The annual Tree Festival, Santa Cruise run through Jan. 4
You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout … Santa Cause is coming to town. The 4th Annual Santa Cause Tree Festival began last night Friday and runs through Jan. 4 and is held during the Santa Cruise event at Gage Marine in Williams Bay.
Santa Cause is a super charity that supports existing charities in Walworth County, referred to as the “Charities of Christmas.”
Those charities consist of: Boys & Girls Club of Walworth County, Norman Barr Camp, Water Safety Patrol, Agape Home and School, Circle of Friends, Dan Green’s Touch a Life, Heal a Heart, Inc., Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Wisconsin, and Tree House Child and Family Center.
Each charity creates a themed winter wonderland by first decorating a Christmas tree. They surround their tree with an abundance of marvelous prizes, all based on their selected theme.
When visitors attend the “Tree Festival” they can purchase raffle tickets to enter into any of the Charities of Christmas raffle boxes. They have a chance to win the grand prize and/or many other prizes (last year’s prizes included a trip to Hawaii, Florida, a moped, large screen TV and more). One hundred percent of the Tree Festival proceeds go directly to the charities.
Santa Cause and the Charities of Christmas also host Freezin’ for a Reason, a fun-filled day that includes winter watersports, food and beverage specials, raffles, and an auction. This year it’ll be held on Dec. 7 at Gage Marines Winter Harbor in Williams Bay.
Christmas cruise
Another way to support Santa Cause is by embarking on a magical Christmas boat cruise to Santa’s Hideaway.
Along the 40-minute lake tour, guests will be enchanted by lighted displays provided by Gage Marine.
From the boat, sneak a peek at the shoreline to see Santa’s Hideaway and Santa himself as he reads the names of the children on board who are on his nice list.
A cash bar with adult and children’s beverages and snacks are available.
The Santa Cruise departs from Winter Harbor in Williams Bay, 1 Leichty Dr. and operates seven days a week from the day after Thanksgiving until Jan. 4 beginning at 4:30 p.m. Guests are advised to allow additional time for parking.
Regular rates, Dec. 1-6, 8-13, 15-19 and Jan. 1-4 are $25, adults, $23, seniors, $15 children (no charge for infants.) Prime time rates are in effect Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14, 20-23 and 26-31 are $29, adults, $27, seniors and $19, children.
Note that the office will be closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1 but tickets can be booked online anytime at santacruiselakegeneva.com.
For more information about Santa Cruise call 262-248-6206.
For more information about Santa Cause and the Charities of Christmas, visit santacauses.org.
