Candlelight & Moonlight Snowshoe, Ski, and Hike Events 2026
Enjoy an evening hike, snowshoe, or ski along a trail lit by the flickering flames of candles or lanterns, or by the glow of a winter moon. It’s a great time to spend with your sweetie and/or family or heck, bring everyone.
Events are scheduled in January and February 2026.
……Please note we’ll post events on the calendar as they come available!!!
2026 Candlelight Snowshoe, Ski, & Hike Events
Updated 12/4/25
1000 Islands Nature Center
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Silent Night Hike
Description
Embark on a self-guided journey through a mesmerizing winter wonderland along our illuminated boardwalk. Lace up your hiking boots and join us for an evening that promises to be a delightful blend of adventure and tranquility. Enjoy hot chocolate and snacks—donations are appreciated. FREE
Location
Bubolz Nature Preserve
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Candlelight Hike
December 19th, 2025 | 5:00-8:00 pm
Join us from 5-8pm to enjoy the Winter Solstice! The shortest day of the year, and the longest night, is traditionally seen as a sign of light and renewal before the days begin to slowly start extending their daylight hours.
A self-guided hike, lit by luminaires on both sides of the trail decorated by the community will kick off the Holiday season and start of the new year.
This event is listed as a hike, however is weather dependent. Snowshoes and skiis will be available to rent for a fee if snow allows (a 6 inch of snow is required in order to rent equipment).
S’mores and Hot Chocolate will also be available at the start of the trail for $1.00 each, where you can warm up next to a fire.
The trail used for this hike is approximately 1.5 miles in length, and takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to walk. Please allow enough time to complete the trail prior to 8pm. Luminaires will be blown out and picked up promptly after 8pm.
If you have any questions regarding this event, please call our building or email Rhiley Mulder at Public.programs@bubolzpreserve.org
There are no refunds for cancellations; substitutes are permitted. Refunds will be issued for programs cancelled by Bubolz due to low registration.
Location
- 4815 N Lynndale Dr, Appleton, WI 54913
Mirror Lake State Park
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Candlelight Ski, Hike & Snowshoe
Description
Along with the Friends of Mirror Lake, Mirror Lake State Park will be hosting this fun-filled, family-friendly event at the beach picnic area. They will have two easy 1-mile trails lit by torches; one for cross-country skiers and the other for all to enjoy. Sleds are welcome on the hiking/snowshoeing trail.
The Friends will have refreshments to enjoy around the roaring bonfire when you are not out enjoying the trails.
A vehicle admission pass is required and will be available for purchase on the day of the event.
Location
Rib Mountain State Park
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Candlelight Snowshoe Hike
Description
The Friends of Rib Mountain State Park invite the public to explore Rib Mountain State Park on snowshoes! They will have hot chocolate, hot cider, and special goodies, as well as marshmallows to roast around the campfire. Start your hike at the Friends Gathering Space, just past the Park office. Some snowshoes are available to borrow, but we suggest you bring your own snowshoes if you have them. Flashlights and headlamps are suggested. Donations to cover costs are welcome. A park annual or daily admission sticker is required. For more information or if the weather is questionable, check the Friends of Rib Mountain Facebook Page [exit DNR].
This event is weather-dependent.
Group/Program Hosting: Friends of Rib Mountain State Park
Event Location: Rib Mountain State Park Friends Gathering Space 149801 State Park Rd., Wausau, WI
Event Contact: 715-680-9480
Contact
Phone: tel:+1-715-680-9480
Location
Kettle Moraine State Park-Southern Unit
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Candlelight Hike & Ski
Description
Join us for a magical evening of Candlelit recreation: Forest & trails glowing with 450 candle luminaries. Bonfire & charcoal available for cookout. Chili & hot chocolate available for purchase (all sales benefit the Friends of Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit). Leashed dogs welcome on ski trails, tonight only. No skate skiing or skijoring.
This event is weather-dependent.
Group/Program Hosting: Friends of Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit
Event Location: Nordic Skiing & Hiking Trails N9084 County Hwy H Whitewater, WI 53119
Event Contact: Amanda Kutka, Amanda.Kutka@wisconsin.gov, 262-594-6200
Location
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit
Bubolz Nature Preserve
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Candlelight Hike & Ski
Come out anytime between 5:00 – 7:00 pm to snowshoe our 1 mile illuminated snowshoe trail or cross country ski our 1.5 mile illuminated White Cedar Trail.
This event may be modified to a hike if there is a lack of snow.
There is no pre-registration for this event. Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe rental prices are listed below. They are on a first come serve basis. If you have your own equipment, there is a $5 trail fee.
CROSS COUNTRY SKI RENTAL
Non-members: $20
Members: $15
*Price includes equipment and trail fee
SNOWSHOE RENTAL
Non-members: $10
Members: $5
*Price includes equipment and trail fee
IF THIS EVENT IS CONVERTED TO A HIKE:
Members and Non-members: $5
ADD ONS:
Hot chocolate: $1
S’mores: $1
Location
- 4815 N Lynndale Dr, Appleton, WI 54913
Lake Wissota State Park
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Candlelight Event
Description
Join Wissota State Park at the Lake Wissota State Park Boat Landing Trail head for an evening of outdoor recreation. They plan to have two candlelit trails to enjoy. One trail is to be groomed for skiing, and a separate candlelit trail will be maintained for hiking and snowshoeing. The Friends of Lake Wissota State Park will be taking donations for hot drinks. Campfires will be provided and can be used for cooking if you bring your own provisions for hot dogs or s’mores. State Park vehicle admission is required and may be purchased at the park or online. Please, no pets.
This event is weather-dependent.
Group/Program Hosting: Friends of Lake Wissota
Event Location: Lake Wissota State Park: Boat Landing Lot Trailhead
Event Contact: Nathan Fries, Nathan.Fries@wisconsin.gov, 715-382-4574
Mirror Lake State Park
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Candlelight Ski, Hike & Snowshoe
Description
Along with the Friends of Mirror Lake, Mirror Lake Sate Park will be hosting this fun-filled, family-friendly event at the beach picnic area. They will have two easy 1-mile trails lit by torches; one for cross-country skiers and the other for all to enjoy. Sleds are welcome on the hiking/snowshoeing trail.
The Friends will have refreshments to enjoy around the roaring bonfire when you are not out enjoying the trails.
A vehicle admission pass is required and will be available for purchase on the day of the event.
Location
Newport State Park
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Candlelight Ski (Hike/Snowshoe)
Description
Carrying on the tradition, Newport State Park will hold its 36th Annual Candlelight Ski/Hike/Snowshoe event. Trails will come alive by candlelight, guiding skiers, hikers, and snowshoers into a glowing, magical winter wonderland. After the hike, join us at the shelter building for a warm fire, hot cocoa and cookies. Starts at Lot 3. The candlelight ski/hike/snowshoe event will be held with or without adequate skiing snow.
This event is weather-dependent. Only extreme (cold) temperatures or unsafe trail conditions would cancel the event.
Group/Program Hosting: Newport State Park
Event Location: Newport State Park 475 County Road NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210
Event Contact: Beth Bartoli, beth.bartoli@wisconsin.gov, 920-854-2500
Location
Governor Thompson State Park
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Candlelight Hike & Ski
Description
Join Governor Thompson State Park for a fun evening for the annual Candlelight Hike & Ski event! The Otter Trail will be rolled and groomed for hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. The 1-mile loop by Woods Lake, known as the Otter Trail, will be lit with candles to guide your way. The Friends of Governor Thompson State Park will provide hot chocolate and some baked goods. There will be warming fires inside and outside of the shelter. The event will take place regardless of the weather, so dress accordingly. Parking is available at Woods Lake Day Use Area.
This event will be held rain or shine.
Group/Program Hosting: Friends of Governor Thompson State Park
Event Location: Governor Thompson State Park, N10008 Paust Lane, Crivitz, WI 54114
Event Contact: Kyle Marinoff, Kyle.Marinoff@wisconsin.gov, 715-757-3979
Location
Rib Mountain State Park
–
Candlelight Snowshoe Hike
Description
The Friends of Rib Mountain State Park invite the public to explore Rib Mountain State Park on snowshoes! They will have hot chocolate, hot cider, and special goodies, as well as marshmallows to roast around the campfire. Start your hike at the Friends Gathering Space, just past the Park office. Some snowshoes are available to borrow, but we suggest you bring your own snowshoes if you have them. Flashlights and headlamps are suggested. Donations to cover costs are welcome. A park annual or daily admission sticker is required. For more information or if the weather is questionable, check the Friends of Rib Mountain Facebook Page [exit DNR].
This event is weather-dependent.
Group/Program Hosting: Friends of Rib Mountain State Park
Event Location: Rib Mountain State Park Friends Gathering Space 149801 State Park Rd., Wausau, WI
Event Contact: 715-680-9480
Contact
Phone: tel:+1-715-680-9480
Location
Bubolz Nature Preserve
–
Candlelight Hike & Ski
Come out anytime between 5:00 – 7:00 pm to snowshoe our 1 mile illuminated snowshoe trail or cross country ski our 1.5 mile illuminated White Cedar Trail.
This event may be modified to a hike if there is a lack of snow.
There is no pre-registration for this event. Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe rental prices are listed below. They are on a first come serve basis. If you have your own equipment, there is a $5 trail fee.
CROSS COUNTRY SKI RENTAL
Non-members: $20
Members: $15
*Price includes equipment and trail fee
SNOWSHOE RENTAL
Non-members: $10
Members: $5
*Price includes equipment and trail fee
IF THIS EVENT IS CONVERTED TO A HIKE:
Members and Non-members: $5
ADD ONS:
Hot chocolate: $1
S’mores: $1
Location
- 4815 N Lynndale Dr, Appleton, WI 54913
