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 | Nov 21 – Jan. 5, 2026
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 | Nov 28 - Dec. 31, 2025
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:
- Die Hard | Dec 6 | $5 | 7:00 pm
- Santa Claus (1959) at Friday Fright Night | Dec 12 | 7:00 pm
Christmas in the Air at EAA | December 6
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!
Nutcracker the Ballet | December 19 & 29 at 7pm and December 20-21 & 27-28, 2025 2:00pm
Valley Academy for the Arts and The Grand present a must-see show! Experience the enchanting tale of The Nutcracker Ballet, based on E.T.A Hoffmann's classic story, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.
Stay the night in Oshkosh—click here for overnight options!
