Give your grandparents a gift to remember this holiday season by gathering the whole family together and taking them on a festive adventure!
Nutcracker in the Castle | Now – Jan. 6, 2025
The Paine Art Center and Gardens presents a dazzling display of sights, sounds and surprises this holiday season with Nutcracker in the Castle. The tale unfolds with each room of the historic estate transformed into scenes from the beloved Nutcracker fairy tale, from the opening Party Scene with a giant Christmas tree to the magical Land of Sweets and the enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy.
There are three different ways to visit and enjoy the fantasy experience of Nutcracker in the Castle. Guests may take self-guided tours, candlelight tours, and guided tours, with each style of tour offered at separate times. In addition to tours, guests are invited to visit the Sugar Plum Fairy’s Cupcake Café for a scrumptious treat. Make reservations here.
Celebration of Lights | Now - Dec. 31, 2024
See more than one million twinkling lights from the comfort of your car at Celebration of Lights at the beautiful EAA Grounds!
Sights and activities include the 100-foot tree, more than 120 trees filled with lights, sculptured scenes, animated light displays, visits with Santa, gift shop, special event nights, horse pulled wagon rides and much more. Learn more here!
Nativity Collection | Year-round
A visit to the Algoma Boulevard United Methodist Church's Nativity Collection could be the highlight of any season, not just Christmas. You will be awed by the beauty and diversity of this collection of more than 1,000 nativity sets. The collection is housed in the lower level of the church and is open during the church’s regular hours.
This is one of the largest permanently displayed collections in the world. The 1,000-plus sets were gathered by one church member, Mildred Turner. Depictions of Christ's birth range in size from five-feet tall to smaller than your thumb and reflect a myriad of cultures.
They are made of every kind of material, including wood, porcelain, precious metals and marshmallows, and they come from every corner of the globe. Nativities range from the unsophisticated work of children to masterpieces of artwork. It is breathtaking to see how many different expressions there are of the holy event.
Nativity Collection hours are by appointment only, to call and make an appointment call 920-231-2880. Office hours are Monday-Thursday 8:00am to 1:00pm!
Christmas Movies at Time Theater | Throughout December
The holiday season is a time for family, traditions and creating memories that last a lifetime. If you're looking for a way to bring your family together for some festive fun, what better way than catching a classic Christmas movie at the Time Theater in Oshkosh? With its vintage charm and cozy atmosphere, this iconic theater provides the perfect setting for watching holiday favorites with the grandparents. Learn more about the Time Theater here!
This year the Time Theater is showing:
- Home Alone on December 7th at 7pm -- $6
- Elf on December 14th at 2pm -- FREE
- Miracle on 34th Street on December 14th at 7pm -- FREE
- Krumpus (2015) on Decemebr 20th at 7pm -- FREE
- A Christmas Story on December 21st at 7pm -- $5
Downtown Oshkosh Holiday Parade | December 5 at 6:15pm
The holidays are a magical time in Oshkosh, full of family traditions, festive cheer, and cherished moments. This year make the holiday season even more magical by attending the Downtown Oshkosh Holiday Parade! The Parade starts at 6:15pm -- plus enjoy music in Opera House Square from 5-6pm, and attend the tree lighting ceremony at 6pm-- then make your way to the parade!
Parade route begins at the intersection of N. Main/Ceape and heads North until the intersection of N. Main/Irving.
Brighton Acres Christmas Village and Craft Fair | November 29 and 30, December 6, 7, 13, and 14
Join Brighton Acres to kick off the holiday season with the third annual Brighton Acres Christmas Village! This event will include, Bloomtique Market where you can shop for Floral, Home & Holiday Decor, Gifts and more! Elf Academy allows you to make a craft and graduate to an elf with there certified elf staff (children under the age of 5 years must be accompanied by a parent). Horse drawn carriage rides around the Christmas Village, visit and share a cookie with Santa, purchase a private igloos which are available for pre-purchase. Walk-up access only if available. Delicious treats and food available for purchase as well as featured holiday drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) from our full-service bar. Learn more here!
Christmas in the Air at EAA | December 7
EAA hosts Christmas in the Air - a FREE Community Event! Enjoy all the holiday decorations throughout the museum, plus write letters to Santa, visit the sweet shop, and hear from local music and choral groups as well as dance performances! Amidst all the fun, do not miss the arrival of Santa Claus as he flies in by helicopter at noon! Have your picture taken with Santa or take your own family photos in staged areas throughout the museum. Learn more here!
Stay the night in Oshkosh—click here for overnight options!
