Sturgeon Bay, Wis. (November 4, 2025) – Destination Sturgeon Bay is kicking off the holiday season with TWO weekends packed with festive fun for everyone! Sponsored by WBDK 96.7, this holiday celebration will take place Saturday and Sunday, November 15-16 and Friday and Saturday November 21-22.
Starting on Saturday, November 15 the Annual Christmas by the Bay Parade will begin at 10am! The parade route begins at Sawyer Park to Oak Street, turns right onto Madison Avenue, crosses the Michigan Street Bridge, turns left onto 3rd Ave., and will end at the intersection of Jefferson St. & 3rd Ave. From 10am to 2pm, Third Avenue PlayWorks (TAP) will host their first Indoor Winter Market of the season, featuring local vendors, art, crafts, food, drinks and more! Don’t miss the chance to see Santa’s live reindeer and snap a photo with them at the Old Bell Tower located at the Community Foundation Square from 12pm to 2pm! Hop on the Downtown Trolley for easy loops around town, and check out the Festival of Trees at the Door County Maritime Museum, plus kids will have a chance to meet Santa, participate in cookie decorating, and do crafts at the museum between 11am and 3pm.
On Sunday, November 16, join Stone Harbor Resort from 9am to 11am for breakfast with Santa. Bring your little ones for a delightful morning filled with joy and wonder where children can share holiday wishes, enjoy a delicious breakfast, and take part in festive crafts.
The holiday fun continues Friday, November 21 with the Unwrapping Community Car Cruise at 5:30pm! This year’s community car cruise will begin at the Door County Fairgrounds, venture left on Egg Harbor Road, proceed down Jefferson St., turn left on 3rd Ave., turn right on Michigan Street, take the Steel Bridge across to Madison Ave., follow Green Bay Road, and then end at the Door County Cooperative Parking lot. Join us as we cruise through town, passing businesses as they “unwrap” their holiday storefronts for the first time this holiday season. The evening continues at 6pm at the Old Bell Tower in Community Foundation Square with holiday tunes and a kids’ sing-along, followed by more holiday tunes from Sturgeon Bay Schools along 3rd Ave. until 7pm. Enjoy festive drinks and snacks from the Door County Mobile Bar as you soak in the holiday cheer, and wrap up the night with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at 7pm at the Old Bell Tower in Community Foundation Square.
On Saturday, November 22, stroll through Sturgeon Bay for our Shop Small, Sip Local event from 11am to 3pm! Explore both the east and west sides of town as local businesses serve wine and non-alcoholic sips for you to enjoy while you shop. Tickets are available now at SturgeonBay.net! Downtown Trolley loops will be running for easy access to all the best shopping spots. Plus, Santa will be at the Door County Historical Museum for a meet and greet from 11am to 2pm!!
Mark your calendars for these festive weekends! Join us November 15-16, and again November 21-22 for all the holiday fun, from parades and markets to tree lightings and Santa sightings. You won’t want to miss the magic of this Unwrapping Sturgeon Bay & Christmas by the Bay Holiday celebration!
For additional information on our Christmas by the Bay Weekends and other events presented by Destination Sturgeon Bay, please call (920) 743-6246 or visit SturgeonBay.net.
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