Discover what to do in Door County during Christmas with this ultimate guide to Door County holiday events, festive attractions, and winter magic
Introduction: Christmas in Door County – A Wisconsin Winter Wonderland
When you’re wondering what to do in Door County at Christmas time, you’ll discover that the holidays transform this beloved Wisconsin peninsula into a magical winter wonderland. Door County Christmas attractions combine small-town charm with festive celebrations, creating an unforgettable holiday experience. From European-style Christmas markets to spectacular tree lightings and unique New Year’s Eve celebrations, Door County holiday events offer something special for every visitor.
Major Door County Holiday Events & Christmas Attractions
Christmas by the Bay – Sturgeon Bay (November 21-22)
Kick off the holiday season with this beloved weekend celebration that brings the community together in festive spirit.
Where to Stay: Julie’s properties are perfectly positioned for easy access to Sturgeon Bay’s holiday celebrations. Stay at Julie’s Park Cafe & Motel and enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading to the festivities.
Egg Harbor Holly Days (November 28-29)
This old-fashioned winter weekend brings traditional holiday charm to the heart of Door County.
Perfect Location: Egg Harbor is just minutes from Julie’s Park Cafe & Motel in Fish Creek, making it easy to enjoy multiple holiday events throughout the weekend.
Door County Christkindlmarkt – Sister Bay (Three Weekends: November 28-30, December 5-7, December 12-14)
Experience Door County’s authentic European-style Christmas market at the Corner of the Past Museum in Sister Bay.
What to Expect:
- 40 Vendors: Local artisans selling handcrafted goods, jewelry, pottery, woodwork, glass art, and Christmas ornaments
- German & Nordic Food: Authentic fare including sausages, Nordic dishes, and traditional treats
- Glühwein: The official Christkindlmarkt drink – hot mulled wine to warm you up
- Live Music: Colin and Friends performing Christmas favorites on the music hall stage
- Beer Hall: Peach Barn Farmhouse Brewery serving special winter ale
- Kids’ Craft Corner: Free children’s activities on Saturdays (1-5 PM) including wooden ornament decorating and letters to Santa
- The Christkind: Visit from the traditional gold-and-white robed bearer of Christmas gifts
Historic Setting: Located at Sister Bay Historical Society’s six-acre Corner of the Past Museum – a beautiful recreation of a pioneer homestead with 16 historic buildings, all decorated with twinkling lights.
Parking: Free shuttle buses from nearby lots at Shopko and Stella Maris Catholic Church. $10 parking at Corner of the Past lot.
Julie’s Advantage: Countryside Cottages offers a peaceful retreat just minutes from Sister Bay, perfect for returning to after an evening at the market.
Baileys Harbor Holiday (December 3)
Join the community for an evening of caroling, holiday activities, and the Town Hall Christmas tree lighting.
Featured Activities:
- Visit Santa and his elves and reindeer at Baileys Harbor Town Hall
- Holiday crafts and family activities
- Tree lighting ceremony
- Complimentary hot chocolate and cookies
Fish Creek Hometown Holiday (December 6)
Experience an old-fashioned, hometown holiday celebration right in the heart of Fish Creek – perfect for guests staying at Julie’s Park Cafe & Motel! Enjoy a tree lighting with carols and maybe a visit from someone special in a red suit.
Perfect for Julie’s Guests: This event takes place right in downtown Fish Creek – literally steps from Julie’s Park Cafe & Motel. Guests can walk to all activities, enjoy the festivities, and return to their cozy rooms without driving.
Ephraim Christmas in the Village (December 6)
Celebrate the season in one of Door County’s most charming villages with a full afternoon of festivities.
Traditional Activities:
- Free horse-drawn wagon tours through the village (2:30-4 PM)
- Santa arrives on fire truck at Village Hall (3 PM)
- Free holiday crafts inside Village Hall (3-5 PM)
- Santa’s reindeer and elves in Olson Park (3-5 PM)
- Tree Lighting: Santa lights the Christmas tree at Harborside Park gazebo (5 PM)
- Winter Bonfire: New addition – gather at the shore for s’mores and holiday cheer
- Spot the Snowmen: Village-wide scavenger hunt with special Ephraim gifts
Evening Concert: Colin Welford performs holiday favorites at Ephraim Moravian Church (5:45 PM) – $5 individuals, $12 families
Cozy Indoor Christmas Attractions
Holiday Shopping
Door County’s unique shops and boutiques transform into holiday wonderlands during Christmas season.
Shopping Highlights:
- Local artisan goods at Christkindlmarkt
- Door County specialty products year-round
- Holiday open houses throughout all villages
- The Purple Chair (Julie’s online store) for Door County gifts shipped to your door
The Purple Chair – Julie’s Holiday Store
Take Door County home for the holidays with gifts from Julie’s online store:
Perfect Holiday Gifts:
- Cherry Products: Cherry BBQ sauce, cherry pie filling, dark chocolate covered cherries
- Door County Coffee: Cherry creme coffee and other local flavors
- Julie’s Merchandise: Mugs, beanies, Door County Calling t-shirts
- Local Specialties: Authentic Door County products
Shop Online: Browse anytime at The Purple Chair and have Door County delivered to your doorstep.
Warming Up at Julie’s Park Cafe
After a day of holiday activities or outdoor winter adventures, there’s no better place to warm up than Julie’s Park Cafe.
What to Enjoy:
- Breakfast All Day: Perfect for fueling holiday shopping or warming up after skiing
- Hot Beverages: Coffee, hot chocolate, and warm drinks
- Hearty Comfort Food: Burgers, sandwiches, and traditional American fare
- Local Products: Door County specialties available for purchase
Dog-Friendly Patio: When weather permits, bring your furry family members along
Conclusion: Your Perfect Door County Christmas Experience
Door County Christmas attractions offer an authentic, magical holiday experience that combines traditional Wisconsin hospitality with unique seasonal celebrations. Whether you’re seeking Door County holiday events like the authentic Christkindlmarkt, wondering what to do in Door County during Christmas with outdoor winter sports, or planning to ring in the New Year at the famous Cherry Drop, this beloved peninsula delivers unforgettable memories.
Why Choose Julie’s for Christmas in Door County:
With three distinct properties strategically located throughout Fish Creek and the surrounding area, Julie’s Park Cafe & Motel, Countryside Cottages, and Evergreen Hill Condominiums provide the perfect home base for your holiday adventures. From cozy motel rooms steps from Peninsula State Park to peaceful countryside cottages perfect for family gatherings to upscale condominiums with full kitchens for holiday meal preparation, Julie’s has the ideal accommodation for your Christmas in Door County.
Start Your Day Right: Every morning, fuel up at Julie’s Park Cafe with hearty breakfast before heading out to explore Door County Christmas attractions, hit the cross-country ski trails, or shop the holiday markets.
Book Your Holiday Getaway: Don’t wait – Door County Christmas attractions and holiday events are more popular every year. Contact Julie’s at 920-868-2999 or visit juliesmotel.com to reserve your accommodation for Christmas 2025 or New Year’s Eve. Pet-friendly rooms and various property options ensure the whole family can celebrate the holidays together.
Experience the Magic: From the twinkling lights of Christkindlmarkt to the peaceful beauty of winter trails, from tree lighting ceremonies in charming villages to the excitement of the New Year’s Cherry Drop, Door County offers Christmas memories that will last a lifetime. Make Julie’s your holiday home and discover why visitors return year after year to experience what to do in Door County at Christmas time.
Book now for Christmas 2025 and start a new family tradition – Door County holiday events and winter magic await at Julie’s Park Cafe & Motel!