CEDARBURG, Wis. (SPECTRUM NEWS) - Nestled along the Cedar Creek roughly 30 minutes north of Milwaukee in Ozaukee County, Cedarburg's history dates back to the 1840s.

"Cedarburg is a mill town," Maggie Dobson, Executive Director of Cedarburg's Chamber of Commerce told Spectrum News 1. "One of our notable buildings is the six-story grist mill which is just along Cedar Creek which is why we're called Cedarburg, obviously, and then The Cedar Creek Settlement which is the anchor of the historic area is another working mill. That was a working mill until the late '60s."

While the mills have been closed for decades now, downtown Cedarburg continues to thrive in this community of fewer than 12,000, thanks in part to its growing reputation as a Midwestern weekend getaway, especially this time of year.

"Christmas in Cedarburg is the most iconic time of Cedarburg's year," Dobson said. "We're beautiful all year but we're very lucky in that we can showcase our beautiful downtown at the holiday season. It's just a beautiful time to be in our area and we love to let people join us."

Up and down Washington Avenue, stores, bars and restaurants have their windows decorated as overnight guests duck in-and-out of the Washington House Inn or The Stagecoach Inn Bed & Breakfast.

Plus, the historic Rivoli Theater shows beloved holiday movies every night during its annual Holiday Film Festival.

"The whole historic district especially at Christmas is very notably transformed a bit," Dobson said. "Every Friday night, 800 to 1,000 luminaries line the street up and down, kind of lighting the way for shoppers. We have trolley rides that people can hop on from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Fridays, weather-permitting, [plus] beautiful lights-- storefronts really go all-out on their holiday decorations and it's just a lovely trip."

For more information Cedarburg and a full list of all their events throughout the holidays, visit their website.