LAKE GENEVA, WI (November 1, 2013) – Holidays at the AAA Four-Diamond Grand Geneva Resort & Spa and sister property, Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark, are more than memorable with an array of resort packages and special events – perfect for the whole family.
Kicking off November 24th with an “Illumination Ceremony” of more than two million lights, Grand Geneva welcomes locals and guests alike to share in the festive spirit. The evening will be filled with holiday cookies, hot apple cider and live music and will conclude with a grand fireworks display. Guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy or article of clothing to benefit Toys for Kids. For those wishing to stay overnight, a special rate of $99 will be offered Sunday, November 24th. Children who stay overnight can also enter to be chosen as Santa’s helper for the night, which would include flipping the switch to turn on the two million lights throughout the property with Santa.
Following the Illumination Ceremony, guests and locals will enjoy five weeks of Grand Geneva’s “Christmas in the Country” event. The resort’s annual holiday festival features singing, dancing and favorite holiday memories brought to life.
This year’s event includes the addition of a brand new musical, “Thomas & Friends: A Holiday Adventure.” The family-friendly show brings Thomas and his engineers to life and each ticket will also include a special Thomas & Friends gift. The show will be available at 9 a.m. on select dates. Adult tickets are $15 and children’s (14 & under) are $10. The show is also offered as a package with breakfast for $30 for adults and $25 for children 14 and under.
Also new this year is “A Christmas Portrait”– a musical adventure reminding you of your first sleigh ride, favorite holiday gift and cherished family memories. Adult tickets are $30 and $20 for children 14 and under. Show times and dates vary.
The full holiday event lineup includes:
- Story Time Aboard the Polar Express – Grab your coat and jump aboard the Grand Geneva Trolley as the world of the Polar Express comes to life. Let your belief in Christmas magic be rekindled as riders hear the conductor’s story of the thrilling trip to the North Pole. Saturdays at 11 a.m, November 30-December 28. Reservation required. Free to guests.
- Hall of Trees – Get in the spirit of the season with this elaborate display of Christmas trees decorated by 40 United Way supported agencies of Walworth County. Vote for your favorite tree by trimming it with a cash donation. Grand Geneva Resort & Spa will match all donations up to a total of $5,000. Hours vary.
- Gingerbread House Display – Area residents, amateur and professional, can display their masterpieces in adult or child categories just outside Ristoranté Brissago. Or, let your creative spirit soar as you create your own gingerbread house on Saturdays at 1 p.m. Price is $10 and reservations are required.
- Classic Holiday Tale – Every Friday evening at 8:30 p.m. in the lobby, Jacob Marley brings “A Christmas Carol” to life. Pajamas and slippers recommended.
- Brunch with Santa – Every Sunday from December 1st – 22nd Santa will be at the Geneva Chophouse Sunday Champagne Brunch. Don’t forget your wish list! For reservations, call (262) 249-4788.
- Meet Santa! – Santa will be in the lobby every weekend in December on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Elf Mail Run – Drop off your letters to Santa into our magical mailbox located in the main lobby. Then, join us daily at 4 p.m. as Santa’s helpers collect the mail to deliver it to the North Pole.
- Festive Holiday Tea – During this festive time of year, Grand Geneva will serve special afternoon holiday tea. Reserve a table and take a step back in time and tradition. Served daily from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. during December. Reservations required.
- Music to Your Ears – Relax with a holiday beverage and enjoy live entertainment in the Lobby Lounge.
- Grand Trolley Tour of Lights – This guided tour showcases all outdoor holiday decorations. The trolley tour runs daily at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7p.m. and 8 p.m. Reservations required, call (262) 248-8811.
- New Year’s Eve – Ring in the New Year in “Grand” style. Whether you choose to celebrate over a romantic meal in one of our restaurants, with a gathering of friends, or with your family, Grand Geneva offers a variety of packages and dining options.
For those seeking overnight packages, Grand Geneva’s Christmas in the Country package starts at $209 and includes: one night stay, two tickets to “A Christmas Portrait,” brunch, lunch or dinner in the Forum Theater before the show, the Trolley Tour of Lights and admission to the Festival of Trees and Gingerbread House display.
The Thomas & Friends: A Holiday Adventure package starts at $235 and includes: one night stay, four tickets to “Thomas & Friends: A Holiday Adventure,” a special gift for all four family members, breakfast in the Forum Theater before the show, the Trolley Tour of Lights, admission to the Festival of Trees and Gingerbread House display.
The Thomas & Friends: A Holiday Adventure package at Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark starts at $249 and includes: one night stay in a suite, four tickets to “Thomas & Friends: A Holiday Adventure,” breakfast before the show in the Forum Theater, a special gift for all four family members, four waterpark passes, the Trolley Tour of Lights, admission to the Festival of Trees display and Gingerbread House display.
The Grand Style NYE Celebration package starts at $675 and includes two nights in a deluxe guest room, dinner for two, admission to the Déjà vu Party in the Grand Ballroom, champagne toast, midnight balloon drop and party favors.
Hit the slopes with the NYE Hills and Thrills package, which starts at $675 for a family of four and includes a two-night stay in a deluxe guest room, four lift tickets, dinner buffet at the Ski Chalet, live entertainment at Timbers Bar & Grill and fireworks on the ski hill.
For more information or to reserve accommodations at the Grand Geneva, please call 800.558.3417 or visit www.GrandGeneva.com.
The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is owned and managed by Marcus Hotels & Resorts. The Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark is managed by Marcus Hotels & Resorts. For more information on the latest news and updates from Marcus Hotels & Resorts, please visit: https://www.marcushotels.com/.
About Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is an award-winning all-seasons resort set on 1,300 acres in the legendary southeastern Wisconsin community of Lake Geneva, just 90 minutes from Chicago and 50 minutes from Milwaukee. The property features 355 guest rooms; WELL Spa + Salon; two championship 18-hole golf courses; The Mountain Top, a three-chair/18-run ski and snowboard facility; 62,000 square feet of meeting and convention space and three restaurants. For more information, please visit www.grandgeneva.com and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
About Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark
The family-friendly Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark is located in the legendary southeastern Wisconsin community of Lake Geneva, just 90 minutes from Chicago and 50 minutes from Milwaukee. The property offers a collection of 225 expansive one and two-bedroom suites that are equipped with whirlpool baths, private balconies and spacious living rooms. Full kitchenettes, which boast full-sized refrigerators, stove-top burners, dishwashers and double sinks, provide complete comfort for families. The lodge also offers its signature 50,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor aquatic wonderland, Moose Mountain Falls – the area’s only Waterpark – as well as a 3,600-square-foot arcade, 3,500-square-foot ballroom and a family barbeque restaurant. For more information, please visit www.timberridgeresort.com and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
About Marcus Hotels & Resorts
Marcus Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), owns and/or manages 20 hotels, resorts and other properties in 11 states. A force in the hospitality industry, Marcus Hotels & Resorts provides expertise in management, development and historic renovations. The company’s portfolio includes a wide variety of properties including city-center meeting hotels, upscale resorts and branded first-class hotels. For more information on the latest news and updates, please visit: https://www.marcushotels.com/ and follow the company on Facebook and Twitter (@MarcusHotels).