As temperatures continue to drop and the sun sets earlier this winter, many Wisconsinites will likely start dreaming of a warm tropical vacation.
But these destinations might change your mind and plan a day trip to a cozy winter wonderland instead.
Just in time for December, New York Travel Guide has released its 2023 list of “America’s 110 Coziest Winter Cities for a Magical Vacation.” Travel Guide writers surveyed 575 small towns in America to determine their popularity among winter online searchers and photographers, as well as their “pleasant” winter climate: average temperature, total winter snowfall, and snowfall. We rated those towns based on frequency.
But most importantly, the city was rated based on its “welcoming activities and atmosphere.” The presence or absence of Christmas and winter festivals, the appearance and performing arts theaters of each town, places to stay, and the number of cozy restaurants and coffee shops were taken into account.
Three Wisconsin towns made the list as perfect cities for your next winter weekend adventure. Bayfield, located in the north near the Apostle Islands, was named America’s 19th Coziest Winter Town. Meanwhile, Cedarburg, much closer to Milwaukee, came in at his 29th place, and Lake Geneva came in at his 39th place.
So what makes these three towns great winter destinations? Here’s what you need to know.
Enjoy Christmas lights and snow sports north of Bayfield
More than six hours from Milwaukee at the top of the state, the small historic town of Bayfield sits on the shores of Lake Superior, just a short ferry ride from Madeline Island. Although the town has just over 500 full-time residents, it is visited by thousands of tourists year-round for its beaches, water sports, restaurants, resorts, and more.
Bayfield was named the 19th best small town in America to visit for a “magical getaway” this winter by New York Travel Guide. One of the city’s best winter events is the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Downtown Bayfield, where you can “see beautiful Christmas lights and listen to music,” according to Travel Guide. .
The ceremony is part of Bayfield’s “Hometown Holidays” event held in November and December, which includes small business store tours, special late-night shopping hours, Santa’s ferry visit, and regular music and improvisations. Performances will also be held.
The fun continues in March at Bayfield Winterfest. This includes a Polar Plunge on Lake Superior benefiting Bayfield Recreation and Fitness Resources or a nonprofit of your choice.
During the winter, Bayfield offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, downhill skiing, and snowboarding.
After a fun day out in the cold, Travel Guide recommends enjoying a hot drink and locally baked bread at Wonderstate Coffee. According to the Town of Bayfield website, the town also has many locally owned stores, bars, breweries, and restaurants, including Copper Crow Distillery, the first Native American-owned distillery in the United States. Masu.
Cedarburg, just north of Milwaukee, is home to several winter festivals.
If a six-hour drive to Bayfield doesn’t suit your schedule, Cedarburg, named America’s 29th Coziest Small Town for Winter Vacation by Travel Guide, is just 30 minutes from Milwaukee.
One of the major events is the widely acclaimed “Cedarburg Christmas.” Families can visit a life-sized Santa’s workshop, meet Santa and Claus, and participate in a variety of holiday events. Other Christmas festivities include the historic Rivoli Theater showing his Christmas movies throughout December, the Cedarburg Art Museum’s “Magical Christmas” event, festive musical performances and Santa’s Dash Away 5K Includes orchids.
Christmas light lovers can enjoy the drive-thru holiday light show “Illuminate Ozaukee” on select nights in December at Zonnert Park in Cedarburg. Cedarburg is also home to the Holiday Art Fair, hosted by the Cedarburg Artists Guild, where you can find work in a variety of mediums by more than 40 local artists.
Once Cedarburg’s many Christmas festivals are out for season, Travel Guide recommends tourists check out the town’s winter festival, which takes place in February. Fest attendees can enjoy and participate in an indoor marketplace, craft beverages, chili food, ice carving contest, dog pulling contest, and more.
After enjoying the festival, travel guides recommend treating yourself to a Christmas caramel apple from Amy’s Gourmet Apples, a local gourmet candy company in Cedarburg.
Come and see the giant illuminated ice castle on Lake Geneva.
About an hour from Milwaukee, Lake Geneva is a year-round resort destination that was named a “magical” winter vacation destination by Travel Guide magazine and the 39th Coziest Small Town in America.
Travel guides recommend checking out the Winter Realm at Geneva National Resort and Club. Winter Realms is an immersive outdoor ice castle experience featuring giant colorfully lit ice caves and archways. At Winter Realms, you can also see and experience horse-drawn carriages, ice volcanoes, igloos, tubing activities, ice sculptures, ice slides, ice thrones, and more.
In early February, you can attend Lake Geneva’s Winterfest, which hosts the National Snow Sculpture Championships. Visit Lake Geneva magazine said, “Watch 15 state championship teams compete in an epic three-day competition that puts their artistry to the test as they create stunning, larger-than-life snow sculptures.” It is written. Winterfest attendees can also enjoy a downtown ice sculpture walk, beach bonfires, live entertainment, and more.
Throughout the winter, Lake Geneva offers a wealth of snow sports activities. Ski or snowboard in the hills of Grand Geneva Resort. Or try sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or ice skating at the resort. Lake Geneva Zipline and Adventure also offers a winter zipline experience above the snow-covered trees.
If you prefer to stay indoors, Lake Geneva offers holiday-themed horse and magic shows, a “parade” of more than 40 decorated Christmas trees at the Lake Geneva Museum, and a “gingerbread house” at Grand Geneva. Many indoor winter events and performances are held. Walk” and decoration contest.