As you put away the lawn chairs and outdoor toys and opt to move indoors with loved ones, consider these ten family gathering experiences in Whitewater, WI. From cozy places to warm treats and festive events, you’ll create pre-holiday memories you’ll always cherish!

See A Live Performance!

November - January
Young Auditorium
930 W Main St, Whitewater

Everyone loves to cozy up in a theater to catch a live performance! From live music to theater acts, you'll enjoy warm entertainment in Whitewater’s state-of-the-art performing arts venue, Young Auditorium.

Attend Whitewater’s 2nd Annual Shop Small Holiday Market

Jumpstart your holiday shopping with unique gifts from local vendors and businesses. Enjoy live music, have a s'more at Blitzen's Bonfire, let the kiddos write a letter to Santa and do crafts in the Little Elves Workshop & Play Area, eat good food from food trucks, enjoy hot cocoa or mulled wine in the Gumdrop Glogg Garden, and ring in the holiday season with a Santa Meet & Greet and carriage rides downtown!

Create Stained Glass Snowflakes, Snow Globes, & Wreaths

November-December on various days
The Vinery
218 Elkhorn Rd, Whitewater
Fee: $40-$150 depending on materials needed

What’s more cozy than gathering together and making something seasonal/festive? Create blown ornaments, fused glass pieces of all kinds, and mosaics at Whitewater’s very own stained glass studio, The Vinery. An experience that leaves you with a memento!

Check Out An Art Exhibit

Whitewater Arts Alliance
November-December 18th, 2022
Cultural Arts Center
402 West Main St, Whitewater
FREE

From mosaics to paintings and collage to photography, there’s a little something in the Whitewater Arts Alliance Member Show for everyone. Held in the quaint, historic Cultural Arts Center, you’ll enjoy the space as much as the exhibit! Be sure to vote for your favorite pieces!

Enjoy Hot Cocoa

📸: The Sweet Spot Cafe

Sweet Spot Bakehouse
1185 W Main St, Whitewater

Have the family warm up with a mug of hot cocoa in hand at Sweet Spot Bakehouse. Get cakesicles and have a dunking party. Hot cocoa’s more fun with more treats!

Go Sledding

“Killer Hill”
Trippe Lake Park
407 S Wisconsin St, Whitewater
FREE

This one may not be indoors, but it’s a thrilling gathering experience for outdoor/snow loving families. Not only does “Killer Hill” drop 823 ft., it offers a Sled Shed! Take a sled, leave a sled thanks to Whitewater Parks & Rec. Think snow, cozy up in your winter gear, and put this at the top of your list!

Curl Up & Read

The Book Teller
T-Fri: 11-6p & Sat: 10-5p
171 W Main St, Whitewater
FREE

Cozy up in a big comfy chair with the kiddos and read some good books, aloud or together silently in this beloved, historic bank turned bookstore. Let the kids wander into the old vault while you enjoy shopping for gifts from local artisans!

Go for a Swim/Soak

The Whitewater Aquatic Center
580 S. Elizabeth St, Whitewater
Mon-Fri: 6a-9p, Sat: 7a-4:30p
Fee: Whitewater Resident Day Pass: $8/person, Non-Resident Day Pass: $10/person

Enjoy a little taste of summer by going swimming with the fam…indoors! With a lazy river, water slide, whirlpool, and play structure, the Whitewater Aquatic Center is a fun gathering spot for the active family. Reserve times to use the amenities or come during Open Swim.

Catch a Movie

Whitewater Cinemas
151 East Pearson Lane, Whitewater
Showtimes vary
Fee: $8

There’s no greater family gathering experience than cozying up for a movie, especially on the big screen at one of few remaining hometown theaters! Fill everyone’s arms with bags of the best popcorn around, some classic movie snacks, and drinks of choice and settle in for a few hours of entertainment. And if you want to take the movie theater experience to your house, order all your favorite goodies to go! Peep the theater experience here.

Indulge in Mac & Cheese Mondays

841 Brewhouse
841 E Milwaukee St, Whitewater

Warm up the insides with stick to your ribs goodness at 841 Brewhouse. Take the family out for Mac & Cheese Mondays and choose one of three combos they’ve created, new each week! What kiddo doesn’t like mac & cheese?! And what adult doesn’t like Shrimp Alfredo? Or Chicken Spinach Ravioli? We’re not drooling, you are.