Thrilled about the holidays in Janesville? Discover all the festive events with our ultimate guide! Whether you know Janesville like the back of your hand or you're just finding your way, this guide is your festive roadmap.
One highlight of the season is the Holiday Light Show at Rotary Botanical Gardens, where thousands of twinkling lights create a magical atmosphere. The Jolly Jingle Janesville is another unique experience, offering a delightful blend of holiday cheer and community spirit through festive activities. And the Holiday Tree Show at Lincoln-Tallman House Museum is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing beautifully decorated trees that capture the essence of the season. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Janesville
- Jolly Jingle Janesville
- Holiday Light Show at Rotary Botanical Gardens
- Holiday Tree Show at Lincoln-Tallman House Museum
- A Christmas Carol at The Milton House
- The Nutcracker
- North Pole: The Musical
- Holiday Tree Lighting and Fireworks
- Holiday Public Skate
- Local Holiday Shopping in Downtown Janesville
- Milwaukee’s Candy Cane Lane (Milwaukee)
See these and even more events listed below!
Janesville Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Light Show at Rotary Botanical Gardens
What to Expect:
Dazzling display of over 1.5 million lights.
Description:
The Holiday Light Show at Rotary Botanical Gardens features over 1.5 million twinkling lights, themed light displays, and animations in a family-friendly outdoor setting. The event offers a delightful after-dark walk through the gardens, with doors opening at 4:30 PM and last admission at 8:30 PM.
Where: Janesville | More Info: Holiday Light Show at Rotary Botanical Gardens
Holiday Tree Show at Lincoln-Tallman House Museum
What to Expect:
Unique tree decorations by local businesses and nonprofits.
Description:
The Holiday Tree Show at Lincoln-Tallman House Museum features over 100 uniquely decorated trees, garland, and ribbons, creating a beautiful and festive atmosphere. Local businesses and nonprofits are showcased, and open-house-style tours are ideal for adults and children alike. A Speakeasy with a cash bar is available downstairs during tour hours.
Where: Janesville | More Info: Holiday Tree Show at Lincoln-Tallman House Museum
Christmas Carnival of Lights
What to Expect:
Drive-through light show with Santa's GIANT Sleigh and Golf Cart Holiday Train.
Description:
Christmas Carnival of Lights features 2 million dazzling lights in a drive-through light show at Jellystone Park in Caledonia, WI. Enjoy Santa's GIANT Sleigh, Golf Cart Holiday Train, outdoor ice skating, and festive treats like hot cocoa and soft serve ice cream.
Where: Caledonia | More Info: Christmas Carnival of Lights
Green Bay Botanical Garden’s Garden of Lights
What to Expect:
Nature-inspired light displays with over 350,000 lights.
Description:
The 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. This event showcases the garden's year-round connection with plants through its festive and educational light displays.
Where: Green Bay | More Info: Green Bay Botanical Garden’s Garden of Lights
Enchantment in the Park
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday light show with community involvement.
Description:
Enchantment in the Park is an interactive holiday light show featuring over one million LED lights, a 40-foot tall Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Bumble display, and a 62-foot high RGB-lit Christmas tree. The event includes horse and carriage rides, fire pits for marshmallow roasting, and live music from local artists. Visitors can drive or walk through the light display, with concessions supporting Casa Guadalupe Education Center.
Where: West Bend | More Info: Enchantment in the Park
Milwaukee’s Candy Cane Lane
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday light display supporting childhood cancer research.
Description:
Milwaukee’s Candy Cane Lane is a holiday light display featuring over 300 homes and trees wrapped like candy canes, raising funds for the MACC Fund.
Where: Milwaukee | More Info: Milwaukee’s Candy Cane Lane
Making Spirits Bright
What to Expect:
Free admission with a focus on supporting local food pantries.
Description:
Making Spirits Bright is a family-friendly holiday lights show in Evergreen Park, featuring entertainment, wreath raffles, concessions, and a visit with Santa. The event also includes the opportunity to board a trolley for a tour of the park.
Where: Sheboygan | More Info: Making Spirits Bright
Rotary Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Holiday light display supporting local food pantries.
Description:
Rotary Winter Wonderland is a holiday light display at Wildwood Zoo in Marshfield, Wisconsin, featuring over two million LED lights and animated displays. The event supports local food pantries by collecting donations and food items.
Where: Marshfield | More Info: Rotary Winter Wonderland
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: Celebration of Lights
Janesville Holiday Markets and Shopping
Local Holiday Shopping in Downtown Janesville
What to Expect:
Unique blend of local shopping and community spirit.
Description:
Downtown Janesville invites you to kick off the holiday season with local holiday shopping. Enjoy late-night shopping on Friday, November 1st, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and daytime shopping on Saturday, November 2nd, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Discover holiday cheer by supporting local businesses and exploring store specials at participating locations.
Where: Janesville | More Info: Local Holiday Shopping in Downtown Janesville
Janesville Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Christmas Carol at The Milton House
What to Expect:
Interactive performance in a historic setting.
Description:
A Christmas Carol at The Milton House is an interactive performance of Charles Dickens' holiday classic, where the audience moves with the production company through different scenes within the historic Milton House campus.
Where: Janesville | More Info: A Christmas Carol at The Milton House
North Pole: The Musical
What to Expect:
Heartwarming holiday musical about Santa's tree search.
Description:
North Pole: The Musical is a heartwarming holiday show where Santa searches for the perfect tree, teaching a positive lesson about love and acceptance.
Where: Janesville | More Info: North Pole: The Musical
The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
Madison Ballet's production of The Nutcracker features choreography by Sara Stewart Schumann, Tom Mattingly, and Ja' Malik. The event transports audiences into Clara's dreamlike adventure, beginning with a festive holiday party. As the night unfolds, Clara witnesses a battle between toy soldiers and mischievous mice, culminating in her victory with the help of her heroic Nutcracker. The journey continues in the Land of Sweets, led by the elegant Sugar Plum Fairy, where magical characters like waltzing flowers and twirling snowflakes come to life. Tchaikovsky's timeless music, performed by the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Andrew Sewell, enhances this experience.
Where: Janesville | More Info: The Nutcracker
Janesville Other Holiday Activities
Jolly Jingle Janesville
What to Expect:
Free or low-cost holiday activities in downtown Janesville.
Description:
Janesville's Jolly Jingle is a three-day holiday event in downtown Janesville, Wisconsin, featuring family activities, a tree lighting, luminary walk shopping, fireworks, and a lighted parade.
Where: Janesville | More Info: Jolly Jingle Janesville
Holiday Public Skate
What to Expect:
Seasonal ice skating event with festive atmosphere.
Description:
Join us for a festive holiday public skate at the Janesville Ice Arena, where you can enjoy the ice with friends and family while celebrating the season.
Where: Janesville | More Info: Holiday Public Skate
Holiday Tree Lighting and Fireworks
What to Expect:
Illuminated tree lighting and fireworks display in downtown Janesville.
Description:
The Holiday Tree Lighting and Fireworks event at Janesville Jolly Jingle features the illumination of the downtown tree, followed by a spectacular fireworks display, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
Where: Janesville | More Info: Holiday Tree Lighting and Fireworks
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Beloit (12 miles)
- Machesney Park (23 miles)
- Loves Park (25 miles)
- Rockford (29 miles)
- Fitchburg (30 miles)
- Belvidere (30 miles)
- Madison (33 miles)
- Sun Prairie (36 miles)
- Watertown (38 miles)
- Woodstock (39 miles)
- Freeport (41 miles)