Holiday Magic in Downtown Baraboo
Guest Blog by That Wisconsin Couple
[The following featured blog is by the incredible couple Julia and Hayden from “That Wisconsin Couple.” We are truly honored and privileged for them to share what makes Baraboo magical during the holiday season! For more cool topics, highlights and features, check out their website: https://www.thatwisconsincouple.com. Also be sure to follow them on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThatWisconsinCouple and Instagram at: @thatwisconsincouple.]
My favorite thing about Baraboo is that there is always something going on. From the wine walks to the farmers market, there’s never a dull moment, and the never-ending activities on the square bring so much joy to everyone I know. And during the holidays…it just hits different! As in…way better! In December, Baraboo could be the set of a Hallmark Christmas movie on any given weekend. Not in the cheesy romance way, but in the way that when you walk around Downtown you can just see and feel the magic!
When you picture that cheesy Christmas movie, you picture the perfect small town, with people out shopping, lots of lights, and horse drawn carriages. Well, all that and so much more is happening in Downtown Baraboo right now!
This Saturday from 11am-2pm, there really are free horse drawn wagon rides around downtown! Just like the movies. You can also pop into the Al Ringling Theater during this time and let Santa know what’s on your list.
The magic doesn’t stop there–This coming weekend there’s a brand new event happening called Gnome for the Holidays! Get the family together and go on a free scavenger hunt around town to find the adorable gnomes that will be hiding throughout. Each group that would like to participate can pick up a card at A Sense of Adventure that will list which businesses you can scope out to find the hidden gnomes. If you find a gnome, the participating shop will stamp your card. If you find at least 10 of the 21 gnomes and get 10 stamps, you can turn your card back in at A Sense of Adventure for a prize! Stroll our Christmas movie-ready town, pop into our cute local business, and enjoy this free, family-friendly event!
Speaking of movies…Head over to the Al Ringling Theater on the evenings of December 20th-23rd to see some holiday classics on the big screen! White Christmas, Home Alone, Elf, The Polar Express, and It’s a Wonderful life will all be playing leading up to Christmas weekend. And you know, in Baraboo, we go big, so get ready for a pajama party showing of The Polar Express on Friday, December 23rd at 2pm! There will be a free toy for kids. So grab the candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup, and get ready for these cozy nights!
Behind on your gift shopping? Grab your partner and chase some of the Christmas movie romance by turning would-be stressful holiday shopping into a fun date night! Round out your shopping on Friday, December 23rd, during Holiday Date Night with extended shopping hours at our local businesses. Once you’ve crossed everyone off your list, take a moment to experience the Christmas magic with dinner and a cocktail before the busy weekend begins. Hayden and I will definitely be out getting last minute gifts that night, and we plan to finish the night off with cocktails at Con Amici–their peppermint-barktini is remarkable!
There truly is something for everyone in Downtown Baraboo. If your weekends are already full, don’t worry, there’s also weekday magic to enjoy! Stop by the North Pole mailbox outside of Just Imagine Toys to mail your letter to Santa. The mailbox is open for letters anytime through December 18th! Check out over 40 locally owned businesses any day of the week. The fabulous shop owners and their employees really bring the holiday spirit, and they’re there to help you shop for everyone in your life. When you feel that Baraboo magic, don’t forget to tag us! @downtownbaraboo and @thatwisconsincouple