Christmas by the Bay: Sturgeon Bay Sparkles for the Holidays

Come and stay in Sturgeon Bay for holiday memory making events November 17-19. Sturgeon Bay Visitor Center spreads the holiday cheer during the annual Christmas by the Bay celebration with a weekend filled with family-friendly activities.

Bring your family and friends to the Clock Tower on Third Avenue for the annual tree lighting ceremony Friday, November 17 from 6-8p.m. Bring a gently used winter clothing item for the countywide Big Bundle Up Campaign. All items collected will go to Door County charitable partners.

Musicians Josh Gregory, Hervy Hodges, and Mike Raye will entertain with classic holiday tunes, while members of the Sturgeon Bay High School Choir will carol along Third Avenue. The tree will be lit at 7 pm.

Stroll through the city streets on a horse-drawn wagon ride from 6-8 pm. Wagon rides are compliments of Nicolet National Bank and Door County Medical Center.

Beginning Friday, November 17, children are invited to send their letters and wish lists to Santa via the mailbox located outside the Sturgeon Bay Visitor Center, 36 S. Third Avenue.

Pull out the holiday sweaters from the closet and enjoy watching the decorated floats go by during Sturgeon Bay’s Holiday Parade, on Saturday, November 18 beginning at 10a.m. The parade marches from Sawyer Park, up Oak Street to Madison Avenue, turns right at Maple Street and crosses the Oregon Street Bridge. Paraders will advance down Third Avenue and end after the intersection of Third Ave. and Jefferson St.

To be part of the parade, contact the Sturgeon Bay Visitor Center or fill out the entry form online: www.sturgeonbay.net. Participation in the Christmas by the Bay Holiday Parade is free.

Meet Santa and take family pictures with him after the parade at the Door County Historical Museum, 11a.m.-2p.m. Horse-drawn wagon rides and Door County Trolley rides are available 11 pm-2 pm. (Trolley rides available until 5 pm, compliments of Door County Eye Associates and Sherry’s Hallmark Shop).

Spend more time with Santa on Sunday, November 19 from 9-11 am, during a special breakfast at Stone Harbor Resort & Conference Center.

One lucky person will win $1,000! Make sure to enter the Moo-La-La Giveaway from November 17-December 13. The Sturgeon Bay Visitor Center will draw multiple winners a day (Monday through Friday) from the entry boxes to receive a $25 gift certificate to participating businesses.  The grand prize drawing is December 15! Check www.SturgeonBay.net for the list of participating businesses and details on giveaway dates.

For the full line-up of holiday events in Sturgeon Bay during November and December, pick up a copy of the 2017 Christmas by the Bay holiday brochure available at local businesses and the Sturgeon Bay Visitor Center. Additional information and parade applications can be found at www.sturgeonbay.net; call: 920-743-6246 or email: vacation@sturgeonbay.net.