024
TIME: Tree Lighting Ceremony 5:30 PM Friday | Winter Market: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Saturday
LOCATION: Commons Park (Tree Lighting Ceremony) and St. Paul Lutheran Church and School (Winter Market) – Lake Mills, WI
COST: Free
Storytime at Shine Realty in Jefferson
Bring your little ones to the community side of Shine Realty for a story, songs, crafts, and play!
☀️🌟 Adriane Stuebs of Shine Realty loves offering a free monthly storytime with creative activities for local families!☀️🌟
DATE: Thursday, December 12, 2024
TIME: 9:30 – 10:30 AM
LOCATION: Shine Realty – 101 N. Main Street, Jefferson, WI
COST: Free
To learn more about this event, click here!
Santa at Badger Banks in Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, and Johnson Creek
Santa is Coming to Badger Banks in Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, and Johnson Creek! Kids will receive a gift bag and can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at any of the locations.
**At Fort Atkinson only, there will be Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides and a Petting Zoo!
DATES, TIMES, & BRANCH LOCATION: Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM in Fort Atksinson
DATES, TIMES, & BRANCH LOCATION: Thursday, December 12, 2024 from 4:00 – 5:00 PM in Jefferson
DATES, TIMES, & BRANCH LOCATION: Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 9:30 – 11:00 AM in Johnson Creek
COST: Free (Badger Bank is an official Christmas Neighbors drop off site. New toys may be donated here.)
To learn more about this event, click here!
HOME TOURS
Lake Mills’ Tour of Homes
Unfortunately, the Tour of Homes in Lake Mills has been canceled for 2024. 🙁
☀️🌟 Shine Realty has been honored to be a Sponsor of this great event for years!☀️🌟
DATE:
TIME:
LOCATION:
COST:
Watertown Holiday Parade of Homes
Unfortunately, Watertown has canceled their Parade of Homes for 2024 also. 🙁
DATE:
TIME:
LOCATION:
COST:
We Love Serving Jefferson County, WI
We are honored to have helped the most families achieve their real estate goals in Jefferson County again in 2023! Thank you for making us your go-to realtors in Jefferson County!
Festive Things to Do in Jefferson County, WI
We hope you enjoyed this list of fun festive things to do around Jefferson County, WI in December!
Save this list and pass it on to a friend. The more the merrier!
Shine on!🎄✨
This post was originally published in November 2023. It was updated in November 2024 with updated events and information.