Plan a short roadtrip to nearby Janesville, Wisconsin to celebrate heart-warming holiday cheer! You’ll find festively fun shopping and dining in Janesville’s vibrant downtown and at premiere holiday events such the Holiday Light Show, Janesville’s Jolly Jingle and more than 60 others. Our city’s family-friendly atmosphere, affordability, and convenient location make it super simple to plan a visit. Janesville is less than 2 hours from Chicago and Milwaukee, and less than one hour from Rockford and Madison, with easy access off of I-39/90.
1. Take in the Incredible Beauty of Rotary Botanical Gardens’ Holiday Light Show | Rekindle your holiday spirit as you stroll through the majestic beauty of this awe-inspiring display that features over 1.6 MILLION dazzling lights and festive displays. The event runs November 29 & 30, December 1, 5 – 8, 12 – 23, 26 – 30, and January 2 – 4 at 4:30 – 8:30 PM with the lights going dark at 9 PM. Tickets can only be purchased online.
2. Experience Three Days of Fun at Janesville’s Jolly Jingle | Ring in the holiday season with Janesville’s Jolly Jingle, a festive weekend held on December 6 – 8 in Downtown Janesville. This beloved holiday festival features more than 30 free and low cost events and activities over 3 days, and includes dazzling fireworks, a spectacular lighted parade, Luminary Walk, holiday markets, Santa visits, decorated holiday windows, ice skating, live theater, kids activities, and plenty of shopping and dining.
3. Discover historic holiday magic at the Holiday Tree Show inside the Lincoln-Tallman Museum | With more than 140 trees and decorations throughout the historic mansion, each is uniquely bejeweled by a local business, nonprofit, or family. From nostalgic to glamorous, opulent to handmade, each tree has been decorated with loving imagination at this year’s show – larger and more joyous than ever before! Open-house-style tours are ideal for adults and children alike. Take a family photo with Father Christmas during your visit. Show tickets are available online and at the door and may be used on any tour day. Take your time and enjoy the warm glow of more than 50,000 lights. Open November 29 – December 30, Thursdays & Fridays 3 – 7 PM and Saturdays & Sundays Noon – 4 PM. Also open Monday, December 23 & 30, Noon – 4 PM.
4. Enjoy a Show at the Janesville Performing Arts Center | Experience a live performance of The Littlest Christmas Tree on the stage at the historic and lovely Janesville Performing Arts Center. Performances on Saturday and Sunday, December 7 & 8 at 2 PM. Get your tickets in advance.
5. Shop, Dine, and Explore Janesville’s Festive Downtown | Whether you’re in search of unique shopping, live entertainment, fun events, public art, self-guided historic tours, exceptional dining, or craft brewed beer, Janesville’s downtown is a great place to visit. Hot tip: check out The Sugar Exchange, 808 Cheesecake, 29 South and Bodacious Brew for delicious holiday sweet treats or drafthouse, Genisa Wine Bar and Lark for exceptional dining and cocktails.
6. Create Fun Holiday Memories with Family and Friends at an Exciting Janesville Jets Game | Come on out to the Janesville Ice Arena and cheer on the Janesville Jets as they deliver what is sure to be exciting hockey action! The Jets are taking fun family entertainment to an all new high with game day promotions, giveaways, contests, and more.
Check out our complete calendar of events to learn about the dozens of festive holiday events held in the Janesville area during this merry season. To make the most of your visit, consider staying overnight at one of our comfortable and welcoming lodging facilities which includes options at bed & breakfasts located in the heart of our historic districts. For more information, give us a call at (800) 487-2757. Our staff is happy to assist you!
