Lake Geneva hosts the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition during this weeklong festival that celebrates all things winter. Fifteen teams travel from all over the country to Flatiron Park, and with great skill and detail, fashion snow into amazing sculptures over nine feet tall. Also make snowmen at a bonfire; go skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing;
Check out candlelight skiing, a chili cook-off, ice carving, ice bowling, costumed Fruit Loop Fun Run, an entertaining Stumpf Fiddle Contest and an awesome fireworks show. Fun and games include minnow racing, chocolate sampling, and free trolley rides to the cherry pit spitting competition at Orchard Country Winery & Market. visitfishcreek.com/calendar/winter-festival
Celebrate hot air balloons with a Friday night balloon and fire show as well as a parade and fireworks. On Saturday and Sunday, more than 30 balloons launch at sunrise and in the evening they inflate once more, lighting up the dark with glowing colors. Also partake in bingo, a pancake breakfast, kite-flying and ice-carving
Hosted in Madison’s 250-acre Elver Park, events are slated to include candlelight skiing, sledding, a 5K run and a fun run for the kids, ski clinic, ice skating and another Wisconsin appearance for the U.S. National Snow Sculpting champs. There’s also mini ice golf and s’mores by the bonfire. Sleds, skates and skis are available
Partake in this winter getaway, where a weekend has never been sweeter. This chocolate-themed event at The American Club features a variety of culinary talent, food pairings and evening dinners. americanclubresort.com/calendar
Join thousands of cross-country skiiers and snowshoers in this starlit 10K over a frozen Lake Superior that spans from Ashland to Washburn, with up to 1,000 luminarias lighting the way along the route. batb.org
Join thousands of cross-country skiiers and snowshoers in this starlit 10K over a frozen Lake Superior that spans from Ashland to Washburn, with up to 1,000 luminarias lighting the way along the route.
The Alliant Energy Center hosts this annual fishing tradition with even more to offer this year—another wing focused on kayaks and silent watercraft will debut. Explore the numerous exhibits this expo has to offer, which include some of the industry’s top professionals and merchandise to peruse. wifishingexpo.com
This annual 10-day film festival celebrates the power of independent film from around the globe. Local residents and visitors from across the nation fill venues ranging in size from 40 to 400 seats to view more than 100 films and meet scores of filmmakers who come from throughout the U.S. and around the world. beloitfilmfest.org
Embrace chilly temps with events that may include a kickoff celebration with beer and free chili, the Brownstone Trail Candlelight Walk, a Penguin Egg Hunt, a snow sculpture contest and even a Polar Plunge. recreationandfitnessresources.org/ bayfield-winter-festival.htm
This fascinating day of programs features educational talks on raptors, falcons and owls, plus a chance to meet birds in person. Children’s activities and refreshments will round out the day. visitferryville.com