Ocon Holiday Hits
Oconomowoc sparkles and delights during the holiday season. The city truly knows how to celebrate and kicks it off in grand tradition with its ever-popular German Christmas Market Thanksgiving weekend.
We invite you to visit, shop, savor and enjoy how Oconomowoc shows up for the most wonderful time of the year!
Here's are the trimmings of a festive holiday season right here in Southeastern Wisconsin.
Oconomowoc German Christmas Market - Nov. 27, Nov. 29-Dec. 1
Celebrating more than a decade of offering an authentic German Christmas Market Experience, this event keeps the old favorites going and finds new enhancements each year. The big tent opens Wednesday or Thanksgiving Eve with a performance by local favorites, Big Al and the Hi Fis.
The entire market follows the Friday-Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend. You can stop in once or get your fill of polka music, shopping unique vendors, schnitzel and of course a very special visit with Santa. Plan your visit, https://germanchristmasmarket.org/
Carriages with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Want to create a truly special experience with Santa? How about an up close and personal visit with him on a horse-drawn carriage ride through Downtown Oconomowoc? Carriage rides are offered two weekends in December.
Hosted by the Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce. Carriage rides are held between 5 and 8pm, Dec. 12-15. Tickets go on sale 9am, Nov. 13 and sell out quickly. Tickets are purchased online.
They book up fast. You can book your seat or the entire carriage with friends and family.
Oconomowoc Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony - Dec. 7
Nothing gives that holiday hometown feel more than a Christmas parade to get you in the spirit! The City's annual Christmas parade is held at night and dazzles as floats and participants light up the way as they parade through downtown. This parade does not disappoint.
Right before the parade's start, Oconomowoc's Mayor will light the official Christmas tree downtown. Gather there around 4:30pm for caroling, cocoa and the tree lighting right as the parade makes its way into downtown at 5pm. The tree is located in the green park space at the roundabout in downtown.
Cuddle up in a great watching spot and be prepared for lots to see and lots of treats being tossed out along the way. Santa brings up the rear of course.
Don't forget to bring your letter with your Christmas wish list! Santa's elves collect along the route before he arrives and each letter will be answered.
This year, the Oconomowoc Rotary club will be collecting cash and food all for the Oconomowoc Food Pantry at this year's Christmas parade December 7. The Rotary will also collect underwear (new) and people can bring new children’s warm hats and mittens to the parade. The children are between 1st and 6th grade so size accordingly for children 5-12. Please help others and when you make plans to attend the parade, plan ahead to bring some items to donate.
Also please bring a monetary donation for his other elves collecting for the Oconomowoc Area Food Pantry in the season of giving! Parade information can be found on the parade organizer's Facebook page, the Oconomowoc Kiwanis.
Christmas on the Isthmus - Dec. 7
Beautiful, historic mansions along the isthmus in Oconomowoc step out in style for a good cause during Christmas on the Isthmus. Prior to and following the Christmas Parade from 4-7pm, you can stroll the isthmus on North Lake Road in Oconomowoc and experience an old-fashioned Christmas.
See historic homes lit up for the holidays, visit with Santa Claus, take pictures next to a Hallmark truck, listen to Christmas music and enjoy cookies and treats. Free to the public and donations will benefit the Lake Area Free Clinic in Oconomowoc.
Holiday Train - Dec. 8
It's not every cold winter evening you get to see a 1,000-foot-long train adorned with Christmas lights. And it's definitely not every day that train stops and opens its boxcars with a live band inside set to play your Christmas favorites! The CPKC Holiday Train is set to again stop in Oconomowoc this year! This is a not to miss family adventure.
The train will stop in downtown Oconomowoc at 6:45pm Sunday, Dec. 8. Bundle up and come enjoy the show! This is a hit not to miss. Plan your evening with dinner out as a family before heading to the show to get a great spot to listen and see the train. The Oconomowoc stop is the best in the region with extra amplification to spread the tunes further in the crowd, tasty cocoa and cookies and don't forget why the train stops. This is all about raising funds for the Oconomowoc Area Food Pantry. Stay tuned to our Holiday Train webpage on VisitOcon.com and follow Oconomowoc on Facebook for details on this stop as the date nears.
Oconomowoc Arts Center presents "The Nutcracker"
Inspired by E.T.A. Hoffman's “Nutcracker and the Mouse King” and the iconic musical score of Peter Tchaikovsky, MainStage Academy of Dance takes the audience into the mysterious and kaleidoscopic world of childhood enchantment with fresh choreography, dazzling costumes, and captivating scene changes. This show is a family friendly experience for all ages.
Shows are: 7 p.m. Friday, December 6; 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, December 7; and 2 p.m. Sunday, December 8, on the Oconomowoc Arts Center’s Main Stage.
Noon Years Eve - Dec. 31
That's right, we get the party started early and for good reason. This is a family friendly event for those whose bed time is before the stroke of midnight or those who maybe also choose to go to bed before midnight!
Noon Year's Eve is a family event in Fowler Park that is a fun-packed two hours of games, prizes, a fun run hosted by our friends at Silver Circle Sports Events and of course a very special ball drop at noon - noise makers and dance party included! Stay tuned to VisitOcon.com for this fun event and put it on your calendar!
Whether you're here for an event, or just looking for a new place to explore, Oconomowoc is a great spot for many other reasons, too!
- Natural beauty. Situated in Southeastern Wisconsin's Lake Country, Oconomowoc is nestled between two lakes. Residents and visitors love to get some fresh air daily with a walk around Fowler Lake, or some al fresco dining.
- Downtown Oconomowoc. The area has proven to be a hot spot throughout the day. Coffee shops and an authentic French bakery start mornings right. Lunchtime fare is abundant in cafes and eateries. Nightlife proves to be happening every night of the week with trivia, bingo, line dancing in a downtown Country rock bar! Shopping... need we say more. Boutiques downtown are truly a treasure for a lovely shopping experience.
- Beyond Downtown. Yes, there is more life in Oconomowoc! Try a local brewery, Steel Tank or Brewfinity. Enjoy a round of golf with your round of drinks at Links and Drinks! Grab a new read at local bookstore Books and Company.
- Wisconsin Brewing Company Park. In season, it's home to the Lake Country Dockhounds professional baseball team. However, out of season, the park is busy with events, fish frys, brewery fun and more.
No matter the season, there is plenty to do in Oconomowoc. Plan your visit here and enjoy our Holiday and winter season!
Call or email us with any questions, 262-569-3230 or tourism@oconomowoc-wi.gov