December 21, 2010

Lighting the Way –Beautiful Places In & Around Lake Geneva to See Holiday Lights this Season

Posted to 365 Things to Do in Lake Geneva

This year, for the first time in many, many years, our family was “spot on” for holiday decorating.  My husband took advantage of milder weather and strung brightly colored lights on evergreens, garage, and around our front door, over the Thanksgiving weekend.  We even cut down our tree on Black Friday and had it decorated by Sunday afternoon.  As I drove up to my house last night, I was reminded of the magic of Christmas lights and how they never fail to make me nostalgic.  In that spirit, I offer my favorite places around the Lake Geneva Wisconsin area to see and enjoy Christmas lights.

  • Grand Geneva Resort, east of Hwy 12 on Hwy 50 – Each year the spectacular displays seem brighter and more enjoyable.  Drive past the red barn twinkling brightly and take a long, slow drive towards the main resort past thousands of sparkling lights, golfing Santa and leaping reindeer
  • Main Street Lake Geneva, downtown between Center and Madison Streets – Each year the city of Lake Geneva installs dozens of evergreens up and down Main Street.  This year, the avenue boasts a decidedly Victorian bent, with evergreen garlands draped from street lamps to the trees, creating an undulating sea of holiday cheer.  Best time to photograph is at sunrise before the lights are turned off and late at night when traffic subsides.
  • Lake Shore Drive, encircling Geneva Lake – For a bird’s eye view of how lakefront estates celebrate the holidays, hop on Lake Shore Drive south of Lake Geneva at the junction of Hwy 120 and South Lake Shore Drive, and follow it completely around the lake. You’ll drive through Fontana (be sure to stop in at the Abbey Resort to see their holiday display), Williams Bay, and of course, Lake Geneva
  • Geneva Inn, north of the junction of Hwy 120 on South Lake Shore Drive – you’ll have to visit the lobby of this lovely landmark to appreciate their holiday décor, but it’s worth the stop.  A lovely photo opp for a family photo.
  • Country Club Estates, Fontana (follow Shabbona drive south from North Lakeshore Drive, just southeast of the Abbey Marina) – you have to love a Hansel and Gretel neighborhood that just oozes old fashioned charm.  No lighting competitions here – just a passing nod at nostalgia.

Here’s hoping you take time to enjoy the gifts of this holiday season.  Recapture your inner child and take a drive to “see the lights.”

Posted by:  Janis Hartley

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