Artisans, Authors and Purveyors of Good Things to Eat. Friday Nite opening Gala , 5 -9 PM, benefits Baraboo's Summerset Theatre. A $5 donation at the door includes champagne/treats/merriment/early shopping. Free Admission, Saturday December 12 , 9AM - 4PM. Shop from 35 potters, basket weavers, authors, jewelers, jackets, mittens, scarves, jellies, jams, teas - Quality crafted items for gift giving. Shop The Very Merry Holiday Fair in the historic Arts Building, 323 Water Street, Baraboo, Wisconsin. Visit many festival events throughout Baraboo's downtown.

December 5th, 2009 Cassville
Annual Christmas event with residents & businesses. There will be decorating contests, Holiday Open Houses at Cassville businesses, a Parade of Homes, musical programs and holiday gifts & crafts, homemade cookies, vendors, candy sales at the Municipal Building, horse & wagon rides & caroling in the village of Cassville. Christmas Parade at 6:30PM - one of the areas only nighttime Christmas Parades. Features beautifully lighted floats, marching bands, antique vehicles, and drill teams. Santa brings up the rear in his larger than life sleigh. Location: Downtown Cassville. Event starts at 4:00PM and ends at 8:00PM.

December 5th, 2009 Chippewa Falls
Santa is the star of the nighttime Bridge to Wonderland Parade. Not only that, the 315-acre Irvine Park and Zoo is a blaze of lights from Thanksgiving until New Year's Day. Make plans now to come and attend a magical holiday evening with this illuminated and musical parade, featuring about 50 floats lit up and playing Christmas music. Enjoy free hot beverages during the parade at participating businesses. Before the parade, visit the petting zoo with reindeer, camels, and mini-horses (3-5PM). The parade theme for 2009 is "Christmas on Ice." Downtown Chippewa Falls, from 6:00PM to 7:00PM.

December 5th, 2009 Stoughton
Playtime Productions brings their production of this classic children's tale to the Opera House stage for one day only. Based on Hans Christian Andersen's tale about a poor young girl with a burning desire to find comfort and happiness in her life. Desperate to keep warm, the girl lights the matches she sells, and envisions a very different life for herself in the fiery flames filled with images of loving relatives, bountiful food, and a place to call home. Call for admission prices. Stoughton Opera House, 381 East Main Street.

December 5th, 2009 Three Lakes
A day of holiday fun includes: Jingle Bell Jog (1PM) - participants will wind their way though beautiful Three Lakes on a 1 mile walk or a 5K run/walk. All participants will receive a shirt, jingle bells to run or walk with, and refreshments. After the jog, take time to shop for holiday specials, have lunch and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season. The Lions Club Children's Christmas Party, with a special appearance by Santa himself, lunch and presents for all children attending. Lighting of Cy Williams Park and the gazebo, mulled cider, hot chocolate, and holiday cookies wrap up the day. Various Locations.

December 12th, 2009 Hartford
'Tis the season to be jolly! Enjoy "big band" tradition with the legendary Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra and premier vocal group, the Pied Pipers. Under the leadership of Bill Tole, the Orchestra delights the young and the "young at heart" alike, with an era of great music in this memorable holiday performance. The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra has continued successfully for decades and is still in great demand all over the world. The Pied Pipers were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2001. Two great shows, at 3PM & 7:30PM. Call ahead for ticket availability. Schauer Arts & Activities Center, 147 N Rural Street.

December 13th, 2009 Bristol
The Geminids is one of the best meteor showers of the year and never seems to disappoint observers. Here in the Northern Hemisphere we start seeing Geminid meteors as early as December 6. During the next week, rates increase to a peak of 50-80 meteors per hour on the night of December 13th/14th. The last Geminids are seen on December 18, when you might see one every hour or so. Join us for an informal talk about the night skies and then with mugs of hot chocolate, we go out and view the skies. Dress warmly for the weather. Pre-registration is required! Pringle Nature Center, 9800 160th Avenue. 8:30PM-10:30PM.

December 13th thru 18th, 2009 Menomonie
The Menomonie Theater Guild presents "A Hometown Christmas". Menomonie Theater Guild's new Red Cedar Youth Stage presents heartwarming and entertaining variety shows starring young and old alike. Bring your whole family along to enjoy great music, original sketches and monologues, a carol sing, Christmas goodies and more in the holiday decked Mabel Tainter Theater. Performances: December 13 - 2PM; December 13,14,15,16,17,18 - 7:30PM. Call for ticet availability & pricing. Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts, 205 Main Street, Menomonie, WI.