Looking for a unique holiday activity with the family? Head to Yerkes Observatory in Lake Geneva to see the World’s Tallest Glass Tree, a 36-foot glowing creation featured at the annual festival. For one more weekend (December 12-14), the Observatory grounds transform into a festive village with live music, firelight, art, and family activities. And every ticket now includes access inside the big dome to stand beneath the world’s largest refracting telescope at the birthplace of modern astrophysics. Seeing Yerkes Observatory in a whole new light makes for an unforgettable holiday outing.

Disclosure: Our family was provided complimentary tickets for review purposes. I was not required to express a particular point of view, and all opinions are my own. Some links may be affiliate links. See disclosure policy here.

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Getting Started at World’s Tallest Glass Tree

Find plenty of free parking at Williams Bay School (500 W. Geneva St.), then hop aboard the heated trolley for a quick, festive ride to the Observatory. Trolleys run every few minutes, making it super easy to come and go. Riding the trolley is such a fun way to kick off your adventure!

Note: On-site parking is reserved for VIP ticket holders only.

Watch them build the tree

The highlight, of course, is watching the tree come to life. Glassblowers heat the tip of an iron rod to 2,000 degrees, gather molten glass, and drizzle it onto a spinning steel frame. It’s quite amazing to see it slowly being built!

Each year the tree gets a brand-new hue. This year’s shade is auburn, though right now it shimmers like gold. I can’t wait to see how the final masterpiece turns out.

For an extra add-on experience, visitors can splurge for Glass Experience and actually add on to the tree. So cool!

Browse the Winter Market

Need a break from the cold? Step into the heated Winter Market Tent! Sip on a beer or wine while wandering through booths filled with talented local makers and stunning glass ornaments (including pieces made from last year’s glass -so cool!).

Kids can keep busy and work on crafts, and adults won’t miss a minute of football thanks to the TV inside. It’s the ultimate warm-up spot.

Warm up by the fire

There are lots of firepits throughout the grounds, including a very cute fireplace!

See the refractor telescope

Another very cool feature is that you can actually step inside Yerkes Observatory to see the impressive telescope up close. The gift shop is also open and stocked with thoughtful, science-themed gifts – perfect for the astronomy lover in your life.

Other fun activities

If you’re craving snacks, they have local favorites such as Magpie’s Den & Pen food truck, along with coffee and hot chocolate huts. The kids loved customizing their own hot chocolate creation.
Watch crafters at work: chainsaw sculptors and glass art demonstrations

Live music nightly in the Lounge from 4–7 p.m.

Final Thoughts of World’s Tallest Glass Tree

It really is such a fun and unique holiday outing. We loved it, and I’d absolutely recommend going!

Tips:

Plan your visit for later in the afternoon so you can enjoy the glass tree in both daylight and at dusk. It’s absolutely magical to see it glow as the sun sets.
If your kids love snow, bring the snow pants! There’s plenty of open space for them to play.
Don’t forget to mark your calendars: the star topping takes place on Sunday, December 14 at 4 PM. You won’t want to miss it!

Nitty Gritty:

Website: https://worldstallestglasstree.com/
Where: Yerkes Observatory, 373 W Geneva St Williams Bay
When: Friday, December 12 – 4 to 7 p.m., Saturday, December 13 – 12 to 7 p.m., Sunday, December 14 – 12 to 7 p.m.; Star Topping Ceremony: Sunday, December 14 at 4 p.m.
Tickets: $20 for ages 13 and up; $30 for a multi-day pass good for all six festival days (non-transferable); $150 VIP 4-Pack, which includes on-site parking at Yerkes, four admission tickets, four glass-adding experience passes, and a $5 coupon for the Mack Glass retail shop in the tent; All additional glass-adding experiences are sold on-site only.

All tickets include entry to the festival grounds and the Yerkes Observatory’s open house experience. Kids ages 12 and under are free! (Please reserve all children’s tickets online to help organizers plan accordingly.)