Gather with family and friends for vintage holiday fun—from a 1960s Evergleam-inspired evening to a festive crafting session—at the Wisconsin Historical Society’s History Maker Space on Madison’s Capitol Square
MADISON, Wis. – Get ready to gleam, glow and make it merry! The Wisconsin Historical Society’s History Maker Space and retail store in downtown Madison is embracing the spirit of the season with festive programs and gifts celebrating Wisconsin’s holiday traditions. From crafting snowflakes to an Evergleam holiday party, these events are designed for anyone looking for some nostalgic holiday cheer.
This season, Evergleam Dreams: A Vintage Holiday Display celebrates Wisconsin’s festive heritage with a collection of vintage Evergleam trees—famously designed and made in Manitowoc, Wisconsin—and beautifully displayed for all to enjoy. Make It Merry: A Family & Friends Crafting Event invites visitors to get creative together, crafting their own tinsel trees and paper holiday decorations. Then, step back in time at Gleam & Glow: A ’60s Holiday Celebration, a lively pop-up party featuring retro décor, appetizers, musics and more. Plus, don’t miss the retail store, offering plenty of holiday shopping—from vintage-inspired mini trees and ornaments to a special “Made in Wisconsin” selection of gifts.
To register for holiday History Maker Space events, visit wisconsinhistory.org or click here. Advance registration is recommended for all programs, which are free or low-cost. Wisconsin Historical Society members receive a 10% discount on paid events.
More Information:
Evergleam Dreams: A Vintage Holiday Display
Weekdays, Tuesdays through Fridays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nov. 25 – Jan. 9; Friday, Dec. 19, 6 to 8:30 p.m.; Saturdays: 1 to 4 p.m., Dec. 6 & 13
Step into a world of shimmering nostalgia when you visit Evergleam Dreams: A Vintage Holiday Display. Surrounded by the soft glow of iconic Evergleam aluminum trees, visitors can sink into a vintage couch, snap the perfect holiday photo and experience the charm of Wisconsin’s mid-century holiday heritage. This pop-up display celebrates Wisconsin’s role in the Evergleam legacy, inviting guests to slow down, reminisce and bask in the sparkle of the season. Before you go, browse the History Maker Space gift shop for unique, locally inspired gifts. Admission is free with no advance registration required. On select dates, visitors can pair their visit with Make It Merry: A Family & Friends Crafting Event for a weekend afternoon of hands-on holiday fun, as well as Gleam & Glow: A 60s Holiday Celebration for a hip holiday evening.
Make It Merry: A Family & Friends Crafting Event
Saturdays, 1 to 4 p.m., Dec. 6 & 13
It wouldn’t be the holidays without a little crafting! At Make It Merry: A Family & Friends Crafting Event, bring your creativity to the History Maker Space and choose from several handcrafted keepsakes to make and take home. Cut 3D snowflakes, make your own Evergleam tree and decorate to your hearts content—it’s fun for the whole family! While crafting, enjoy some hot cocoa or cider and snack on a sweet treat. Don’t forget to stop by Evergleam Dreams: A Vintage Holiday Display to see the iconic aluminum trees and capture a perfect holiday photo. Tickets are $5 per person, with children under 5 free, and advance registration is required. For tickets, go to wisconsinhistory.org or click here.
Gleam & Glow: A 60s Holiday Celebration
Friday, Dec. 19, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Swing into the ‘60s at this pop-up seasonal celebration! Wear your sharpest mid-century threads, raise a glass to the beloved Evergleam tree and embrace the vintage holiday spirit at the History Maker Space this December. Step into a scene of shimmering lights and timeless style as you mingle, dance and make a toast to history. Featuring a seasonal cocktail, delectable nibbles, merry music, lighthearted festive activities, and more, this holiday party is sure to be the highlight of the season. This event is open to all ages and advance registration is required. For tickets, go to wisconsinhistory.org or click here.
About the Wisconsin Historical Society
The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active, and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit www.wisconsinhistory.org.
