All you can eat buffet!
Spend a festive morning in Wausau with Santa photos, hands-on crafts, and short sleigh rides. This compact, family-friendly brunch is a great half-day stop for visitors and locals looking for approachable holiday fun.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Low — suitable for families, seniors, and small children; involves short walks and standing for photos.
Wildlife
History
Wausau has a strong tradition of community winter events and holiday markets that bring neighbors together each season.
Conservation
Bring reusable drinkware when possible, dispose of waste in designated bins, and stick to marked paths to protect grounds and planted areas.
Willow Springs Garden
All you can eat buffet!
Willow Springs Garden in Wausau, Wisconsin, operates as an event venue and agritourism destination offering a range of seasonal experiences and family activities. The site hosts themed gatherings such as the Alice In Wonderland Tea Party in the Walnut Grove, where guests enjoy Wonderland-themed treats and costumed characters; reservations are required for that event. The property includes a vineyard and a historic Round Barn used during events like Dinner in the Vineyard 2025, which features a welcome cocktail, wagon ride, vineyard views, and a dinner paired with wine under lights. Visitors can join a vineyard tour led by a viticulturist during experiences like Ribs, Wine, & Barleyfest, which also includes beer tastings, a buffet with BBQ ribs and brisket, and live music. Willow Springs Garden programs a variety of family-oriented activities such as Children’s Stick Pony Rodeo Races on June 29 for ages 2–12, with stick ponies provided or allowed from home and ribbon awards announced by an MC. Other seasonal offerings include an Old Fashioned Charcoal Chicken Dinner at the Barn, an Elvis Christmas Concert at the museum with holiday displays and cookie baking, and competitive community events like Pizza and Puzzles with team puzzle challenges and a pizza buffet (registration before November 1).
Events are ticketed and scheduled seasonally; visitors should check event listings and reservation requirements before attending.
Location
Wausau, WI
Central Wisconsin event venue
Experiences
7 unique events
Family and adult seasonal events
Next Event
June 29
Children's Stick Pony Rodeo Races date
Reservation Note
Required for some events
Check listings for ticketing rules
Check event dates, ticketing, and reservation details to secure seats for upcoming tea parties, vineyard dinners, family rodeos, and concerts.
Arrive early for photos
Santa pictures run 10:00–12:00; arriving early shortens your wait and gets the best light for portraits.
Bring small bills for extras
Craft stations and sleigh rides are pay-as-you-go—carry cash or cards to avoid lines.
Dress in layers
Wausau mornings can be cold; layered clothing keeps kids comfortable between indoor buffet areas and outdoor activities.
Check parking and accessibility
Parking is usually nearby but can fill; review the event referral page for on-site access and mobility accommodations.
Warm jacket
Keeps you comfortable during outdoor sleigh rides and when moving between activity areas.
winter
Waterproof boots
Useful if snow or slush is present on paths and the lawn.
winter
Camera or smartphone
Capture Santa photos, candid craft moments, and sleigh-ride action.
Small bills or card
On-site crafts and sleigh rides require separate payment; small denominations speed transactions.