The Ultimate Holiday Family Getaway: Downtown Baraboo, WI

Name: Downtown Baraboo
Address: P.O. Box 216, Baraboo, WI, 53913
Telephone: 608.448.3490
Location: Downtown Baraboo

Discover the Spirit of Christmas in Downtown Baraboo, Wisconsin

Make the season something the whole family remembers. Plan a holiday getaway with the kids. Meet Santa, ride in a Christmas wagon, and see the lights glow on the square.

Bring the whole crew to Downtown Baraboo, Wisconsin for a holiday getaway. Starting the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Santa visits and horse-drawn wagon rides run Saturdays from 11 AM to 2 PM through December 19. Spend Saturday with Santa and the wagon, then take a slower Sunday for coffee, toy and gift shopping, and a relaxed lunch before you head home.

Day One: Saturday Fun with Santa

9 AM: Start the morning with coffee and breakfast at Powerline Coffee Co.
10 AM: Head to Just Imagine Toys to find the perfect toys and gifts for the little ones.
11 AM: Meet Santa at Visits with Santa at the Al Ringling Theatre. Visits run 11 AM to 2 PM on Saturdays Thanksgiving through Dec 19.
12 PM: Enjoy lunch at The Relish Tray Bistro & Speakeasy.
1 PM: Ride the horse-drawn wagon around the square past the storefronts. Rides run 11 AM to 2 PM on Saturdays Thanksgiving through Dec 19.
2 PM: Shop for kids’ gifts and fun finds at Bekah Kate’s Kitchen, Kids & Home and Recycled Sally’s Maternity & Kids Consignment.
3 PM: Warm up with a hot drink at Press Coffeehouse and pick up a pound of coffee to take home.
5 PM: Stroll the Light Up the Square lights display on the courthouse lawn, lit nightly from 5 to 10 PM. Book a family photo session with Karmen Lindner Photography ahead of your visit for a keepsake everyone will treasure.
6 PM: Enjoy dinner at Little Village Cafe, where there’s something for everyone.
7 PM: Finish the evening with holiday cookies from Neat-O’s Bake Shoppe for the short drive to your lodging accomodations.

Light installations by the Baraboo Sauk County Courthouse. A Christmas tree, ornament and arches, all made with Christmas Lights.

Day Two: Sunday Coffee, Shopping & Sweet Treats

9 AM: Start the morning with pastries and coffee at Munay Pastry Shop & Cafe.
10 AM: Browse The Village Booksmith for a cozy holiday read to share on the drive home.
11 AM: Make time for a family outing at DEZ Tactical Arms, Inc. Check their family options and age requirements before you go.
12:30 PM: Enjoy a relaxed lunch at Baraboo Burger Company.
1:30 PM: Explore Countryside ReFind for holiday decor and home finds for the grown-ups on your list.
2:15 PM: Browse Angels and Arrows Boutique and Etcetera by BLH for seasonal fashion and accessories.
2:45 PM: Stop at Amber Moon and Eye of the Beholder for unique gifts and florals.
3:15 PM: Pick up a gift with a little sparkle at The Jewelers Edge.
3:30 PM: Take a coffee break at Coffee Bean Connection before you wrap up.
4 PM: Grab sweet treats for the road at Sweets on Third.

Snap a photo of your getaway and share it with us. Tag @downtownbaraboo on social media. #downtownbaraboo

If you want an extra-special weekend, plan your getaway for December 11 or 12 to attend the Very Merry Holiday Fair! Browse artisan gifts and handmade treasures at the Baraboo Arts Building, 323 Water Street, Baraboo, WI. The 2026 fair takes place Friday, December 11, noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday, December 12, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with free admission.

Choose Your Family’s Home Base

Baraboo, Wisconsin has lodging options for every family, from roomy cabins to historic bed & breakfasts and hotels with easy access to downtown. Click on a photo below to learn more about each one.