Journal & Topics Media Group

Cheers To December!


Smiles, song and fun arrive in abundance in December in our Upper Great Lakes region. Get out and share the good cheer. There’s candlelight shopping, awesome jewelry and even an invitation to the Wisconsin governor’s residence. But hey, sorry, nothing for grinches here! You’ll just have to enjoy it all.

Santa Postmark On Your Christmas Mail

Christmas lovers sending Santa letters to Santa Claus, IN, will receive this special postmark.

Kids of all ages love getting cards and mail from Santa Claus. From Dec. 1-23, the Santa Claus, IN, post office will begin offering its unique 2017 Santa cancellation postmark. Each year, the holiday postmark is chosen from artwork by Indiana students. This year’s artist is Audrey Vaal, of St. Meinrad. This famous small-town post office receives over 400,000 pieces of mail each December, compared to about 13,000 pieces per month the rest of the year. To get the special cancellation, allow a 2-inch by 4-inch space in the stamp area on your envelop for the postmark. Apply first class postage to cards or letters and mail in a sturdy envelope or box, to: Postmaster, Santa Claus Station, “Picture Postmark Please”, Santa Claus, IN 47579-9998. Santa Claus, IN, also hosts a celebration of family fun on the first three weekends of December including a Santa Claus Parade on Dec. 9 and the Christmas Lake Village Festival of Lights on Dec. 9 and 16. For more information about the Santa Claus Christmas Celebration and holiday packages, call 888-444-9252.

Holiday Season At Governor’s House

Free holiday tours of the Wisconsin governor’s residence are available in December.

It’s not everyday you get invited to the governor’s home. But in December it’s a tradition in Wisconsin. Visit and tour the festively decorated Executive Residence, Dec. 2, 6, 7, 9, 13 and 14, during free holiday open house tours. In the holiday spirit, non-perishable food items will be collected for Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, and warm winter items collected in support of the Big Bundle Up Campaign. Parties of 20 or more should call 608-246-5501 to make a reservation. Free street parking is just outside the residence gates. For driving directions, a map or hours, visit the website or call. wisconsinexecutiveresidence.com

Czech & Slovak Museum

Cedar Rapids, IA

The Art of Accessories, an original exhibition featuring extraordinary beaded bags, decorated shoes, fanciful hats and gorgeous jewelry, is on display in at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library (NCSML) in Cedar Rapids. It will run through Feb. 11, 2018. In addition to artifacts from the NCSML collection, the exhibition also will include 22 pins on loan from former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. She selected pins to wear for particular occasions to emphasize the importance of a negotiation, signify high hopes, protest the absence of progress, or show pride in representing the United States. “Accessories are often highly personal items that can be an expression of a personality or a belief system,” explains NCSML curator Stefanie Kohn. “This exhibition showcases beautiful and sometimes even quirky items that will shine as they take center stage.” 1400 Inspiration Place SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404; 319-362-8500, www.ncsml.org

Candlelight Shopping

Mineral Point, WI

Looking for a taste of Christmas shopping with Merry Ol’ English style? Head for Mineral Point on Saturday, Dec. 2 for a joyful wander among artist galleries, antique shops, candy stores, import emporia, delightful delis and a few good pubs. Named as one of the “Top 10 American Small Towns to Visit in 2017” by Smithsonian Magazine, historic Mineral Point is delightfully decorated for the season. Streets are lined with lighted candles, chestnuts are roasted on the street corner, carolers stroll throughout the evening. You wouldn’t be surprised to see Tiny Tim on the street peeking in at the candies at the Sweet Shop! Smart visitors arrive early to have a laid-back day exploring the town. Shops open about 10 a.m. and glowing luminaries light the streets about 4 to 5 p.m.

Dane County Winter Farmers’ Market

From spring through fall, the award-winning Dane County Farmers’ Market is celebrated as one of the nation’s best. Now the bounty of the land will be available indoors at special Winter Farmers’ Markets on Dec. 2, 9 and 16 from 7:30 a.m. to noon. Some 75 area farmers, bakers, and cheesemakers offer the season’s best vegetables, flowers, meats, cheeses, and specialty products at Monona Terrace Community Convention Center in Madison. In addition to food items, you will find holiday wreaths, centerpieces, ornaments and special holiday surprises.

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