Holly, Jolly Happenings for a Wisconsin Dells Christmas

December 5, 2025

Wisconsin Dells is a fun place to visit all year, but it feels extra special during Christmas. This year, make some new holiday memories by celebrating Christmas in Wisconsin Dells. The waterparks and attractions are always exciting, but the holiday events and decorations make it even better.

Magical Holiday Events

The Canadian Pacific Kansas City Holiday Train of Lights will make a stop in Wisconsin Dells on December 11 from 2:45 – 3:15pm. This festive train brings live music, plus visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Guests can enjoy food, raffles, and the chance to give back by donating a non-perishable food item or money to the Central Wisconsin Community Action Council’s food pantry. The train will make its stop in downtown Wisconsin Dells at the Amtrak Depot located at 100 La Crosse St.

After the train, check out downtown Dells’ own light show – Tree of Light. A huge silver maple tree near the entrance to the Scenic River Walk is covered with thousands of lights, giving a magical glow to the night sky. Along the river, you’ll find 80 more decorated trees, all sponsored by area businesses and families. The lights are on every night from 4:30 – 11pm through January 1. Parking is free. Check out the schedule for Tree of Light activities, including musical performances and visits by Santa and his reindeer.

Legacy Dinner Theater is again featuring its popular Christmas in the Dells Dinner Show. Enjoy a four-course Christmas feast followed by an amazing show with flying sugar plum fairies, dancing elves, and Jolly Ol’ St. Nick himself, with a big band adding to the festive holiday mood. There are lunch and dinner shows running through the beginning of January.

Nearby in North Freedom, Mid-Continent Railway Museum brings old-fashioned Christmas fun to life with its Santa Express rides on November 29 – 30 and December 6 –7. Santa and his elves will be on board handing out treats to kids.

Or, enjoy storytime with Santa complete with cookies and hot chocolate during Santa Trains at Riverside & Great Northern Railway November 28 – 29 and December 6. The first train departs from Hyde Park Station at 10am and the last train ride starts at 3pm.

Here’s What’s Happening at Wisconsin Dells Waterpark Resorts This Winter

Waterpark resorts are already exciting, but during the holidays they become even more magical. Think sparkling decorations, special visits from Santa, holiday crafts for kids, and delicious buffet meals.

At Wilderness Resort, visitors will feel they’ve stepped foot into the North Pole. There are tons of Santa meet-and-greets, cookie decorating activities, and crafts. Plus, you can visit Take Flight, Wilderness Aerial Adventure Ride to see a new adventure from your favorite reindeer in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer^® A Take Flight Holiday Experience.

The Great Wolf Lodge's popular Snowland returns with holiday dance parties, arts & crafts, and scavenger hunts. The kids will be in the Christmas spirit in no time.

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is known for its incredible chef-prepared Christmas Day feast. We counted 50 items on the menu, including a white chocolate candy cane mousse on the dessert table that sounds amazing.

Chula Vista Resort captures the feeling of “the most wonderful time of the year” with tons of waterpark fun, peaceful winter hikes overlooking the Wisconsin River, and cozy fireplaces perfect for opening gifts.

Thrilling Attractions

Wisconsin Dells Mountain Coaster is almost a mile long and uses gravity to carry you down the hills. You control your speed with a handbrake, so you can choose a fast ride or a slower, scenic one.

You can also enjoy tubing all year at Bigfoot Tubing. Their special slide surface lets you tube even without snow. Speeds can reach up to 35 mph, making it a thrilling adventure.

Skiing in Wisconsin Dells

If you’re spending Christmas in the Dells, skiing and snowboarding fans should check out Cascade Mountain Ski, Snowboard & Snow Tube or Christmas Mountain Village Ski, Snowboard & Tube. Don’t ski? No problem! Snow tubing in both locations is easy, fun, and perfect for beginners.

For a classic Christmas experience, try a horse-drawn sleigh or wagon ride at Red Ridge Ranch Riding Stable. Rides begin in December, and each sleigh holds 10–15 people. It’s a great activity for extended families. After your scenic ride through 250 acres of snowy woods, warm up with hot chocolate around a campfire.