4 Winter Dates to Mark in Your Calendar

The most-asked question this time of year is: What do you do here in the winter?

As those who choose (and yes, it is a choice) to stay in Door County through the winter can attest, the list is actually pretty long. Here are four answers to that question and four dates to mark on your calendar:

1. Polar Bear Plunge, Jacksonport: This annual event takes place at Lakeside Park in Jacksonport, New Years Day. Ring in 2012 with a refreshing dip in Lake Michigan’s wintery waters. Registration starts at 10:30 am. Not up for a dip? Watch and cheer the “polar bears” as they bravely splash into the frosty waves. Call 920.823.2288 for more information.

2. Annual Candlelight Ski, Whitefish Dunes State Park: On Jan. 28 the Friends of Whitefish Dunes host an evening ski, followed by hot beverages and cookies. Just a short, 2.5 to 3-mile loop, this easy ski provides a unique opportunity to experience the park at night. Don’t miss this fabulous event. Visit http://www.friendsofwhitefishdunes.org or call 920.823.2400 for more information.

3. Winter Festival, Fish Creek: Join the fun Feb. 3 – 5 in downtown Fish Creek. Music, food, beverages and games abound. Activities include: ice bowling, toilet seat tossing, human foosball, and a fruit loop race. For more information visit http://www.visitfishcreek.com or call 800.557.1880.

4. Fire and Ice, Sturgeon Bay: This citywide festival takes place Feb. 17 – 19 and features novice and professional ice carvings. In the evening, Stone Harbor Resort hosts dinner, dancing and a silent auction to benefit the Sturgeon Bay Visitor Center. Call 920.743.6246 for more information.