Christmas in Lake Geneva Wisconsin

Christmas is a magical time for children and families, young and old alike. Nothing is more spectacular than strolling along a sidewalk with Christmas lights and storefronts aglow with gifts, Santas, sleighs, reindeer and more all decked out in holiday glamor and red and green. A family tradition for many was the big windows in downtown Chicago. Alas a trip to Chicago is time consuming and, for many, beyond their means. A frugal alternative that is reminiscent of the glorious downtown storefronts can be found in a small tourist city just a couple of minutes drive from the suburbs of Chicago. A resort city known for its waterfront and great boutique shops. A resort city that is fabulous for ice cream or just hiking the free lakefront pathway. A resort city filled with wonderful specialty shop and eateries. You see this resort city is also wonderful for its holiday storefronts.

I lived in Lake Geneva for close to 3 years. My husband and I still travel to Lake Geneva at least weekly for shopping at Lake Geneva Meat or to attend our church or simply to enjoy the downtown and the lovely water views.

My husband believes one of the best times in Lake Geneva is the winter season when the traffic is lessened yet the views of the lake remain tremendous. Strolling downtown Lake Geneva and viewing the many shops is fun for the entire family. The neighborhood where I used to live right next door is called Maple Park and offers an education in American architecture with exquisite turn of the century mansions and hundred year old Maple trees and smooth sidewalks just right for walking. Of course all of this is surround by the vast beauty of one of the world's most remarkable bodies of water - Geneva Lake - 5,000 acres of pristine beauty.

Journey with me as we explore 2010's fabulous storefront displays including Santa and his reindeer, nativities and angels, a Green Bay Packer holiday wreath and even a sock monkey decked out in holiday colors. Take a stroll and see window displays with monkey business and even a Christmas moose. If you are not in the holiday spirit yet, I promise these fun holiday storefront display photos will make you smile and yearn for the holiday!

Whatever your delight, there is store to please in Lake Geneva's eclectic mix of stores. From rustic to refined to fun and frivolous sock monkeys to handsome white bearded Santa Claus.

The "must visit" stores are many. From the shoe store to the trading store run by proprietor Kathy called Rag Thyme (Kathy brought to us the fun sock monkey and many great plush toys and other holiday decorating items) to the rustic store that specializes in vintage (the Welcome to Lake Geneva sign...) to even a spectacular kitchen tile store around the corner. Of course, a little bit of a drive delivers allot when it comes to fine market fare. The Geneva Meats is a store that is an unknown treasurer to many a Chicago visitor. The locals know Geneva Meats well. The store has limited hours but unlimited amounts of great food and wine. The pork chops are unbelievable. Every meat we have ever purchased has been exceptional. Well worth the trip down highway 50 (see the map below). I do recommend leaving the best for last and heading to Geneva Meats on your way out of town. They have limited hours so you must start early and plan ahead so that Geneva Meats is open but I am sure you will agree - their meats are a special treat - summer or winter time.

Travel to Lake Geneva today. It is an easy drive from the suburbs of Chicago. Lake Geneva Wisconsin offers a world of fun right at your back doorstep.

Share Your Favorite Shopping Experiences with Us

Can you share with us your resort shopping and/or holiday shopping experiences with us?

As a personal trainer throughout my career I was privileged to have worked at premier resorts. During group fitness classes that I taught I liked to engage my clients and ask where they are from and then follow up where the best shopping sites were and also where their favorite shopping sites in the world were located.

We had every answer under the sun from Iowa to Mall of America to even the Bahamas.

Each experience is individual - please share with us your favorite holiday places to shop. It doesn't mean actually shop, it could be simply be the window shopping as we have done here. Please share with us your favorites and why.