The holiday season has arrived in Door County, and with it comes the magic we’ve been anticipating all year—twinkling lights reflecting off fresh snow, the aroma of spiced cider and holiday treats, the warmth of gathering with loved ones. But we also know that the holidays, for all their beauty, can bring a whirlwind of activity that leaves us exhausted rather than energized.
This year, we invite you to experience the holidays differently. Door County offers a unique opportunity to embrace both the festive spirit and the gift of slowing down. From European-style Christmas markets to peaceful winter trails, from cozy restaurants to rejuvenating spa experiences, you can celebrate the season while also taking care of yourself. After all, the best holiday memories are made when we’re present, rested, and truly able to enjoy them.
So get mindful about your holiday season, and join us at Open Hearth Lodgefor the kickoff to this year’s celebration!
It All Begins with Capture the Spirit
Sister Bay’s holiday season officially launches on Friday, November 28, with Capture the Spirit—a joyful kickoff to weeks of festive celebrations. The day begins with a Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair at Village Hall (10am-4pm both Friday and Saturday), where you can find unique, handcrafted gifts from local artisans while supporting our creative community.
As afternoon turns to evening, the real magic begins. From 3:30-5:30pm, Santa’s elves and reindeer arrive at Waterfront Park, ready to meet visitors of all ages. Children can write letters to Santa, decorate Christmas ornaments, and warm up with hot cocoa. Then, at 5:00pm, Santa himself arrives for the moment everyone’s been waiting for—the lighting of Sister Bay’s holiday lights, transforming our village into a twinkling winter wonderland.
The celebration continues with Storytime with Santa at 5:30pm at the Sister Bay Library, and right across the way, the Door County Christkindlmarkt opens for its first weekend. This single day marks the beginning of a month-long celebration that carries us through the European-style Christmas market weekends, cozy village shopping, and culminates with the famous Cherry Dropon New Year’s Eve—when a giant sparkling cherry descends at midnight to ring in 2026.
Stay with us this holiday season and experience Sister Bay at its most magical. We’re right in the heart of it all.
Wellness Meets the Holidays: A New January Tradition
After the holiday rush comes a chance for renewal. Sister Bay’s inaugural Winter Wellness Weekend (January 16-18, 2026) offers the perfect post-holiday reset. This brand-new event features restorative experiences designed to help you reconnect with yourself—outdoor saunas and cold plunges, energizing fitness classes, wellness workshops, and mindful shopping experiences.
Think of it as the gift you give yourself after giving to everyone else all season long. The full schedule is coming soon, so book your stay at Open Hearth Lodge now to be part of this exciting inaugural event!
Finding Balance in the Holiday Season
The holidays don’t have to be overwhelming. Door County’s winter landscape naturally invites you to slow down and breathe. Take a morning walk through Peninsula State Park where snow-laden pines stand in peaceful silence. Book a massage at one of our local spas—places like The Spa at Sacred Grounds in Ephraim, where you can unwind in steam rooms and then relax by the fireplace. Join a yoga class at one of the many yoga studios in Door County or simply curl up in one of our cozy restaurants with a warm drink and good conversation.
These aren’t extras to squeeze into an already packed schedule—they’re essential ingredients for actually enjoying the season. When you take care of yourself, you show up better for everyone else.
Renew Your Body & Soul on a Door County Wellness Journey
One More Thing: Live Music at the Lodge!
One of our own, the talented Laney Zacek, is now providing live music entertainment in the Open Hearth Lodge Breakfast Room on Saturdays from 5-7pm. Also, for our Madison-area guests, don’t miss Laney at the East Side Club on Thursday, December 11th from 6-9pm!