Wisconsin Dells, known for its waterparks and scenic beauty, becomes even more magical during the holiday season. The town transforms into a winter wonderland full of festive activities, perfect for family fun. From sparkling light displays to holiday shows, Wisconsin Dells offers a wide variety of experiences to make Christmas truly special. Here are the top five things for families to do in Wisconsin Dells this Christmas, starting with an unforgettable dinner show!
1. Enjoy the “Christmas in the Dells” Dinner Show
At the top of our list is the Christmas in the Dells Dinner Show, a perfect way to immerse your family in the holiday spirit. This festive show combines delicious food with top-notch entertainment, creating a fun-filled evening for all ages. Set in a cozy, holiday-themed atmosphere, your family can enjoy traditional Christmas dishes like turkey, ham, stuffing, and seasonal desserts while watching a spectacular performance featuring singing, dancing, and comedy.
The live performers decked out in festive costumes will entertain the audience with classic holiday songs and skits. There’s even a special appearance by Santa Claus, making it a magical experience for kids. This show brings holiday cheer and is the perfect way to start (or finish) your family’s Christmas adventure in the Dells.
Pro Tip: Book tickets early! The show is popular and tends to sell out quickly during the holiday season.
2. Explore the Ice Castles
After the fun of the dinner show, take the family on a visit to the breathtaking Ice Castles in Wisconsin Dells. Constructed entirely of ice and snow, these frozen masterpieces feature glowing ice tunnels, slides, and caverns for everyone to explore. This is a magical sight at night when the castles are illuminated with colorful lights, creating a fairy-tale-like atmosphere.
Kids will love the adventure of walking through these towering ice structures, while parents can marvel at the craftsmanship. Be sure to bundle up—it’s an outdoor experience that showcases the winter beauty of the Dells in a way you won’t forget.
3. Take a Ride on the Riverside & Great Northern Railway Christmas Train
The Riverside & Great Northern Railway offers a special Christmas train ride that will delight your family. Hop aboard a vintage train and take a scenic ride through the snowy Wisconsin wilderness, decorated with twinkling holiday lights. Along the way, you can enjoy Christmas music, hot chocolate, and cookies while soaking in the festive atmosphere.
The train ride offers a slower pace, allowing families to enjoy the winter landscape and holiday spirit. It’s an especially magical experience for young children who will be captivated by the lights and the thrill of riding a real train. Santa Claus might even make an appearance, adding to the holiday excitement.
4. Indoor Waterpark Fun at Wilderness Resort
Though it’s cold outside, the Wilderness Resort offers indoor waterpark fun year-round, making it a perfect stop during your Christmas vacation. The resort features multiple indoor waterparks, each with thrilling slides, wave pools, and relaxing lazy rivers. While it may be snowing outside, inside it’s all about warm water adventures.
During the holiday season, the resort is decked out in Christmas decorations, and there are themed activities for families, including visits from Santa and holiday crafts. The mix of winter weather outdoors and summer fun indoors is a unique experience that Wisconsin Dells is known for.
5. Stroll Through Downtown Wisconsin Dells for Holiday Shopping & Festivities
No Christmas trip to the Dells would be complete without a visit to Downtown Wisconsin Dells, where the streets are filled with festive lights, holiday music, and charming shops. Families can stroll through the town and explore local boutiques offering unique gifts and holiday treats. Be sure to stop by Goody Goody Gumdrop for some holiday candy or grab a Christmas-flavored popcorn from Oodlesmack Popcorn.
The downtown area also features holiday events like tree lightings, parades, and caroling, giving your family plenty to enjoy. If you’re visiting closer to Christmas Day, keep an eye out for special seasonal activities like Santa visits, gingerbread house contests, and craft workshops.
Christmas in Wisconsin Dells offers a wonderful blend of indoor fun, outdoor adventure, and festive entertainment. From the dazzling “Christmas in the Dells” Dinner Show to the icy grandeur of the Ice Castles, these top five activities ensure your family will have a memorable and magical holiday season. Whether you’re seeking thrills in a waterpark or a cozy night watching Christmas lights from a train, the Dells has something for every family to enjoy this Christmas.
