Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva WI, one of Santa’s favorite destinations, has announced its grand lineup of festive holiday fun, including the launch of its new nostalgic Christmas Bar, Tinsel & Tonic, as part of this year’s “Christmas in the Country” festivities.
A one-stop destination for holiday fun for kids from 1 to 92, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa and its on-site sister property, Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark, offer something for everyone on Santa’s list – from meals with Santa, an elaborate gingerbread display and gingerbread walk, to private igloo dining, millions of holiday lights, and new this year, Tinsel & Tonic, a holiday bar designed to bring back memories of Christmases of long, long ago.
Here’s a holiday checklist of what guests can expect during the most wonderful time of the year:
- Kicking off the holiday season, the resort’s 31st Annual Illumination Ceremony will take place on November 23, where Santa himself will help illuminate over two million twinkling lights and 70 dazzling holiday displays. This cherished Lake Geneva tradition will feature holiday cookies, hot apple cider, a spectacular fireworks show and more. The event marks the official start of Grand Geneva’s Christmas in the Country programming and festive fun.
- Tinsel & Tonic, the resort’s new adults-only pop-up bar, will open on November 23 and run through New Year’s Eve, offering guests a whimsical escape into the charm of Christmas past with holiday-themed libations and old-timey, vintage decor. Guests can enjoy specialty cocktails with fun names such as Honey, I’m Home Alone, How the Grinch Stole My Drink, and of course, a White Chocolate Peppermint Martini, among others. Visitors can also warm up with fireside mugs of Boozy Hot Chocolate and Warmed Mulled Wine.
- A team of culinary elves has been busy planning and decorating Grand Geneva’s gingerbread display—a 6-foot replica of the clock tower on the resort’s golf putting green. The sweet display honors Grand Geneva’s famous golf courses, The Brute and The Highlands, and celebrates the exciting addition of the resort’s new 11-hole golf short course, Wee Nip, which will open for the 2026 season. The towering display features carefully crafted golf pencil bags, as if Santa himself might pick them up for a round of golf. The Illumination Ceremony is also the day the resort unveils its Gingerbread House Walk & Competition, showcasing sweet creations from the local community.
- There’s a reason Grand Geneva is one of Santa’s favorite Midwest resorts! It’s where Santa can be spotted skiing at the resort’s Mountain Top on select dates in December, but also where Santa catches a break at Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark’s Moose Mountain Falls in a Santa Cabana! You can also drop off letters to Santa at Grand Geneva’s magical mailbox, which sends them directly to the North Pole. Santa will even reply.
- Speaking of Santa, guests can enjoy Breakfast With Santa at Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark and Brunch with Santa at Grand Geneva on select dates this holiday season.
- Grand Geneva and Timber Ridge go all out for the holidays, especially with their décor. Boasting over two million lights, there’s no better holiday retreat to enjoy the warm, festive glow. Guests can even request a Christmas tree to be placed in their room. For some traditional holiday fun, visitors can ride the heated and enclosed Grand Geneva trolley on the Trolley Tour of Lights, which takes them around the resort’s stunning light displays and decorations, including the popular Twelve Days of Christmas animated display. The displays can also be admired by car.
- While the resort is known for its award-winning dining and seasonal menus, Grand Geneva’s private igloos are one of its most popular spots for pre- or post-dinner festive drinks, cocktails, and small bites.
For more information about Grand Geneva Resort & Spa’s Christmas in the Country and to learn about the full range of holiday activities, dates, and reservations, please visit grandgeneva.com/seasons/christmas.
