Krampus, Jultomten, Father Christmas & More: Old World Wisconsin Expands 19th-Century Holiday Program
An Old World Christmas: Many New and Expanded 19th-Century Activities
Guests can enjoy brief, live holiday performances of 19th-century favorites like "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus," "The Gift of the Magi," and Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Match Girl" and "The Snow Man." Scrooge's redemption story will be shared and all are invited to join in a community hymn sing at St. Peter's Church. An old-fashioned horse-drawn bobsled ride (or wagon, if snow isn't in the forecast) through the 1800s crossroads village is included in the price of admission.
The homes, shops and businesses will be decked for the holidays in the manner of the era, with wood-burning stoves beckoning guests with warmth and homemade holiday treats to sample. Civil War soldiers will share food and stories around a campfire. And even the sauna at the Ketola farmstead will be fired up, as the original settlers would have done. Guests will be welcomed with Victorian carolers, dressed in their Dickensian best.
Old World Holiday Breakfast takes place in the historic Clausing Barn, and features a robust breakfast buffet, special holiday performance, and opportunity for a photo with Father Christmas in a specially decorated spot at the Museum Store.
Details: December 6-7 and 13-14
Photo credits: Bob Johnston (top), Mike Morbeck (all others).
Media Inquiries: For questions, interview opportunities, or high resolution images, please contact Lisa McGovern at lisa.mcgovern@wisconsinhistory.org or 262-594-6304 (office) or 414-217-5447 (mobile).