Waisman Center Children's Theatre "Old Befana," by Ken Lonnquist
Waisman Center 1500 Highland Ave.
Sunday, December 2, 1:00pm $2; sign-interpreted. 263-5837
Http://www.waisman.wisc.edu

StageWorks Projects' "Nutcracker Ballet"
Stoughton High School 600 Lincoln Ave.
Cost: $12 ( Sugar Plum Tea Party follows matinee, $9) Call: 873-0717
Saturday, December 1, 1:30 & 7:30 pm
The Nutcracker Ballet is a perennial holiday favorite and, for many, a cherished family tradition. Every year people battle their way through downtown traffic to search for parking, so they can attend a performance at anywhere up to $50.00 a seat. I'll let you in on a little secret. You don't have to go through all that. Stoughton has a very pleasant surprise-another Nutcracker.

Now in its 15th year, the Stoughton Nutcracker is a linchpin of Stoughton's Victorian Holiday Weekend, a yearly celebration the first weekend in December. StageWorks Projects Inc., who produces the yearly show, is known for the quality and design of their productions.

The Victorian Holiday Weekend events means seeing the Nutcracker can be part of a wide-ranging family outing. Events during the weekend include the Grand Victorian Holiday Ball, another cornerstone of the weekend, carriage rides, an arts show, an arts and crafts show, a Victorian home driving tour, cookie and ornament decorating, caroling downtown by the Singers of Saint Cecilia and the well known Stoughton Madrigal Singers, and much more.

There are two performances on Saturday, December 1 at 1:30 PM and 7:30 PM at the Stoughton High School Auditorium. For a truly unforgettable experience, there is a Sugar Plum Tea after the 1:30 PM performance where audience members and their children can enjoy tea and sweets and meet many of the characters from the show. Tickets for the tea are $9.00 and sell out quickly so make your reservation early by calling StageWorks Projects, Inc. at 873-0717.
 

MadCAP Theatre's "Hansel & Gretel: A Puppet Operetta"
Bartell Theatre 113 E. Mifflin St.
Thursday, November 29 9:30 am & 12:30 pm
Sunday, December 2 1 & 4 pm
Wednesday, December 5 9:30 am & 12:30 pm
Sunday, December 9 1 & 4 pm
Thursday, December 13 9:30 am & 12:30 pm
Cost: $10 ($8 kids) Call: 251-1879
http://www.madcap.org
Madison Creative Arts Program Theatre for Young Audiences: "Hansel and Gretel: A Puppet Operetta"

Come join veteran puppeteer Joan McCarthy for this enchanting telling of Hansel and Gretel done with hand crafted marionettes. Music by Engelberg Humperdinck. December 2 and 9 at 1pm and 4pm, November 29, December 5 and 13 at 9:30am and 12:30 pm. 251-1879 or www.brownpapertickets.com.

Cambridge Country Christmas
Downtown Cambridge
Friday, November 30 - Sunday, December 2
http://www.cambridgewi.com
Friday: Tree lighting 6 pm, Village Park. 423-3780
Saturday & Sunday, December 1 & 2, 2007
Cambridge Country Christmas starting on Friday evening, November 30 in downtown Veteran's Park with the annual Tree Lighting, carolers, and arrival of Santa Claus.

Schedule of Events for this December festival below:

Horse Drawn Wagon Rices (Sat & Sun)
Elf Shelf ~ shopping with Elves (Fri, Sat & Sun)
Moravian Church Cookie Walk at Admundson Center (Sat)
Live Nativity Scene (Sat & Sun)
Strolling Carolers & Madrigal Singers (Sat & Sun)
Santa & Mrs Claus (Sat & Sun)
Roasted Chestnuts at Cambridge Stoneware Co (Sat & Sun)
Photos with Santa (Sun)
Silent Auction on Village Green next to TRU Restaurant (Sat 11-3)
Salvation Army Bell Ringers (Sat & Sun)
Optimists Food Booth (Sat & Sun)
Singing Christmas Tree at Willerup Church
Breakfast with Santa (Sun)
Concert at Oscar Hanson House (Sat evening)

Stoughton Victorian Holiday Celebration
Downtown Stoughton
Friday, November 30 - Sunday, December 2
www.victorianholidayweekend.com
Friday, November 30th
The magical weekend kicks off with the opening ceremonies of the Tree Lighting and serenading by the Stoughton High School Madrigal Singers. Later that night, enjoy a ride through charming Stoughton streets in a horse-drawn carriage. - You can trip the life fantastic at the Grand Victorian Holiday Ball where you'll waltz the night away in 19th century splendor (we'll throw in the dance lessons). The Ball is held at the Stoughton Center for the Performing Arts. Afterwards, enjoy a good glass of wine and a delicious dessert from a nearby wine or piano bar.

10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saving Thyme's Norwegian Quilt Show

5:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Open Ceremonies / Tree Lighting (Evergreen Bank)

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
SHS Madrigal Singers/Singers of St. Cecelia Outdoor Concert (Evergreen Bank)

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
14th South Art District Art Show (SCPA)

6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Horse-drawn Carriage Rides (Stoughton Depot)

8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Victorian Holiday Ball (SCPA)

Dusk - 10:00 pm
Historical District Driving Tour (Starts at Stoughton Depot)

Saturday December 1st
As you stroll the street observe all the stores' individually decorated Christmas trees. Take note of your favorite one and make your vote count. There are no prizes for the stores but the bragging rights are priceless! During your walks, you'll see local citizens in period costumes and young lads in knickers selling fresh mistletoe. You'll smell and hear the chestnuts roasting, the coffee brewing and the smiles and giggles of passersby. Enjoy the widely acclaimed talent of Stoughton High School's Madrigal Singers and the Singers of St Cecilia Take the kids to visit Santa and tell him their wish list and help Mrs. Claus decorate her fresh baked cookies before they take them home. Feeling crafty? Stop by Just For Keeps where you can make beautiful Christmas Cards.

Be entertained with Christmas stories at the library. Get ready for some great treats at the bake sale, Cookie Walk and Sugar Plum Tea.

Spend the day shopping, relaxing, or touring. Use the complimentary trolley (provided by our friends at Associated Bank) to get from venue to venue. Plan your day so that you have plenty of time to take in the Arts. You won't be disappointed. Highlighting this year's event is the highly anticipated return visit by nationally acclaimed woodcarver Peter Engler of Branson, Missouri.

But Victorian Holiday just wouldn't be the same without its signature event and city's longest standing holiday tradition: the city's Silent Fire Truck parade. Starting at dusk, the Parade pits fire departments from Stoughton and neighboring communities all vying for top truck decorations. Vote for your favorite entry later at the City's fire department building while enjoying hot cider and homemade cookies. The various Fire Departments take this contest very seriously so do your best to give all the entries an equal look.

If you are lucky enough to get tickets early, the local production of The Nutcracker Suite is not to be missed. Now in its 14th year, this StageWorks Projects production is the beloved holiday classic that features lavish costumes of velvet and other luxurious fabrics in rich, exciting jewel tones. StageWorks prides itself on providing an opportunity for gifted area dancers to perform roles that they would not have a chance to do in other companies that bring in established professionals to fill the main roles. Dancers are drawn from all over Dane County and include many in pre-professional programs. Nutcracker performs on Dec. 2nd at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. For an extra treat attend the Tinkerbell Tea following the matinee performance. For tickets call 608-873-0717.

End the day with a relaxing cocktail or wine and dinner or a more casual meal and a movie. But get a good night's sleep because Sunday's events are just as impressive.

8:00 am - until sold out
United Methodist Church Cookie Walk

10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Stoughton School District Art Show (Library)

9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Victorian Holiday Arts and Craft Show (River Bluff)

10:00 am - after parade
Small Animal Advocates Bake Sale (Stoughton Public Library)

10:00 am - 6:00 pm
14th South Artists District Art Show SCPA

10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Kids ID Workshop Associated Bank

10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Children's Ornament Decorating Associated Bank

10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Face Painting Associated Bank

10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Just for Keeps' Children's Christmas Card Decoration

10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saving Thyme's Norwegian Quilt Show

10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Covenant Lutheran Church Bazaar

10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Covenant Lutheran Church Brunch
Adults $5 Kids $2

10:00 am
RiverBluff Middle School Band Members (Downtown)

10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fresh Roasted Chestnuts (All Through The House)

10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Opera House Activities: Free Children's Movies; Ole' and Sven's Holiday Sing-a-long

11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Woodcarver - Peter Engler (All Through The House)

12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Norwegian Fjord Horse Drawn Wagon Rides (Corner of Division St)

12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Associated Bank hosts Santa's Workshop
Cookie Decorating with Mrs. Claus; Wheels the Clown 1:00PM - 2:00PM

12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Local Business' Holiday Tree Decorating Contest

12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Stoughton Depot Activities: Vintage Antiques Exhibit, The Model Train Exhibit

12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Family Holiday Caroling (Stoughton Depot)

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Stoughton Antique Mall hosts Celtic Harpist - Kathy Julseth

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Stoughton Antique Mall hosts Ms. Kristin Roling's demonstration on the restoriation and recreation of historical graments

11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Clock Tower Crafts presents a Rosemaling Demonstration by Rosemaler Patty Tofsland

1:30 pm
StageWorks Projects, Inc. presents the Nutcracker Ballet - Stoughton High School

immediately following Nutcracker 1:30 show StageWorks Project, Inc. hosts the Sugar Plum Tea (Stoughton High School)

2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Dave DeYoung's Antique Car Rides (weather permitting) (Evergreen Bank)

4:00 pm - 6:30 pm
The American Cancer Society Relay for Life 2007 Tour of Homes

5:30 pm
Festively Illuminated Fire Truck Parade (Wal-Mart)

immediately following fire truck parade Firehouse Activities

7:30 pm
StageWorks Projects, Inc. presents the Nutcracker Ballet (Stoughton High School)

Sunday, December 2nd
This is a great day to take a driving tour of our historical districts and view some of Stoughton's majestic Victorian Homes. Stoughton is blessed with interesting architecture throughout the city. You will be able to get a glimpse of some of our large, beautiful Victorian homes that are decorated in all the holiday trimmings.

10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Saving Thyme's Norwegian Quilt Show

10:00 am - 5:00 pm
14th South Artists District Art Show (SCPA)

11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Woodcarver - Peter Engler (All Through The House)

12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Clock Tower Crafts presents Cherly Price of Priceless Creations and Floral Designs (Clock Tower Gifts)

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Stoughton Antique Mall hosts Celtic Harpist - Kathy Julseth (Stoughton Antique Mall)

1:30 pm
Old Fashion Bed Race (Corner of 4th and Main)

immediately following children's parade
UW Marching Band - Fifth Quarter Performance (Evergreen Bank)

North Star Winterfest
DeForest locations
Saturday, November 1, 8:00am - 7:00pm
http://www.deforestarea.com
Winterfest Celebration: Be a part of the 2nd annual North Star Winterfest on December 1st, 2007. With area groups working together and businesses lending support, this festival will once again provide a day filled with food, fun, and festivities! Activities and sponsors will be promoted through a variety of media, including: area newspapers, the Chamber website, www.deforestcalendar.org, the Madison Visitors Guide, and the Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau website. Careful planning is in the works to ensure the success of the event - snow or no snow! To guarantee fun for everyone, community groups will be offering these types of activities throughout the day:

Events at DeForest Area Community & Senior Center:
8:00-9:00 Cinnamon Rolls with Santa! (bring your own camera!)
9:30-10:30 Bingo
10:30-1:00 Chili & Nachos Luncheon
1:30-2:00 Yahara Elementary Recorder Consort
2:00-4:00 Jeffrey Hollander concert
Other Activities at the Center:
Old Time Photos
Scavenger Hunt

Events at Holum Education Center
9:00-3:00 PTO Craft Fair
Face Painting
"Deck the Halls" Coloring Contest by Coldwell Success Realty

Events at DeForest Area High School
9:00-3:00 Winterfest Art Fair
Pulled Pork & Potato lunch

Events at the Chamber of Commerce Office
(historic Lyster House)
1:30-4:30 Carriage Rides
3:00-5:00 Hot Cider & Cookies
5:00 Tree Lighting
Holiday Carols

Activities Throughout the North Star
7:00-11:00 Open House at Curves- stop by for some healthy treats and a quick exercise lesson!
7:00-2:00 Open House at Windsor Breads- There's nothing like fresh baked goods to start your day!
8:00-12:00 Cookie Walk & Crafts at Christian Faith Moravian Church
8:00-2:00 Burbach's Floral Department-come to decorate your own wreath or candle centerpiece, $15 each. All supplies provided, just show up and have fun!
8:00-4:00 Christmas Tree Sale by the Morrisonville PTO at Burbach's Market
9:00-3:00 Open house at Pure Bliss Catering located on the corner of Commerce & Main. Stop in for pies, cookies, cakes and more!
9:00-5:00 Open House at Genesis Hair & Day Spa. Warm up with some hot cocoa, and stay for the peppermint sticks, prize drawings, and more throughout the day!
12:30 Yahara Elementary Recorder Consort & Swing Choir at Parkside Retirement Community (Stop in from 10:00-3:00 as well and register for gift certificates for your holiday shopping!)
5:00-7:00 Pictures with Santa at Lake Windsor Country Club. Stay for dinner at The Pinnacle Room!
DeForest Area Public Library children's activities

MadCAP Theatre's "Madeline's Christmas"
Bartell Theatre 113 E. Mifflin St.
Friday, November 30 12:30 & 7 pm
Saturday, December 1 1 & 4 pm
Friday, December 7 9:30 am & 7:30 pm,
Saturday, December 8 1 & 4 pm
Friday, December 14 12:30 & 7 pm
Saturday, December 15 1 & 4 pm
Cost: $10 ($8 kids) Call: 251-1879
http://www.madcap.org
Their day begins like any other, until everyone except Madeline gets ill and can't go home for Christmas. However, an adventure begins when a stranger arrives on Christmas Eve.

Young Shakespeare Players' "Twelfth Night"
Young Shakespeare Players Playhouse 1806 West Lawn Ave.
November 29 (Thursday) 6 p.m.
November 30 (Friday) 6 p.m.
December 1 (Saturday) 6 p.m.
December 2 (Sunday) 6 p.m.
December 7 (Friday) 6 p.m.
December 8 (Saturday) 6 p.m.
December 9 (Sunday) 6 p.m.
December 14 (Friday) 6 p.m.
December 15 (Saturday) 6 p.m.
December 16 (Sunday) 1 p.m.
Cost: Free Call: 258-0015
http://www.ysp.org
We think you will enjoy Madison's Young Shakespeare Players' production of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. There are several casts. Bring your family and friends of any age! It's free, but we guarantee you'll be delighted with the quality our group delivers.

All performances are at 1806 West Lawn Ave. Go to www.ysp.org for directions.

Here's a brief description of the play: Twelfth Night has been called "the most /nearly perfect happy comedy ever written." It is one of Shakespeare's finest and most inventive works, filled with music, mistakes, love, disguises and practical jokes and throughout, an unforgettable haunting, lyrical beauty.

Verona Hometown Holiday Celebration
Friday, November 30 - 6:00pm - Sunday, December 2 - 2:00pm
http://www.veronawi.com/index.php?option=com_events&task=view_detail&agid=93&year=2007&month=11&day=30&Itemid=1
Verona's Hometown Holiday Celebration starts at 6:00 on Friday night, November 30, with the lighting of the City Christmas tree in Central Park.  There will be a Three-Alarm Chili Supper at the Verona Area Senior Center at 6:30.  On Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2, retailers will be offering special holiday shopping opportunities. There will be retail give-away drawing sponsored by local businesses.  The celebration will wrap up with a performance by Rhapsody Arts Center on Sunday.  For further information, contact the Verona Area Chamber of Commerce at 845-5777 or info@veronawi.com.

Symphony Saturdays
Hilldale Shopping Center 702 N. Midvale Blvd
Saturday, December 1, 11:00am
http://www.madisonsymphony.org
Four Saturdays of music, fun and ticket giveaways for the whole family. FREE and open to all ages.

The MSO has teamed up with Hilldale Mall for Symphony Saturdays, a series of FREE events for all ages. Bring the family for Meet the Musician, an up-close encounter with an instrument and the MSO musician who plays it! Then enjoy light classics performed by the MSO's HeartStrings Quartet or the Up Close & Musical Quartet, and hear about their work in the community. Find out more about the MSO's upcoming season and enter to win a pair of tickets at the Symphony Info Booth. The events take place from 11 AM - 2 PM in the atrium directly in front of the main doors of Macy's department store on the following dates. Schedule subject to change.

Sat Dec 1, 2007
11 -11:30 AM: Kid-friendly Meet the Musician
Noon - 1 PM: MSO String Quartet performance

Drop-In Program: Art Dabblers
Visit the art room each week for informal art projects recommended for ages 2-5. Programs take place every Tuesday and Wednesday, 10:30-11 a.m. Program does not meet December 24-January 4 (check calendar for holiday program schedules).
November 27, 2007 — 10:30 am to 11:00 am
November 28, 2007 — 10:30 am to 11:00 am

Class: Tots in Motion
Join Kathleen Madden for games and other physical activities to strengthen gross motor skills. Program takes place every Tuesday, 9:30-10 a.m. (no programs Dec. 25 & Jan. 1).
November 27, 2007 — 9:30 am to 10:00 am

Class: Toddler Music
Kjerstie Johanson’s popular class features songs, rhythm and music-making activities recommended for ages 1-4. $1/child program fee. No registration necessary.

Toddler Music programs take place Thursdays at 9:30 and 10 a.m. and Fridays at 10 a.m. No programs on November 22-23 and December 24-January 4 (check calendar for holiday program schedules).
November 29, 2007 — 9:30 am to 10:00 am
November 29, 2007 — 10:00 am to 10:30 am
November 30, 2007 — 10:00 am to 10:30 am