Eagle, Wis.–Santa has company at Old World Wisconsin this holiday season. Guests can meet Krampus, the “Christmas devil,” counterpart to St. Nicholas, who scares children into being good, Jultomten, the mischievous gnome-like gift bearer, and pose for photos with the robed Father Christmas and Thomas Nast’s Civil War-era Santa. This popular Wisconsin Historical Society site expands its holiday programming at An Old World Christmas and Old World Holiday Breakfast December 6-7 and 13-14.
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
An Old World Christmas: 10 am to 5 pm Saturdays and Sundays. Adults $10, children 5-12 $7, children 4 and under free.
Old World Holiday Breakfast: Saturday seatings at 9:30 and 11:30 am; Sunday seatings at 9:30 am. Adults $21, children 5-12 $10, children 4 and under free.
Best Value: Holiday Combo Ticket (admission to An Old World Christmas and Old World Holiday Breakfast). Adults $28, children 5-12 $14, children 4 and under free.
Reservations are required for Old World Holiday Breakfast and Holiday Combo Ticket and are available at http://wihist.org/OWWHoliday2014 or by calling 262-594-6301. No reservations are required for An Old World Christmas without breakfast.
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).
Click to see a preview of An Old World Christmas.
Click for An Old World Christmas trailer.
Overview of Old World Wisconsin
Old World Wisconsin is located in the Milwaukee/Chicago/Madison triangle.The outdoor museum features 19th- and early 20th-century Midwestern immigrant farm and rural life. In 2014, the museum launched “Catch Wheel Fever!”, a hands-on 1890s cycling experience, to great guest response. During the daily operating season May through October the museum offers family friendly activities, led by period-clad interpreters, as they visit 10 working farmsteads, explore 12 heirloom gardens, interact with heritage animal breeds, and try historic crafts and trades. Old World Wisconsin is located at W372 S9727 Highway 67, Eagle, WI 53119. For general information and details, call 262-594-6301 or visit www.oldworldwisconsin.org.
