Tucked into the Eagle countryside is a fabulous Wisconsin Historical Society gem that creates one of the best holiday events in the state. Old World Wisconsin is a charming look at our state’s past any time of the year, but at the holidays the place dresses up in it’s best for three weekends in December. Relive what it was like for Wisconsinites in the 19th century as you learn all about their traditions, have hands-on fun, and get into the Christmas spirit.
Old World Wisconsin has been named one of the country's top 10 outdoor history attractions and it's easy to see why. On site there eight ethnic farms and an 1880s village filled with fun hands-on activities for all ages. Volunteers abound to help set the scene and you may find them spinning wool into yarn, hand-churning ice cream, working as a blacksmith and more. It's an immersive experience and that's what makes it so wonderful.
In the winter, the whole place is transformed. There's a joy and holiday spirit to everything here and it's true to the history they're trying to portray. You might help bake traditional bread or create crafts of the time.
Life in Wisconsin at this time was a wonderful mish-mash of people from all over coming here to settle and create a new home. Old World Wisconsin celebrates that mixing of different cultures and helps us learn about and enjoy them all.
One such tradition is the Yule goat from Sweden and Scandinavia. The one at Old World Wisconsin is the largest in North America. As you wander around you may encounter Krampus or the Juletomte, a traditional Finnish version of Santa.
When you visit for Christmas, you get to check out the Yuletide Village and hear live holiday music, take your photo with Victorian Santa, and climb onto a horse-drawn ride bedecked with jingle bells. There are plenty of sweet treats to sample from the busy working kitchens and you can warm up with hot cider.
Don't forget to pick up a pocketful of Time Travel Tokens to make your visit even more festive! Tokens are available at the Museum Store ($5 each) and can be used to shop in the General Store or Blacksmith Shop, for a horse-drawn ride, and to make your own Victorian swag decoration to take home.
Old World Wisconsin at Christmas is a charming, magical spot that whisks you away to another time. It's a celebration of the people that built our state and a reminder of those who came before us. It's full of nostalgia and cheer and you'll feel so welcomed into this unique and wonderful holiday celebration.
Old World Wisconsin Christmas takes place during the first three weekends of December. You can visit December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day. Tickets are $12 for adults, $9 for children ages 5-17 and free for children 4 and under.
Old World Wisconsin is located at W372 S9727 WI-67, Eagle, WI 53119. You can learn more about this amazing Wisconsin museum and purchase advance tickets on their website. For more pictures and the most up-to-date information, check out their Facebook page.
