The River Talks - Islands without Black Ash: Caring for Wetland Forests
2025-12-10 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | The Lake Superior Estuarium, 3 Marina Drive, Superior
On December 10, Kirsten Rhude, Stewardship Coordinator at the Lake Superior Reserve, will tell us about the changes happening in wetland forests:
Black ash trees are abundant along the St. Louis River Estuary and Lake Superior’s coast. However, the non-native emerald ash borer reached the region in 2013, threatening these trees and the habitat they provide. Come learn about the importance of these coastal wetlands and the restoration efforts to help steward wetland forests long into the future.
You may request an interpreter, materials in an alternative language or format, or other services to make this event more accessible, by contacting the Reserve at least 20 days before the event. There’s no added cost to you for these services.
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.

Shark Week
2025-12-11 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-12 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-13 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-14 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-15 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-16 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-17 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-18 09:00 - 17:00 and 2 more dates | Cave of the Mounds, 2975 Cave of the Mounds Rd., Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, 53517, United States
Shark Week is an exciting blend of geology and paleontology! Dive into the ancient past and discover the fascinating connection between the cave and the prehistoric oceans that once covered the region. During Shark Week, guests can participate in a fun activity: collecting real fossilized shark teeth throughout the tour. For just $3 per bag, visitors can search for these ancient treasures while exploring the stunning cave formations.
This family-friendly event is perfect for fossil enthusiasts, young adventurers, and anyone eager to learn more about Earth’s prehistoric past. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with history in the heart of one of Wisconsin’s natural wonders!

Festively Sweet: Holiday Cookie Decorating with Fern & Flour
2025-12-11 18:00 - 19:30 | Manitowoc Public Librray, 707 Quay Street, Manitowoc
Fern & Flour Bakery is a local gourmet bakery that offers expertly handcrafted desserts suited for any celebration. During this cookie decorating class taking place in Manitowoc Public Library’s Idea Box Makerspace on Thursday, December 11, from 6-7:30 PM, Fern & Flour’s owner, Stephanie Fulton, will guide participants through different piping techniques using Royal Icing to create 6 different delectable designs. Please bring a container with you to “Festively Delicious” for the safe transport of your cookies on their journey from MPL to your home. Registration is required and space is limited! Registration opens at 9 AM on Friday, November 28. Head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/festively-sweet starting at 9 AM on Black Friday to secure your spot! Please Note: You must be 18-years old or older to participate in this program.

Tales from the Taproom 5: A StorySlam for Adults (21+) at PetSkull Brewing Company
2025-12-11 18:00 - 20:00 | PetSkull Brewing Company, 1015 Buffalo Street, Manitowoc
It’s time for the final “Tales from the Taproom” of 2025! No props, no notes. Just five minutes and a true, personal, favorite story. It’s your last opportunity of the year to step-up to the microphone in Manitowoc’s premiere True Story Zone!
The theme for this year-end finale at PetSkull Brewing Company, sponsored by Seehafer News, from 6-8 PM on Thursday, December 11, is “Whoopsies!!!” Because sometimes even the best laid plans don’t exactly go according to, well, the plan. The only required element of whatever story you tell is that it has to be about a time where something didn’t quite work out the way you thought it would!
Since ‘Tis the Season, your story might be about a holiday gone wrong—Hannukah, Christmas, perhaps Groundhog Day. But, it certainly doesn’t have to. You could even tell the tale of a misadventure that turned out to be better than the original plan! And as this is an Adults-Only event, nothing is off limits—if you’re willing to tell it, it’s a story worth hearing.
You don’t have to come to “The Taproom” to tell a story—you can come to just listen, enjoy, and bask in the wonder of communal storytelling. However, should you want to step up to the mic to share a story that fits in with the evening’s theme, sign-up begins at 5:30 PM and we’ll fit in as many stories of life gloriously falling apart as possible during the allotted time. Five minutes may seem like a lot of time, but it goes by quickly. And we’ll have a timekeeper to keep you on-track.
We can’t wait to hear all about your whoopsie at the December installment of “Tales from the Taproom!”

Villa Louis Christmas Tea
2025-12-12 12:00 - 14:00, 2025-12-13 12:00 - 14:00, 2025-12-14 12:00 - 14:00 | Villa Louis, Villa Louis, 521 Villa Louis Rd, Prairie du Chien
Step Into 1893: Christmas Tea at Villa Louis
Celebrate the season with a timeless afternoon at Villa Louis. Begin with a formal tea service in the 1851 Brisbois Stone Warehouse—a National Historic Landmark—then follow your guide through the beautifully decorated 1871 mansion. As you move room to room, you’ll hear stories from the Dousman family’s 1893 Christmas.
Your tea ticket includes the guided house tour. Capacity is limited; advance tickets recommended.
What you’ll experience:
Guided tour of the decorated 1871 mansion (included)
Tea service with freshly baked sweet and savory bites in the 1851 Brisbois Stone Warehouse
A cozy, memorable holiday experience—perfect for gifting or gathering
Cost
$60/person
Society members receive a 10% discount
Advanced registration is required
About the Location
Villa Louis served as a comfortable and stylish country estate for three generations of the Dousman family—a family that built its fortune from early American frontier opportunities such as land and transportation investments. Hercules L. Dousman began development of the site during the 1840s on the banks of the Mississippi River in Prairie du Chien. The property has since expanded into a 25-acre complex complete with historic structures and archaeological remains that reference the early history of the site. Upon the death of Hercules in 1868, widow Jane Dousman and son H. Louis Dousman contracted Milwaukee architect E. Townsend Mix to build the stately mansion that now rests at the heart of the property. In addition to the new residence, H. Louis expanded the site to include a farm for breeding and racing horses. After Louis’ death, Nina Dousman raised their children at Villa Louis, and the property remained under family ownership until it was given to the City of Prairie du Chien in 1935. In 1950, Villa Louis became property of the Wisconsin Historical Society, and opened to the public in 1952.
Prior to Dousman ownership, Indigenous natives lived on the Villa Louis grounds over 2000 years ago. For centuries, Native Nations of the upper Mississippi gathered upon the island to trade among themselves until the fur trade brought French-speaking traders in contact with Indigenous tribesmen and women. The trade also attracted free Black settlers to Prairie du Chien. Additionally, officers and agents of the United States brought enslaved men and women to the prairie, some of whom lived at Fort Crawford and other structures that once stood on land that is now part of Villa Louis State Historic Site. Research and restorations continue to fully expand the story of these early residents and events.
Villa Louis Historic Site
(PO Box 65)
521 Villa Louis Road
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821-0065
Know Before You Go & Accessibility
Guests must be 13+ to attend.
The museum store is open daily during business hours.
Guests may exit and return throughout the day to explore the grounds.
Water is the only outside food/beverage allowed.
Beverages are available for purchase.
Restrooms and water fountains are available on site.
The site will remain open rain or shine. Guests are encouraged to wear good walking shoes and to dress for the weather.
No pets are allowed. Service animals are permitted.
ADA access is available in the first floor of the mansion, restrooms, and the fur trade building.
Because of the historic nature of the buildings, not all areas are ADA accessible.
Guests with additional mobility needs are encouraged to contact the site directly at 608-326-2721 or villalouis@wisconsinhistory.org.

Rudolph Country Christmas
2025-12-13 09:00 - 19:00 | Rudolph Country Christmas, 213200 State Hwy 97, Rudolph
Community Christmas event featuring 5k run, Christmas market, Drone show (new this year!), parade, petting zoo, horse-drawn wagon rides, Santa Visit, live music and much more. Full details with times located at link shared below.

Santa Cycle Rampage
2025-12-13 10:00 - 13:30 | Breese Stevens Field, 917 Mifflin St., Madison, 53703, United States
Get ready to roll into holiday magic! Join hundreds of Santas, Mrs. Claus, elves, reindeer, snowmen, the Grinch, dreidels, and more for a slow-rolling holiday parade on wheels. It’s part bike ride, part costume party, and all-out seasonal joy!
10:00 AM – Arrival at Breese Stevens Field
• Bike Jousting
• Slow Races
• Refreshments available at the Forward Club
10:30 AM – Parade of Costumes (prizes for winners!)
10:45 AM – Group photo on the field
11:00 AM – Group ride roll-out
12:30 PM – Return to Breese Stevens Field (Forward Club open for service)
1:30 PM – Event concludes
Your participation helps raise critical dollars to support youth bike education programs right here in Dane County—so every pedal stroke spreads cheer and makes a difference.
Ride Safe. Dress Festive. Embrace the Weather!
Rain, snow, or shine—we ride!

Holiday Movie Fest @ Manitowoc Public Library
2025-12-13 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-12-14 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Manitowoc Public Library, 707 Quay Street, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, 54220, United States
Get cozy at Manitowoc Public Library during the Holidays! Join us for our Holiday Movie Fest, featuring family favorites and festive classics on the Balkansky Community Room’s big screen.
Schedule:
• December 4, 6-8 PM: “Babes in Toyland (1960s Version), Rated G
• December 13, 11 AM-1 PM: “Scrooge,” Rated G
• December 14, 1-3 PM: “Prancer,” Rated G
• December 18, 6-8 PM: “Miracle on 34th Street” (1990s Version), Rated PG
• December 22, 11 AM-1 PM: “Unaccompanied Minors,” Rated PG
• December 29, 11 AM-1 PM: “Krampus.” Rated PG-13

Make It Merry: A Family & Friends Crafting Event
2025-12-13 13:00 - 16:00 | History Maker Space, 1 S Pinckney St, Madison, Wisconsin, 53703, United States
What holiday season is complete without making your own arts and crafts alongside family and friends? Join us for a special session and choose from several decorative mementos to make and take home! Want to make your very own miniature version of a famous Wisconsin Evergleam tree? Join in on paper cutting, folding and decorating as you work to craft your very own 3D snowflakes and stars, holiday banner or ornament—it’s fun for the whole family, and everyone’s invited.
While crafting, stop by Evergleam Dreams: A Vintage Holiday Display pop-up exhibit of holiday memorabilia for inspiration! As you create, enjoy some cider or hot cocoa, and a sweet treat. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to browse the History Maker Space gift shop and get further along on gift-giving for you and yours!
COST
Adult (18-64): $5
Teen (13-17) $5
Senior (65+): $5
Child (5-12): $5
Child Under 5: Free
Society members receive a 10% discount.
Advanced registration is required
Know Before You Go
General Information:
Although the program runs until 4 pm, participants are not required to stay the entire time. The length of the stay will be dependent upon how many decorations participants would like to make.
The Historical Society will provide all the supplies for the maker events. Participants just bring the creativity!
Attendees are encouraged to take home everything they craft.
The History Maker Space is located inside the U.S. Bank Plaza building (1 S. Pinckney Street, Madison, WI 53703)
The event will take place in the History Maker Space Classroom, located off the central 1st floor lobby area.
A limited amount of cider, cocoa, and cookies will be available for participants to enjoy.
Regarding Parking & Access:
Visitor parking is not available onsite at the U. S. Bank Plaza building.
Public parking is available within two blocks of the U.S. Bank Plaza building through meters and garages. The nearest parking garage is the Capitol Square North Garage, located at 218 E. Mifflin Street, and approximately two blocks north of the bank building.
For the locations and rates of public parking meters, go to the Parking Meters page on the City of Madison website.
When entering from the outside, please enter the building through the South Pinckney Street entrance.
Upon entry to the building, participants are to check in with a WHS staff member to confirm their event registration.
Attendees who are interested in learning more about the program are encouraged to contact Jenny Pederson at jennifer.pederson@wisconsinhistory.org or (608) 669-5160.

Make an Ornament at the CWSO's "A Danny Mitchell Holiday"
2025-12-13 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-12-14 15:00 - 17:00 | Sentry Theater, 1800 North Point Dr, Stevens Point, 54481, United States
Join WPR for a seasonal ornament-making project at the Sentry Theater at the CWSO’s “A Danny Mitchell Holiday.” We’ll be in the upper lobby of the Sentry Theater starting at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13 and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14. Our staff and WPR Ambassadors will help you assemble your very own music themed creation! Join us before the show, or during intermission.

Marathon County Historical Society presents Historic Holiday Homes of Wausau Tour
2025-12-14 13:00 - 16:00 | Yawkey House Museum & 6 Historic Homes, 403 McIndoe Street, Wausau
The Marathon County Historical Society is proud to announce the launch of a new community tradition, the Inaugural Historic Holiday Homes of Wausau Tour, taking place Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. This festive self-guided tour made possible by our sponsors, NorthStar Restoration Services and NorthStar Builds and invites the public inside some of Wausau’s most architecturally significant historic homes, beautifully decorated for the holiday season.
The tour is designed to celebrate Wausau’s rich architectural heritage while raising funds to support the Historical Society’s mission of preservation, education, and community engagement. Attendance will be limited to 200 guests to ensure an intimate and respectful experience within each home.
Featured Homes on the 2025 Tour
Visitors will enjoy holiday décor, history, and architectural beauty inside the following properties:
403 McIndoe Street, Yawkey House
1314 Grand Avenue, Henry Miller House
521 Grant Street, Hiram C. Stewart House
903 Franklin Street, William LaSelle House
512 Franklin Street, William Devoe House
604 Franklin Street, Lucia and John Ross House
507 McIndoe Street, Merritt Atwater House
“This inaugural tour brings together some of Wausau’s most iconic historic homes, each offering a unique glimpse into the city’s past,” said Blake Opal-Wahoske, Executive Director of the Marathon County Historical Society. “We are grateful to the homeowners who are opening their doors to help us build a meaningful new holiday tradition for our community.”
Guests will move from home to home at their own pace during the three-hour event. Each home will be staffed with trained docents and volunteers who will share the history and architectural significance of the property.
Tickets for the tour are $50 per person, with all proceeds benefiting the Marathon County Historical Society’s preservation efforts and educational programming.
The Marathon County Historical Society is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing the stories of Marathon County through exhibits, educational programs, archival stewardship, and community engagement. The organization operates the Woodson History Center and the historic Yawkey House Museum in Wausau.

Virtual Sparkle! The History of Aluminum Trees
2025-12-18 17:00 - 19:00 | Manitowoc Public Library, 707 Quay Street, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, 54220, United States
Aluminum Specialty’s dazzling Evergleam Aluminum Trees are still adding sparkle to the Holidays! Join your guides–aluminum tree enthusiast and champion of all things wonderfully wacky and tacky, Barb Bundy-Jost, and fellow Manitowoc Aluminum Kitsch-Mas Inc. devotee and Collector Extraordinaire, Jordan Kabat—at 5PM on Thursday, December 18, as they take you on a virtual stroll through the Enchanted Evergleam Forest at MPL. You’ll learn the story behind this Manitowoc company’s Atomic Age innovation and design. Insights, rarities, and interesting trivia on the glitzy wonder at every turn! As an added bonus, Evergleam aficionados from around the country will join Barb and Jordan virtually to share their sparkling treasures! A dazzling treat, to be sure! This Virtual Tour through the holiday razzle-dazzle will be livestreamed on Manitowoc Public Library’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/manitowoclibrary. Prepare to SPARKLE and be amazed!

Gleam & Glow: A 60s Holiday Celebration
2025-12-19 18:00 - 20:30 | History Maker Space, 1 S Pinckney St, Madison, Wisconsin, 53703, United States
Swing into the ’60s and get ready to celebrate with a hip holiday twist like no other—the Evergleam aluminum Christmas tree! Slide into your sharpest mid-century threads and step into a scene dripping with vintage vibes at the Wisconsin History Maker Space. This pop-up party is sure to be outta sight, complete with retro decorations, fab drinks and a seasonal historic cocktail, delicious nibbles, groovy tunes and a photo opportunity that’s pure gold for snapping your own piece of holiday history.
COST
Adult: $25
Teen: $15
Senior: $15
Child (5-11): $5
Children under 5: Free
Society members receive a 10% discount
Advanced registration is required
Know Before You Go
General Information:
Gleam & Glow: A 60s Holiday Celebration is an all-ages event.
The event will be taking place in the 1st floor lobby of the building as well as the adjacent History Maker Space Gift Shop.
Refreshments & Appetizers:
Purchase of an event ticket includes one complementary beverage – either alcoholic or non-alcoholic depending on the age of the attendee. Attendees must be a minimum of 21 years old with a valid ID to purchase and consume alcohol.
Additional beverages and drinks will be available for purchase.
Appetizers are included in the ticket price.
Building Access:
Access to the building, and therefore the History Maker Space, is through the South Pinckney Street (one of the streets of the Capitol Square) or the East Washington Avenue building entrances.
WHS personnel will be stationed at the above entrances to check-in guests and orient attendees to the event.
At the conclusion of the event, attendees are able to use any of the doors located off the lobby to exit.
Parking:
It is strongly recommended to not park onsite at the U.S. Bank Plaza Building when arriving for this event. The U.S. Bank Plaza parking garage closes after 6 pm and will not reopen until the following Monday when regular business hours at the U.S. Bank Plaza building resume.
If attendees are interested in dropping off family and/or friends before parking, there is space for temporary pull-in/drop-off outside of the U.S. Bank Plaza building.
Instead of parking at the U.S. Bank Plaza, it is recommended to use public parking options.
Public parking is available within two blocks of the U.S. Bank Plaza building through meters and public garages. The nearest parking garage is the Capitol Square North Garage, located at 218 E. Mifflin Street, and approximately two blocks north of the bank building.
For locations and rates of public parking meters, go to the Parking Meters page on the City of Madison website.
Attendees who are interested in learning more or have questions about the event are encouraged to contact Jenny Pederson at jennifer.pederson@wisconsinhistory.org or (608) 669-5160.

Ballet Floor Barre at MAM
2025-12-20 08:00 - 09:00 | Milwaukee Art Museum, 700 N. Art Museum Dr, Milwaukee, 53202
Begin your Saturday with a 60-minute class that blends traditional classical ballet barre and floorwork. Feel the ballet burn without the barre through turnout, core engagement, proper alignment, and isolations with low impact. Underneath the Museum’s iconic wings and with stunning views of Lake Michigan, this class is led by Melissa Alexander of Milwaukee Ballet.
Class begins at 8 a.m. Arrive as early as 7 a.m. with your yoga mat to settle into the space before the class starts.
After class, extend your visit to the café and store, which open early, at 9 a.m. Parking is available in the Calatrava underground garage; enjoy a $5 rate when you exit before 10 a.m.
Online in advance, general admission tickets are $20 and Museum Member tickets are $10. At the door, tickets are $25 for general admission and $15 for Members.

Storytime with Santa at Manitowoc Public Library
2025-12-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Manitowoc Public Library, 707 Quay Street, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, 54220, United States
Santa Claus is coming to town and he’s bringing a festive story to share! Gather the family for a cozy storytime on Saturday, December 20, from 10-11 AM in the Balkansky Community Room filled with festive cheer, then enjoy a special photo-op with The Man in Red himself. While Santa won’t be able to have children sit on his lap this year, he can’t wait to hear from them! Be sure to bring your Letter to Santa and drop it in his special North Pole Mailbox during the event. Need help getting started? Starting December 8, stop by the library and visit our festive Letter to Santa Station. We’ll have all the supplies your Little Ones need to write (or draw!) their holiday wishes before the big day. No registration required—just your holiday spirit, your best smiles, and your letter for Santa!

Torchlit Hike
2025-12-20 17:30 - 19:30 | Devil’s Lake State Park, S5975 Park Road, Baraboo, Wisconsin, 53913, United States
Join the Friends of Devil’s Lake for our winter Torchlit Hike! Enjoy a 1.5-mile family-friendly torchlit hike through the Northern Lights Campground, then warm up by a roaring campfire accompanied by hot cocoa, s’mores, and campfire sing-along.
This event is free; donations are welcome.
Snowshoes available (weather depending).
Bundle up and enjoy the outdoors in winter at this special event! The hike starts at the Rock Elm Shelter on the North Shore.
