This Midwestern City Between Chicago And Green Bay Is A Beautiful Winter Wonderland

With a nearly perfectly preserved historic downtown district, there's a small city in the Midwest that may feel like you've stepped onto the set of your favorite holiday film: Cedarburg, Wisconsin. A destination that hosts events throughout the winter — long after the holidays have packed up for the season — this small city is located just two hours north of Chicago, Illinois — named the most beautiful city in the world by a recent study — and roughly 100 miles south of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Better yet, it sits along Lake Michigan's western shore, making it an easy-to-access destination any time of year.

However, it's the winter months that really seem to bring this historic city to life. In fact, Cedarburg hosts a charming winter festival every February that brings vendors, special community games and activities, and food-focused events to its historic streets. And it's all part of a much larger, ongoing cycle of events that celebrates the city's cultural heritage, community, and the arts.

Founded in the early 1840s by Irish and German immigrants, several of Cedarburg's original buildings still stand today, and the city continues to celebrate its history through preservation efforts, museums, and events. While the city itself is decidedly small — it's home to just over 13,000 residents — there's no denying that the destination has transformed itself into a tourist attraction.

Home to many iconic tourist destinations that you shouldn't miss, Wisconsin often offers far more than visitors expect, and Cedarburg is certainly doing its part to showcase that appeal. Beginning in late November, the town kicks off the holiday celebrations with its traditional Luminaries and Trolley Rides. The free Friday-evening trolley transports riders through the historic downtown, highlighting the holiday displays and luminaries that twinkle amid the rush of the shopping season.

Similarly, A Cedarburg Christmas — a yearly celebration in the city — highlights the many shops, merchants, and artisans who call the snowy location home. Fairs, events, exhibits, and fundraisers celebrate the season, encouraging the community to shop local and support their neighbors. However, the winter wonderland vibe that defines the holidays remains long after the calendar flips to the new year.

February's annual Winter Festival not only continues the tradition of spotlighting local merchants, but it also brings one of the most-loved traditions to the city's street: Bed Races. This crowd-pleasing event involves teams racing creatively decorated beds, which are pushed at full speed through the street in a celebration of humor, creativity, and hometown pride. That said, if bed races aren't your thing, stick around for the ice sculpture carving contest or dog sled pull, both of which are open to anyone interested in participating.

Because of its preservation, Cedarburg's downtown remains a quaint and beautiful place to explore no matter the time of year. And once the winter festival wraps up and the last sip of hot cocoa is consumed during the Valentine's Day Cocoa Crawl, Cedarburg continues to attract visitors with its many events and festivals.

In the summer, Cedarburg hosts its annual Strawberry Festival in June, complete with music and strawberry-themed vendors and treats. In the fall, the Cedarburg Wine and Harvest Festival celebrates the season with vendors, music, and foods dedicated to the harvest season. Meanwhile, the annual Oktoberfest returns every October, highlighting Cedarburg's German heritage with beer tents, bratwursts, and plenty of German-themed entertainment.

A true year-round destination, getting to Cedarburg is easiest through Green Bay's Austin Straubel International Airport, located about a 90-minute drive from the city's historic downtown. For those looking to spend more than an afternoon in Cedarburg, the downtown area is home to motels, bed and breakfasts, and inns that make finding accommodations easy. Alternatively, a range of larger hotel chains is also available to provide visitors with a comfortable place to rest their heads in this historic city. Once you're ready to keep exploring, hop in your car and head south on a quick 5-mile journey to Thiensville, a charming Midwest village brimming with nature trails and architectural charm.