Lake Geneva Winterfest 2026: The Ultimate Family Guide
Planning a winter getaway that combines world-class snow art, cozy lakefront bonfires, and genuine Wisconsin charm? Lake Geneva's 31st Annual Winterfest (January 28 – February 1, 2026) delivers one of the Midwest's premier family winter experiences, centered around America's Snow Sculpting Invitational and a downtown transformed into an open-air ice gallery. This comprehensive guide covers everything families need to know—from navigating the event and finding kid-friendly restaurants to booking the perfect waterpark hotel and discovering backup activities for Wisconsin's unpredictable winter weather.
The free-admission festival draws 15 elite sculpting teams from across the country who transform massive 10-foot snow blocks into breathtaking artworks over 72 hours. But Winterfest is more than sculpture viewing—it's bonfires with s'mores on the beach, fire performances at dusk, heated kids' igloos serving hot chocolate, and a walkable downtown sparkling with ice art outside every shop window.
Winterfest 2026 complete event schedule
Festival dates and daily programming
The 31st Annual Lake Geneva Winterfest runs Wednesday, January 28 through Sunday, February 1, 2026. All events center on Riviera Plaza and Flat Iron Park along Wrigley Drive on the Geneva Lake shoreline.
Wednesday, January 28 Competition begins as 15 teams start carving their 8-foot × 8-foot × 10-foot snow blocks. This is a quieter day ideal for families wanting to see the early stages without weekend crowds.
Thursday, January 29 Sculpting continues as shapes emerge from the blocks. The Downtown Ice Sculpture Walk installations begin appearing outside local businesses. Maxwell Mansion Speakeasy opens 3pm–11pm for parents seeking an adult-friendly break.
Friday, January 30 The sculptures truly take form on this day. Ice sculptures installed throughout downtown by morning. Pearce's Farm Stand Concessions opens 12pm–6pm on Wrigley Drive. The highlight: Bonfires on the Beach from 4pm–8pm at Riviera Beach with hot cocoa, s'mores, and stunning Fox Valley Fire Art performances at 5:30pm and 6:30pm.
Saturday, January 31 (Main Event Day)
11:00am: "Tools Down"—competition concludes
10:00am: People's Choice voting begins
3:00pm: Championship Award Ceremony at The Riviera Ballroom
10am–5pm: Riviera Ballroom Warming Center with live entertainment
11am–4pm: Maxwell Mansion Kids Igloo (crafts, hot chocolate, photo wall)
4pm–8pm: Bonfires on the Beach with fire performances
8am–8pm: FREE Shuttle Service from remote parking
Sunday, February 1 All completed sculptures on display (weather permitting). People's Choice voting ends at 3pm. Kids Mocktail Mixology class at Maxwell Mansion ($10 per child, advance tickets recommended). Free shuttle runs 8am–8pm.
The competitions worth watching
National Snow Sculpting Championship
America's Snow Sculpting Invitational (formerly the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition) features 15 teams competing for cash prizes and guaranteed 2027 invitations. The 2026 competing teams include:
Team Minnesota 1 (The KWE) and Team Minnesota 2 (House of Thune)
Team Illinois (The Band of Misfit Boys)
Team Wisconsin 1 (Snowblind), Team Wisconsin 2 (Team USA), and Team Wisconsin 3 (Sculptora Borealis)
Team Vermont 1 and Team Vermont 2 (The Pour Saps)
Team Colorado (The Enchanted Forest)
Team Alaska (AK Department of Snow)
Team Washington (WA Awesome)
Team Florida (Flozen)
Team New Hampshire (Granite State Snow Carvers)
Team North Dakota and Team Michigan (The Three Amigos)
The 5th Annual Downtown Ice Sculpture Walk places 30+ crystal-clear ice sculptures outside participating businesses including Barrique Bistro, Kilwins, Egg Harbor Café, The Candle Mercantile, Geneva Gifts, and Lake Geneva Spice Company—creating an enchanting self-guided walking tour.
Admission, parking, and logistics
What everything costs
General admission is completely free. Winterfest is a public event with no entrance fees for viewing sculptures, attending bonfires, or enjoying entertainment.
Ticketed experiences:
Kids Mocktail Mixology Class: $10 per child (Sunday only, includes recipe and souvenir tiki cup)
All other activities: Free
Parking strategies for families
Downtown parking meters operate 9am–7pm daily during Winterfest:
Monday–Thursday: $2 per hour
Friday–Sunday: $4 per hour
5-hour maximum on most spaces
Free parking options:
Lot D (Sage Street near Geneva Lake Museum): 6-minute walk to beach
Lot E (Sage Street near Dunn Field Park): 12-minute walk to downtown
Home Depot (550 N. Edwards Blvd): Free shuttle pickup
Park-n-Ride (120 E. Sheridan Springs Rd): Free shuttle pickup
Handicap parking: Free at any metered stall with valid placard—disabled person must be present.
Payment: Kiosks accept credit/debit/coins, or use the ParkMobile app (text "ParkLakeG" to 727563). Download before arrival.
Free shuttle service
The FREE Winterfest Shuttle operates Saturday and Sunday, 8am–8pm, with pickups approximately every 20 minutes:
Pickup: Home Depot (550 N. Edwards Blvd) and Park-n-Ride (120 E. Sheridan Springs Rd)
Drop-off: Baker Street & Wrigley Drive, about 3 blocks from Flat Iron Park
One shuttle is handicap accessible
Pro tip: Using the shuttle eliminates parking stress entirely and saves $4+/hour on weekend parking fees.
Family activities and age-appropriate highlights
Best activities for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 1–5)
The Maxwell Mansion Kids Igloo (Saturday–Sunday, 11am–4pm) is the toddler headquarters—Lake Geneva's largest heated igloo offers coloring sheets, scratch art, crafts, hot chocolate, and a photo wall in a warm, contained space perfect for little ones needing breaks from the cold.
Bonfires on the Beach (Friday–Saturday, 4pm–8pm) lets families roast s'mores and sip hot cocoa while watching mesmerizing fire art performances. The fire shows at 5:30pm and 6:30pm captivate young viewers.
Walking the Downtown Ice Sculpture Walk works beautifully for stroller-age kids—the sparkling ice art outside shop windows creates natural stopping points, and ducking into warm stores provides built-in breaks.
Activities for school-age children (ages 6–12)
This age group can fully appreciate watching sculptors transform snow blocks into art. Position yourselves to watch during Friday afternoon when sculptures dramatically take shape. The People's Choice voting (starting Saturday 10am) engages older kids who love having opinions.
Sunday's Kids Mocktail Mixology Class at Maxwell Mansion ($10) is taught by kid instructor "CEO Bayleigh"—children learn to mix non-alcoholic drinks and take home recipes plus a souvenir tiki cup.
The Geneva Lake Museum (255 Mill St, open Saturday–Sunday 11am–3pm, $7 adults, free ages 11 and under) offers "I Spy" activity sheets that engage kids for about an hour. The new "Wizard of Lake Geneva" exhibit explores Dungeons & Dragons creator Gary Gygax's local connection.
Activities for tweens and teens
Older kids appreciate the artistry of the snow sculpting competition and enjoy photographing their favorite pieces. Beyond Winterfest, Lake Geneva Clue Room (772 W Main Street, 262-325-2375) offers four themed escape rooms for groups of 2–10 players—The Dark Carnival and Double Agent rooms challenge teens effectively.
The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva provides skiing and snowboarding with 21 runs and night skiing options. The Candle Mercantile (870 W. Main St) lets teens create custom-scented candles in a 60-minute workshop (starting around $15–20).
What to wear and bring for Wisconsin winter
February weather reality check
Lake Geneva February temperatures average highs around 28–31°F and lows around 12–16°F. Wind chill makes it feel colder—February is Wisconsin's windiest month. Plan for conditions 10 degrees colder than forecasted temperatures.
Essential layering system
Base layer: Moisture-wicking long underwear (polyester, merino wool, or silk). Avoid cotton—it traps moisture and accelerates heat loss.
Middle layer: Fleece jacket, wool sweater, or insulated vest
Outer layer: Waterproof, windproof winter parka with down or synthetic insulation rated below 20°F
Must-have accessories:
Warm hat covering ears completely
Insulated waterproof gloves or mittens (mittens are warmer)
Scarf or neck gaiter
Wool or synthetic socks (bring extra pairs)
Insulated, waterproof boots with thick soles
For kids specifically:
Snow pants or bibs for extended outdoor time
Fleece-lined leggings under pants
Hand warmers and toe warmers
Extra dry gloves and socks in the car
Packing checklist for families
Waterproof boots for everyone
Multiple pairs of gloves (they get wet)
Hand/toe warmers
Tissues and chapstick
Phone battery pack (cold drains batteries quickly)
Camera with charged batteries
Snacks for impatient moments
Change of socks
Stroller rain cover (blocks wind)
Baby carrier as stroller alternative in snow
Where to eat: Family restaurant guide by meal
Breakfast spots to fuel your adventure
Egg Harbor Café | 827 W. Main Street | (262) 248-1207 Hours: Daily 7am–2pm | Price: $$ ($11–18 entrees)
This family-owned chain delivers reliably excellent breakfast with cage-free eggs, homemade jams, and extensive gluten-free options. Kids menu and high chairs available. No reservations—use their online waitlist before arriving on busy Winterfest weekends.
Simple Café | 525 Broad Street | (262) 248-3556 Hours: Daily 7am–3pm | Price: $$
Farm-to-table breakfast featuring locally-sourced Wisconsin ingredients. The connected Simple Bakery next door sells artisan breads and pastries. Reservations accepted and recommended for weekends.
Pier 290 (Weekend Brunch) | 1 Liechty Drive, Williams Bay | (262) 245-2100 Price: $$–$$$ | Kids 12 and under eat FREE all day, every day
Lake Geneva's only lakeside restaurant offers spectacular views and an unbeatable deal for families. Reserve online at pier290.com/reserve.
Lunch options near Winterfest venues
Popeye's on Lake Geneva | 811 Wrigley Drive | (262) 248-4381 Hours: Mon–Thu 11:30am–8pm, Fri–Sat 11:30am–8:30pm, Sun 11:30am–8pm | Price: $$
This Lake Geneva institution since 1972 seats 600+ guests and serves signature rotisserie chicken cooked on an outdoor hardwood charcoal rotisserie year-round. Kids menu, high chairs, and balloons for departing children. All-you-can-eat Friday Fish Fry. Fireside Value Menu (all entrees $19 or less at the bar, Tue–Sun) stretches budgets.
Oakfire | 831 Wrigley Drive | (262) 812-8007 Hours: Sun–Thu 11am–8pm, Fri–Sat 11am–9pm | Price: $$
Authentic Neapolitan pizzas cooked in 90 seconds in imported wood-fired ovens at 1000°F. Two-story building with lake views, gluten-free crust available. No reservations—call ahead for wait time estimates during peak hours.
Next Door Pub & Pizzeria | 411 Interchange N | (262) 248-9551 Hours: Mon–Thu 11am–9pm, Fri–Sat 11am–10pm, Sun 11:30am–9pm | Price: $–$$
A 50+ year Lake Geneva staple with all kids menu items $5.25–$6.95 (mini corn dogs, chicken tenders, mac and cheese, grilled cheese). Winner of six "Best of Walworth County" awards. Massive portions, drive-through takeout available.
Lake City Social | 111 Center Street (in The Cove Hotel) | (262) 248-7047 Hours: Daily 11am–9pm | Price: $$
Right downtown with a children's menu, coloring pages, and crayons. Wisconsin cheese curds, Nashville hot chicken, Friday Fish Fry. Happy Hour runs 2pm–6pm six days a week with half-price drinks in the bar area.
Dinner for families: Casual to upscale
Casual family dinner:
Popeye's on Lake Geneva (see above)—best for large groups and kids wanting rotisserie chicken
Oakfire (see above)—ideal for pizza-loving families
Next Door Pub (see above)—budget-friendly with extensive kids menu
Upscale family dinner:
Tuscan Tavern & Grill | 430 Broad Street | (262) 248-0888 Hours: Mon–Thu 11:30am–9pm, Fri–Sat 11am–10pm, Sun 11:30am–9pm | Price: $$–$$$
Historic 1910 building serving Italian classics, brick oven pizzas, and quality steaks. Child-friendly with gluten-free options and staff trained for allergy concerns. Private dining rooms for larger groups. Reservations recommended via Tock.
Geneva ChopHouse (Grand Geneva Resort) | 7036 Grand Geneva Way | (262) 249-4788 Hours: Tue–Sun 5pm–10pm, Sunday Brunch 9am–1pm | Price: $$$–$$$$
Premier Lake Geneva steakhouse with young adult and children's menus. Hand-selected steaks prepared on open-hearth grill. Complimentary valet parking. Reserve well in advance for weekends.
Winterfest-specific dining
Pearce's Farm Stand Concessions: Wrigley Drive, 10am–6pm Saturday–Sunday Boy Scout Troop #239 Concessions: Flat Iron Park, 9am–4pm Saturday, 9am–3pm Sunday Riviera Ballroom: Hot beverages and food for purchase inside warming center
Where to stay: Family lodging by type
Waterpark resorts (best for young families)
Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark | 7020 Grand Geneva Way | (262) 249-3400 Rates: Starting $119–200+/night | Distance: 10 minutes from downtown
The standout choice for families with young children. The 50,000-square-foot Moose Mountain Falls waterpark (USA Today "Best Indoor Waterpark" winner) maintains 86°F temperatures year-round and includes two 35-foot waterslides, a 500-foot lazy river, and the Tiny Timbers zero-depth area designed specifically for toddlers.
All accommodations are suites with full kitchens (stovetop, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher), fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and private bedrooms—ideal for families needing space. Mini bowling, mini golf, and arcade games provide additional entertainment.
Winter packages include "Stay and Ski FREE on Fridays" (December 19, 2025–March 16, 2026) and Daycation packages starting around $129 for four waterpark passes plus suite access 3pm–11pm. Free parking.
Note: No cribs or extra beds available—bring your own portable crib.
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa | 7036 Grand Geneva Way | (262) 248-8811 Rates: Starting $159/night (deal dates); Resort fee $35–70/night | Distance: 10 minutes from downtown
The region's premier AAA Four-Diamond resort offers 358 rooms with private patios/balconies, indoor/outdoor pools, a 35-foot climbing wall, and the Adventure Center with kids activities. The Mountain Top ski hill sits on-site with 21 runs, 3 chairlifts, and night skiing—the "Stay and Ski Free" package includes two free lift tickets Sunday–Thursday.
Dan Patch Stables at the resort entrance offers trail rides ($45/45 minutes), sleigh rides (snow permitting), pony rides, and a free petting farm.
Grand Geneva guests can purchase passes to Timber Ridge's waterpark. On-site dining includes Geneva ChopHouse and Ristorante Brissago. Breakfast not included. Free parking with Tesla charging stations.
Downtown hotels (walking distance to Winterfest)
Mill Creek Hotel | 123 Center Street | (262) 248-6100 Rates: $169–275+/night | Distance: Steps from Winterfest venues
The top downtown choice for premium accommodations—all 33 rooms are condo-style suites with private balconies, in-suite Jacuzzi tubs, working fireplaces, and queen sofa-sleepers. Free hot and cold breakfast buffet included plus daily cookies and soup.
Indoor solarium pool and hot tub available (children under 15 require adult supervision). Free underground garage parking, free cribs available. Four-minute walk to Riviera Beach.
The Cove of Lake Geneva | 111 Center Street | (262) 249-9460 Rates: $114–449+/night; Resort fee $15/day | Distance: Steps from Winterfest
Best for larger families—194 all-suite accommodations with full kitchens, gas fireplaces, and whirlpool tubs. Loft suites sleep up to 6 people. Year-round indoor pool plus the largest outdoor pool complex in downtown (seasonal) featuring a zero-depth children's pool with pirate ship.
24-hour arcade room, Lake City Social restaurant on-site. Free parking. No cribs or extra beds available.
Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva | 300 Wrigley Drive | (262) 248-9181 Rates: Starting $83–161+/night; Resort fee $5 | Distance: Lakefront, walking distance
Budget-friendly lakefront option with 108 recently renovated rooms featuring private balconies, fireplaces, microwaves, and refrigerators. Indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub, sauna. Kids 17 and under stay free using existing bedding. Cribs available. Free parking.
Budget-friendly options
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott | 1111 N. Edwards Boulevard Rates: $89–175+/night | Distance: ~1 mile from downtown
Reliable Marriott experience with free buffet breakfast daily, indoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, and in-room refrigerators/microwaves. Free parking. Complimentary Spotted Cow beer on arrival (21+).
Comfort Suites Lake Geneva East Rates: Starting $62–100+/night
Most budget-friendly option with indoor pool, children's pool, hot tub, and free parking.
Booking tips for Winterfest weekend
Book accommodations well in advance—Winterfest draws significant crowds. January and March offer lower rates outside holiday and event weekends. Tuesday stays typically offer the lowest rates.
Most properties require 72-hour advance cancellation to avoid penalties. Download the ParkMobile app before arrival. Sign up for resort E-Clubs (Timber Ridge, Grand Geneva) for exclusive deal alerts.
Winter activities beyond Winterfest
Outdoor winter recreation
Ice skating options:
Grand Geneva – The Mountain Top: $5 rink fee, $10 skate rental, 1.5-hour sessions, skate helpers for beginners
The Abbey Resort: Free rentals for guests, $2/pair for non-guests
Library Park (downtown): Free, bring your own skates
Williams Bay – Lions Park: Free, bring your own skates, snowshoe rentals $5/hour
Skiing and snowboarding:
The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva: 21 runs, 3 chairlifts, night skiing, "Learn to Ski" packages $90 on select January dates
Wilmot Mountain: 25 trails, 10 lifts, 120 acres, beginner lessons available
Alpine Valley Resort: 20 runs, 388-foot vertical drop
Sledding:
Grand Geneva – The Mountain Top: Tickets required, purchase online in advance, 1.5-hour time slots
City of Lake Geneva Sledding Hill (near Dunn Field): Free, bring your own sled
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing:
Big Foot Beach State Park (1550 S. Lake Shore Drive): 2.9 miles groomed XC trails (novice to intermediate), 6.5 miles hiking trails, snowshoeing permitted throughout. $5 daily vehicle pass required; trail use free.
Grand Geneva: 5.1 miles groomed XC trails, $10 trail fee, $45 XC ski rental, $20 snowshoe rental
Horse-drawn sleigh rides: Dan Patch Stables | Grand Geneva entrance | (262) 215-5303 Hours: 9am–5pm (closed Tuesdays and Thursdays)
Sleigh rides operate when snow conditions permit (4–6 inches required). Trail rides available year-round at $45/person for 45 minutes. Free petting farm with sheep, donkeys, and miniature horses. Pony rides for kids. Reservations required.
Indoor attractions for cold weather days
Tristan Crist Magic Theatre | 100 N. Edwards Blvd | (262) 248-0505 The #1 TripAdvisor attraction for Lake Geneva delivers 75-minute shows of world-class magic, comedy, and large-scale illusions in an intimate 175-seat theater. Perfect for all ages with audience participation.
Lake Geneva Clue Room | 772 W Main Street | (262) 325-2375 Hours: Daily 10am–10pm
Four themed escape rooms (Gangsters' Gamble, Double Agent, Pilfered Playbook, Dark Carnival) challenge groups of 2–10 players with 60-minute scenarios. Virtual reality arena also available. Best for ages 10+ or younger kids with adult supervision.
Lake Geneva Lanes | 192 E Main St | (262) 248-4805 Hours: Mon–Sat 12pm–12am, Sun 2pm–8pm
16 lanes with automated scoring, electronic bumpers, and dinosaur devices for young bowlers. Cosmic glow bowling every other Friday/Saturday 7pm–midnight. Special: $5 for 3 games plus $1.25 shoe rental (Thursdays 5–11pm, Sundays 10am–2pm when no leagues).
Geneva Lake Museum | 255 Mill St | (262) 248-6060 Winter hours: Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun 11am–3pm | Admission: $7 adults, $6 students/seniors, free ages 11 and under
Brick-paved "Main Street" recreates yesteryear Lake Geneva with a fire station, military room, schoolhouse, and living room exhibits. "I Spy" activity sheets engage kids for about an hour. The new "Wizard of Lake Geneva" exhibit explores local Dungeons & Dragons history.
The Candle Mercantile | 870 W. Main St | (262) 203-5557 Hours: Daily 11am–6pm
Create custom-scented candles, room sprays, or wax tarts from 90+ fragrance options. Sessions take about 60 minutes; candles set in 90 minutes. Starting around $15–20. Beer, wine, and seltzers available for adults. Best for ages 8+.
Emagine Geneva Lakes | 2565 State Road 120 Luxury movie theater with reclining chairs, reserved seating, and gourmet snacks. Wednesday Retro Movies run $5. Sensory-friendly showings (brighter lights, lower volume) accommodate families with special needs.
Shopping highlights
Downtown Lake Geneva's walkable shopping district includes:
Kilwins: Ice cream, homemade fudge, and chocolate one block from the lake
Cornerstone Shop & Gallery: Gifts, boutique clothing, home décor
Lake Geneva Antique Mall (829 Williams St): 11,400 square feet with 65+ dealer spaces
Creative Forces: Paint-your-own pottery studio (BYOB available)
Practical planning for families
Best days and times to visit
Optimal strategy: Visit Friday to watch sculptors actively carving (the most dramatic transformations happen this day) with smaller crowds and $2/hour parking instead of $4/hour.
Saturday is the main event day with the most activities—use the free shuttle and arrive before 10am for manageable crowds. Sunday offers completed sculptures and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Best times of day:
Before 10am: Easiest parking, smallest crowds
10am–2pm: Peak viewing, warming center open
4pm–8pm: Bonfires on the Beach (Friday/Saturday only)
Planning efficient routes
Winterfest concentrates in a compact, walkable area:
Start at Flat Iron Park (201 Wrigley Drive)—view snow sculptures, stop at VISIT Lake Geneva Visitor Information Center for maps
Walk to Riviera Beach (adjacent)—more sculptures, warming station in Riviera Ballroom with restrooms
Explore Downtown Ice Sculpture Walk—follow Broad Street and Main Street past shop-front ice sculptures
Warm up at Riviera Ballroom or local cafés as needed
Return to lakefront for evening bonfires (Friday/Saturday)
Key distances: Free parking lots are 6–12 minute walks from Flat Iron Park. Shuttle drop-off is approximately 3 blocks from main venues. The entire downtown is walkable within 10–15 minutes.
Visiting with young children
Stroller accessibility: Downtown sidewalks and Flat Iron Park are generally paved and stroller-accessible, though snow and ice patches may complicate wheeled travel. Consider baby carriers in snowy conditions.
Warming stations: The Riviera Ballroom Warming Center (Saturday–Sunday 10am–5pm) offers indoor warmth, hot beverages, food, and restrooms. The Maxwell Mansion Kids Igloo provides a heated, kid-focused space.
Plan indoor breaks every 30–45 minutes for young children. Cold temperatures drain energy quickly, and kids don't always recognize when they're too cold.
Pro tip: Take photos of children's outfits each morning in case anyone gets separated in crowds.
Accessibility information
Winterfest is wheelchair accessible. Flat Iron Park and Riviera Plaza feature paved surfaces, though snow and ice may affect accessibility during storms. One free shuttle bus is handicap accessible. Handicap placard holders park free at any metered or designated handicap stall with no time limits.
Sample weekend itinerary
Friday afternoon–evening:
Arrive and check into hotel
2pm: Watch sculptors actively working (Friday is when pieces dramatically take shape)
5pm: Walk Downtown Ice Sculpture Walk
6pm: Early dinner at downtown restaurant
Return to lakefront for Bonfires on the Beach, fire performances at 5:30pm and 6:30pm
Saturday (main event):
9am: Breakfast at hotel or Egg Harbor Café
10am: Full sculpture viewing at Flat Iron Park; voting begins
11am: Watch "Tools Down"—final sculptures completed
12pm: Lunch at Popeye's or Oakfire
2pm: Downtown shopping and Ice Sculpture Walk
3pm: Championship Award Ceremony at Riviera Ballroom
4pm: Return for Bonfires on the Beach
7pm: Dinner at Tuscan Tavern or resort restaurant
Sunday:
9am: Hotel breakfast
10am: Final sculpture viewing (before they melt)
11am: Maxwell Mansion Kids Igloo, Kids Mocktail Mixology class ($10)
12pm: Brunch at Pier 290 (kids eat free) in Williams Bay
2pm: Depart for home
What you can realistically accomplish
In one full day: View all 15 snow sculptures (1–2 hours), walk the Downtown Ice Sculpture Walk (1–2 hours), enjoy warming breaks and meals (1–2 hours), and attend Bonfires on the Beach (1–2 hours). Total: 5–8 hours for a complete Winterfest experience.
A weekend getaway allows for ski/waterpark time, museum visits, escape rooms, and more relaxed dining—plus the ability to see sculptures at different stages of completion.
Essential tips summary
Before you go:
Book accommodations well in advance—Winterfest fills hotels
Download the ParkMobile app
Check weather forecasts and pack for 10 degrees colder than predicted
Charge phone batteries and cameras (cold drains them fast)
Day of:
Use the free shuttle on weekends (Saturday–Sunday 8am–8pm)
Arrive before 10am for easier parking and smaller crowds
Layer clothing for moving between outdoor viewing and indoor warming
Bring extra dry socks and gloves for kids
Plan indoor breaks every 30–45 minutes with young children
Don't miss:
Friday afternoon sculpting when pieces dramatically take shape
Bonfires on the Beach with s'mores and fire performances (Friday–Saturday 4–8pm)
Maxwell Mansion Kids Igloo (Saturday–Sunday 11am–4pm)
Downtown Ice Sculpture Walk outside 30+ businesses
Lake Geneva transforms into a winter wonderland during Winterfest, offering families an accessible, affordable, and genuinely magical Midwest experience. Whether you're making it a day trip or extending into a full weekend with waterparks, skiing, and cozy resort amenities, the combination of world-class snow art, lakefront bonfires, and Wisconsin hospitality creates memories that outlast the sculptures themselves.
Winterfest is more than sculpture viewing—it's bonfires with s'mores on the beach, fire performances at dusk, heated kids' igloos serving hot chocolate, and a walkable downtown sparkling with ice art outside every shop window.