It’s true many Door County businesses shut down in the off-season, which makes it all the more important to 1) support our local small businesses when things are slow and 2) make sure you think through your winter itinerary before heading somewhere only to see a “closed for the season” sign. I recently spent a cozy weekend at the cabin with girlfriends and did all the heavy lifting for you on what’s open and have curated the must-do and see things so you know exactly what to do in Door County in  December 2023. Welcome to a new series on the blog with current (and curated) things to do each month in Door County.

Must-do things to do in Door County this December

Get into the Holiday spirit

Whether that’s resting up at a cozy cabin before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, getting your Christmas shopping done, or simply getting into the holiday spirit – Door County has it all.

Cupola House Winter Pop-Up Market

Attend the winter pop-up market at Cupola House – Saturday, December 2nd 11-4. Grab a cup of coffee at Cupola Cafe and enjoy these shops any other weekend, too. It’s on our favorite shops list!

Drive through the hallmark-worthy Wisconsin Small-town

Drive through Ephraim recently voted by the Journal Sentinel as one of 5 hallmark-worthy Wisconsin small towns to visit during the holidays – and we could not agree more. Stop by Anderson Dock for an insta-worthy photo and have dinner at Trixie’s. Christmas in the village will be December 2nd from 3-5 with Santa and his reindeer, horse-drawn carriage rides and crafts and activities.

Christkindlmarkt in Sister Bay

A European-style Christmas market full of Nordic foods, fine artisan goods, and live music. Weekends of 11/24-26, 12/1-3 and 12/8-10.
Find out more here.

Cozy new menus to try | Where to eat in Door County in December

Trixie’s

Try the new Mezzo menu (aka, small plates) and honestly, we suggest one of everything.

Wickman House

Another restaurant that releases a menu by the season so you’re sure to enjoy cozy winter eats. You’ll typically need reservations 3 months in advance to enjoy this James Beard-nominated restaurant, but there’s usually a spot or two in the off-season you can grab! Make sure to order one of their famous cocktails and literally anything on the menu.

Blue Bear

I can personally attest to the amazingness of the special carrot cakes on the menu here. Their brunch mean is a favorite and we suggest heading over to Kick Ash across the street for some shopping and granola to take home when you’re done.

CHOP

Eat dinner in an igloo at one of our all-time favorite DC spots.

The Best Door County winter activities

Sunset hike to Door Bluff (a favorite lesser-known spot with amazing sunsets)

Cave Point is always on the list and it’s a must-see in every season!

Feeding the chickadees in Penninsula State Park

A fire at a cabin and a good book or game night with the fam

Wine tasting at @twelveelevenprovisions or @stonesthrowwine

Hire @victoriadanielleld and schedule a family photo session in a beautiful place to get that Xmas card photo checked off the list!

 

New Year’s Eve 2023 in Door County

We’ve spent the last couple of New Year’s Eve’s in Door County so I thought I’d share our exact itinerary in case you’d like to steal it for yourself! First, grab a reservation at Trixie’s, Wickman House, Chop, Lure, Chives, or Barringers. We love to go ice skating in Sister Bay where they have fireworks then make your way to Sister Bay Bowl for a game and then to Husby’s for live music and the cherry drop at Midnight!

 

As always, we’d love to host your Door County winter stay at one of our four unique cabins! Check out our website for availability and pricing.