The holidays are nearly here, and Country Christmas in Waukesha County is back with new experiences and expanded events, ready to brighten your season.
Here’s what’s waiting for you on the trails, in the Christmas Village, and throughout this festive holiday tradition.
Looking for even more festive fun? Check out our Holiday Lights Display Guide for the best light shows around Milwaukee, and don’t miss our Holiday Fun Guide for family-friendly activities all season long!
1. Country Christmas Illuminated Walking Nights – Extended Dates
Kick off your holiday season with a magical stroll through the one-mile-long Country Christmas trail, which is illuminated with dazzling lights. This year, the popular Walking Nights have been extended to six evenings: November 15-17 and November 22-24, 2024, from 5-9 p.m.
You can soak in the lights and displays up close, and $2 from each $8 admission ticket goes directly to the Christmas Clearing Council of Waukesha County.
Tip: Dogs are welcome on the trail during Walking Nights, so bring your pup along (but note that dogs aren’t allowed in Christmas Village or the Streets of Bethlehem).
2. All-New Bearville Furry Friend Factory
In Christmas Village, the Bearville Furry Friend Factory is now open for guests to create their very own stuffed animals. Choose from 16-inch ($25) or 8-inch ($20) stuffed animals, with clothing and accessories available to customize. This is a sweet keepsake to take home after a memorable night.
3. New! Country Christmas Bikes and Lights
For the first time, you can explore the Country Christmas trail by bike! This family-friendly bike night is happening on November 26 and 27, 2024. Decorate your bikes, dress in festive gear, and enjoy a loop (or more) through the trail, all for $8 per person.
Fun Fact: The trail will be closed to drive-through traffic on these two nights, so cyclists get the trail all to themselves!
4. Introducing Jingle Bell Junction
Jingle Bell Junction is a new interactive zone designed for kids and families. Located behind Christmas Village, this area offers holiday-themed games and activities like the Christmas Train ride, glow-in-the-dark flowers, and games like the snowman bullseye and reindeer ring toss.
Entry to Jingle Bell Junction is $5 per person, which includes an all-access wristband. Children under 23 months can enter for free.
5. Special Discounts and Charity Nights
Throughout December, Country Christmas is offering several discount nights to make the season brighter and more affordable:
- December 2: $5 off carload admission (no coupon needed).
- December 3 and 10: $6 off carload admission with a coupon from the Fox6 website.
- December 5 and 12: $5 of each admission donated to the Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS), with the HAWS Mobile Adoption Center on-site in Christmas Village from 5-8 p.m.
- December 9: Save $5 off admission (no coupon needed), and meet Elizabeth from 99.1 The Mix in Christmas Village.
For Military and First Responders: A $5 discount is available on any night with ID.
6. Wagon Rides Through the Lights
For a classic, cozy experience, hop on a wagon ride through the trail on select nights. Offered December 1-3, December 5, and December 8-12, and December 15-19, 2024, these rides include hot chocolate and a cookie for $20 per person. Bundle up, sip your hot cocoa, and enjoy the lights in an unforgettable way.
7. Celebrate in the Navi-Trac Tent
Planning a holiday gathering? Check out the 30’x45’ Navi-Trac Tent, which offers a heated space right in the heart of Country Christmas. With customizable holiday party packages, it’s perfect for hosting an event with family, friends, or colleagues.
8. Country Christmas Drive-Through Nights
A true Wisconsin tradition, the Country Christmas drive-through holiday light experience opens November 29, 2024, and runs through January 1, 2025. Wind through over a million holiday lights, animated displays, and holiday scenes from the warmth of your car. Once you’ve completed the trail, park and visit Christmas Village to see the model train display, or wander through the life-sized Fontanini nativity set in the Streets of Bethlehem.
Hours and Pricing:
- Sundays through Thursdays: 5-9 p.m. ($25 per carload or minivan)
- Fridays and Saturdays: 5-10 p.m. ($35 per carload or minivan)
Country Christmas is a beloved tradition that brings together families, friends, and neighbors to celebrate the season. With all the new events and interactive areas this year, it’s more magical than ever!
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
