There is no doubt the height of the tourist season in Door County, Wisconsin is summer. It’s definitely a great time to visit, but Door County isn’t just a great place for a summer getaway. Each season has something to offer visitors and for many people smaller crowds is a bonus especially if you’ve found the crowds of holiday festivities in larger cities overwhelming. The holiday season around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve sees many repeat visitors. Whether spending the holiday in Door County or taking a getaway vacation and enjoying the local holiday festivities you can’t go wrong.
The European style Christmas Market called Christkindlmarkt is one of the area’s holiday festivals. It takes place every year in the village of Sister Bay (just a 33 minute drive from Glidden Lodge Beach Resort). The festival showcases old-world charm, holiday spirit and emulates the Christmas markets in Germany. What better way to get in the mood for the holidays? Music, twinkling lights, holiday decorations, food, beverages, and vendors come together to create a memorable experience. Vendors have hand crafted, locally made goods and artisan products for sale. There are weavers, woodworkers, leather workers, candlemakers, glass artists, jewelers, and more. The festival wouldn’t be complete without food and beverages. Given that Christkindlmarkt has it’s roots in Germany, northern European inspired food and drinks are on the menu from local Door County restaurants. If you bring the kids along there is a dedicated craft corner with a schedule of children’s activities. The 2025 Christkindlmarkt is held the last weekend in November and the first two weekends in December. Visit the event website for all the details.
A fun little local tidbit…the 2025 Christmas film “A Cherry Pie Christmas” was filmed on location where the annual Christkindlmarkt is held as well as other Door County locations. If you’re a fan of the movie Christkindlmarkt is a definite must do.
Glidden Lodge Beach Resort is open year round and centrally located in Door County making it easy to visit the network of small towns that make up Door County. Glidden Lodge Beach Resort has vacation rentals with fully equipped kitchens and options for 1 bedroom, 2 bedrooms, and 3 bedrooms. There is also an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, and fitness center as well as gas log fireplaces in unit. And the best part of all is that every unit has a waterfront view. Check availability and make reservations here.
