There’s something magical about gathering around a crackling fire during the holidays. At Open Hearth Lodge, our stone hearth has welcomed countless guests throughout the year, offering warmth and comfort after days spent exploring Door County’s beauty. As we enter this special season, that fireplace—decorated with festive wreaths and twinkling with holiday cheer—reminds us of what truly matters: the warmth of community, the joy of togetherness, and the memories we create with those we cherish. To all our guests, both returning friends and new faces, thank you for choosing to share your Door County experiences with us. Your presence fills our Lodge with the greatest warmth of all, and we’re honored to be part of your traditions.
In 2026 and beyond, whether you’re seeking a cozy retreat by our fireside or planning your summer adventures throughout the peninsula, Open Hearth Lodge aims to bring warmth to your heart. Book your next stay with us and have a wonderful holiday season!
The Holidays are in Full Effect in Door County
The early freeze in Door County has not managed to chill our holiday warmth—in fact, with our own Christmas movie in heavy rotation this season, this may be the most Door County Christmas ever! The 2025 Door County Christkindlmarkt—bigger, better and more accessible than in previous years—was a huge hit once again, with mobs of holiday revelers eager to shop, enjoy and grab their commemorative glühwein mug. If you missed it, mark your calendar for next year, which is sure to be an even bigger celebration.
As winter officially arrived this past weekend with the winter solstice, Door County residents and visitors are enjoying the maximum duration of twinkling lights, illuminated storefront displays, and cozy fireside moments that make the holidays so special. Door County at Christmastime is truly unforgettable.
Christkindlmarkt Door County offers better accessibility, movie stars
Start the New Year with the Cherry Drop
There’s no place quite like Door County to celebrate New Year’s Eve, and Sister Bay proves it year after year. On December 31st, join us for the 9th annual fm 106.9 the Lodge Cherry Drop™—one of Wisconsin’s most unique and joyful celebrations.
As midnight approaches, watch as a giant six-foot, 300-pound illuminated cherry is lowered 120 feet above Husby’s garage, surrounded by the energy of revelers counting down to the new year. This year features exciting additions including a “Cherry Cam” that captures the crowd’s perspective from the cherry itself as it descends—giving you a bird’s-eye view of the celebration like never before.
The festivities kick off early in the evening at ground zero with live music, cherry-themed cocktails featuring Central Standard Distillery’s Cherry Vodka, and a sparkling photo station. At 8 pm, head to the Sister Bay Sports Complex for the annual fireworks display that lights up the winter sky. Then return to the heart of Sister Bay for the midnight countdown, where the Greatest Party Tunes of All Time keep the celebration going strong.
Can’t make it in person? The event will be livestreamed at fm1069thelodge.com/cherry-drop/, bringing Sister Bay’s New Year’s energy straight to you wherever you are.
After celebrating under the stars (and the cherry!), you’re just minutes away from your cozy room at Open Hearth Lodge—the perfect way to start 2026. We have very limited rooms left—book now!
fm 106.9 the Lodge Cherry Drop – A Door County New Year’s Tradition
Lace Up Your Skates in Sister Bay
December’s early cold snap has brought welcome news for winter enthusiasts—the Teresa K. Hilander Community Ice Rink in Sister Bay opened early this season, offering the perfect winter activity just minutes from Open Hearth Lodge.
The Sister Bay ice rink features both a recreational skating area and a dedicated hockey rink complete with nets and goals for pickup games, pond hockey, and broomball. Whether you’re gliding across the ice with family or joining in a spirited game, the experience is quintessential Door County winter. Don’t have your own gear? No problem—the warming house offers rentals for kids and adults, including skates, sticks, helmets, and broomball equipment.
After working up an appetite on the ice, warm up in the cozy warming house with hot chocolate and snacks, or gather around the big outdoor fire pit where the crackle of flames and the laughter of skaters create the soundtrack of a perfect winter evening. It’s these simple pleasures—cold air on your face, the scrape of blades on ice, and the warmth of community—that make Door County winters so special.
Early Freeze is Good News for Ice Rinks
Get Quirky at Fish Creek Winterfest
When February rolls around and cabin fever threatens to set in, Fish Creek has the perfect antidote: Winterfest, returning February 7-8, 2026. This beloved Door County tradition—now in its 38th year—proves that winter doesn’t have to be taken too seriously.
Where else can you compete in toilet seat tossing, bicycle throwing, and ice bowling on the frozen harbor? Or cheer on racing minnows? The highlight is the legendary Stumpf Fiddle Contest, where participants craft homemade instruments from washboards, pans, bells, and horns, competing for bragging rights in a delightfully silly showdown.
All the festivities take place under a heated tent at Clark Park on the shores of Green Bay, where you can warm up with hearty food, Swedish Glögg, and local brews while live music fills the air. The weekend caps off with fireworks over the frozen bay.
Just fifteen minutes south of Open Hearth Lodge, Fish Creek Winterfest is the perfect excuse for a February getaway.
One More Thing: ‘Have you ever seen so much Christmas?’
While we’re swimming in Holiday spirit, let’s review the “Most Door County lines” in A Cherry Pie Christmas:
The 8 most Door County lines in ‘A Cherry Pie Christmas’