11 Kenosha Holiday Favorites

The holidays in Kenosha are magical. Not only are there tons of things to do for solo adventures, family gatherings, romantic getaways, or a night out with the whole crew - Kenosha is the smallest big-ish city around! Making us an honorary Hallmark movie moment, if you ask me. Being a Kenosha native, I certainly have my yearly must-dos around here… and I thought I’d share some of my childhood favorites as well as a few newer additions! Here is my list of 11 ways to be the main character in a Hallmark movie in Kenosha!

1. Christmas Lane

If you have never heard of Christmas Lane, then this might become one of the easiest but most wholesome new traditions for you and yours. Hop in the car, turn on your favorite holiday classics (Bublé or the Polar Express Score for me!), and all aboard to the 6000-6200 blocks of 68th Street running East and West of 60th Avenue. Almost every home on Christmas Lane is lit with dazzling displays, and even a few sidewalk arches! There are also donation boxes for local charities outside of some homes. 

2. Go Back In Time

Don’t overlook this one…trust me… Coopers Uptown is the place to go this December in Kenosha. It truly brings such a nostalgic Kenosha Christmas experience - they really made the mark by bringing such a similar spirit to that of Jack Andrea that we had in Kenosha for 100+ years. The Christmas candy that you always wondered where your grandma got? It was there. And it’s still there. The gift options, the complimentary wrapping and bows, the old-fashioned soda fountain, incredible food, soup, need I go on? Step inside what can only be described as this little snowglobe pocket dimension where you can pause, go back in time, and really have the cutest lunch date/shopping experience. Don’t skip this one. Just standing inside feels magical! Details>

3. Holiday Light Walk at Jerry Smith Farm

Now through December 17^th, Jerry Smith Farm has reimagined the iconic pumpkin farm into an incredible winter wonderland. And of course, this year, there are some extra bonuses! On weekends you can meet Santa and take photos while you await the lit-up hayride in a cozy greenhouse, purchase drinks and snacks, and take in the holiday scene around you. The hayride is PERFECT for the lights display, as you can sit down and relax and enjoy the dancing displays in the distance. And for all the allergic folks like me - there actually is no real hay. Thanks Jerry Smith Farm! Details>

4. A Charlie Brown Christmas

Is it really any major holiday at all without Snoopy and the gang, and that classic Vince Guaraldi music? The answer is no. And I LOVE the Peanuts! Easy fix for your Charlie Brown needs - head over to the Lakeside Players' production of A Charlie Brown Christmas at Rhode Center for the Arts! This holiday classic arrives onstage and is performed by adults. Both the adults and the kids will LOVE it.

The Lakeside Players will also be selling snacks, drinks, refreshments, you name it in the lobby!

There are shows Friday through Sunday, now through December 16^th. Details>

5. Christmas at Kemper

Nothing like Christmas at Kemper! The first time I stepped into the Durkee Mansion decorated for Christmas, and heard the words and stories of the volunteers nearby, I was completely encapsulated. This can either be a quick walk-through or a deep dive for you history buffs out there - but I definitely recommend embarking on a tour through the Durkee Mansion this time of year! Details>

I also highly recommend walking down the avenue a bit to the Anderson Art Center. There you can soak in the beauty of their winter juried exhibition, complete with over 150 art pieces by 125 creators! Oh and a remarkable nutcracker display!

6. Magic at Muni

This is the first time ever that there has been a lights display walk at the Washington Park Municipal Golf Course - and it is ADORABLE. It’s not just the lights that are bringing the childhood Christmas magic out of me - it’s the clubhouse! The inside of the clubhouse is giving this cozy lodge feel complete with a warm fireplace, adorable decor, and you can grab cocoa at the bar! For the peace of mind of locals, or former Kenoshans, the giant waving Santa and his nutcracker soldiers have been relocated this year from the previous location in Veterans Memorial Park out to the Magic at Muni display! It made my heart happy to see it. Details>

7. Artistree Giftable Art Show

Lemon Street Gallery & ArtSpace has combined my love of craft fairs, art galleries, and holiday shopping with this one. The Artistree Giftable Art Show is not only helpful when it comes to curating gifts with meaning and love behind them… but it is also SO fun to attend. Grab your mom, your grandma, your best friend, whoever loves art shows as much as you do, and check out this awesome event! It’s open Thursday through Sundays, now through December 24^th. Details>

8. Green Acres

This one is a GEM! For the full Hallmark movie experience, why not go get a REAL Christmas tree! Already have a tree? Check out the vast array of handmade wreaths, kissing balls, planters, and more at Green Acres, which is owned by Jerry Smith Farm. There is something so magical about seeing a family-owned business crafting each item by hand. Truly an incredible thing! Details>

9. Winter Indoor Markets

Outdoor market season of COURSE is a dream. The sun. The warmth. The lake. We LOVE to see it. But the indoor winter markets bring a completely different essence that I would argue allows for more community engagement and wholesome moments! Being indoors gives you the chance to have fewer distractions and more connection to the vendors and small businesses bringing their wares to sell. There is something so cozy and Kenosha about it. 10/10 recommend. For me personally, I would follow up a Saturday market morning with a coffee from a local shop, and ice skating at Veterans Memorial Park. 

Kenosha Public Market Indoor Winter Market Details>

Kenosha Winter HarborMarket Details> | December 16^th Kenosha HarborMarket Holiday Market Details>

10. Holiday Paint & Sip 

Pinot’s Palette is perfect for a night out or a li’l crafty-something-to-do vibe…especially this time of year! This is my go-to recommendation if you need to get out of the house, plan a day with someone you want to catch up with, or just sit back and relax with a glass of wine! If you can’t make it to any of the holiday-themed paint & sips - this is a great way to gift someone an experience for the holidays as well. Details>

11. Sunday Brunch with Santa

You’re literally never too old for brunch with Santa. I can’t even care what anyone else has to say about it. ANNND The 1844 Table & Mash are ready to bring on the holiday cheer with their famous All-You-Can-Eat Brunch Buffet with traditional brunch faves, made-to-order omelets, a create-your-own waffle station (are you kidding me?!!), and a selection of holiday specialties, including a hot cocoa bar. Make that reservation folks! This feels like that Disney breakfast with the princesses but less princesses, more Santa and Kenosha edition…

The 1844 is located inside The Stella Hotel & Ballroom in Downtown Kenosha. 

December 10 Details>

December 17 Details>

There are SO many things to do this time of year and we want you to find your fun fast! Check out this Merry & Bright link - VisitKenosha.com/Holidays - for all things holidays, and VisitKenosha.com/FUN101 for our fall and winter list of 101 Things to See & Do for $10 & Under (Many are FREE!) in the Kenosha Area!

Enjoy the holidays in Kenosha!