Skip to content

Celebrate the Holidays in Door County

Published

The holiday season is a magical time to be in Door County, and Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day are no exceptions. 

From the slower, quieter pace and less-crowded outdoor attractions to festive events and a lively wintertime dining scene, there are countless ways to experience the magic of a late-December trip to Door County.

If you’re headed up here for a little end-of-year celebration, consider these ideas for welcoming in Christmas and New Year’s with open arms.

Experience Christmas, Door-County Style

Before enjoying your New Year’s festivities, don’t forget to slow down and embrace the entire holiday season. From iconic annual Christmas events like tree lightings, parades, concerts, and festivals to newer, can’t-miss events like the Christkindlmarkt and Ridges Natural Christmas, Door County is a fantastic place to spend time around the holidays.

View all December events

Attend a New Year’s Event

With 19 communities within the county, there’s no shortage of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day celebrations, including parades, holiday shows, NYE parties, and traditional cold-water swimming events.

View a full list of New Year's events

Treat Yourself to a Cabin, Resort, or Hotel

Door County has dozens of log cabins for rent this time of year as well as plenty of luxurious and winter-friendly accommodations. Find a cozy cabin, a quaint bed-and-breakfast, or posh condo or resort, or an amenity-rich hotel, motel, or inn to relax and recharge after a busy holiday season.

View all lodging open in winter

Enjoy World-Class Food, Drink, & Hospitality

Although some restaurants and businesses are closed by late December, there’s a group of simply fantastic restaurants, cafes, bars, and coffee shops that stay open year-round to welcome our wintertime visitors.

View list of year-round dining establishments

Visit a Winter Winery or Brewery

Red or white, IPA or stout, hard cider or fruit wine—whatever your favorite concoction, sampling the wares at local wineries or breweries that are open year-round is a must-do when you’re up here this winter.

Find wineries & breweries

Recover at a Spa or Salon

If weeks of parties, socializing, delicious food, and endless Christmas cookies have you in need of some rejuvenation, head to a salon or spa for a massage, a facial, acupuncture, yoga, or whatever marks you feel calm and collected.

More on salons & spas

Take In Some Winter Beauty

Above all else, don’t forget to stop at a park, preserve, or even just a roadside overlook to take in the beauty and splendor of winter in Door County. Or, bring your camera and hit a hiking trail to get up close and personal with the seasonal scenery.

Find winter beauty in Door County




Pledge to Protect Door County

Thinking of visiting Door County this winter? Check out the eco-pledge and commit to explore responsibly.

Sign up today!

Visit Door County virtually with monthly newsletter updates. Each issue is jam-packed with vacation ideas, special offers, recipes, festivals, events, and more.

The Official Door County Newsletter

View All Articles