By Maura Keller | Photo courtesy Mount Horeb Area Chamber of Commerce
When you head to the Village of Mount Horeb this season, don’t be surprised if you fall in love with the small-town charm that is echoed throughout this wonderful community. Mount Horeb is unique for its quaint historic downtown. The village boasts unique shops and restaurants that celebrate the community’s Norwegian heritage, while offering hip, modern goods and locally-sourced food and drink.
During the holidays, the town lights up and the streets are humming with activity. Shops stay open late every Friday in December and the business community gives back during Mount Horeb’s Holiday Hospitality Weekend (Nov. 13-14), during which time customers can enjoy a thank-you treat while they shop, and the businesses collect dona- tions to benefit the local food pantry
New this year, the Mount Horeb Area Arts Association will be hosting a winter art tour, HOLIDAZE Art Spree, where you can visit artists’ studios as well as peruse a group show at Martinson Hall in Mount Horeb, finding one-of-a-kind treasures for the art-lover in your life.
To have the full Mount Horeb holiday shopping experience, make it a weekend trip and stay at one of the village’s local lodging properties. Sunniva Inn is a locally- owned bed & breakfast, just a short walk from the historic downtown, where you can enjoy a clean and comfortable stay amidst the charm of historic Mount Horeb.
And when it comes to holiday shopping, it doesn’t get much better than this! You can find something for everyone on your list, from chic clothing at McFee on Main to outdoor gear at Gempler’s. Handmade soaps abound at Jangle Natural Living, there are tons of Wisconsin-themed goods at KELLA and Scandinavian gifts and goodies are plentiful at Open House Imports. For those who love music, you can find quality new and used instruments and accessories at Hart House Guitars. Grab amazing vintage candy stocking stuffers at Sugar Troll. And, of course, no stop would be complete without locally-produced beer at Grumpy Troll Brew Pub and hard cider at Brix Cider.
This fall and winter season the Mount Horeb business community has worked hard to create a lineup of attractions, activities and shopping opportunities that will surprise and delight the young and old alike. Through Dec. 6, visitors can enjoy Holiday Beer Boxes — a Beer Festival in a Box, a great gift for the libation-lover in your life. The Holiday Beer Boxes can be purchased online and picked up at the Mount Horeb Area Chamber of Commerce from Dec. 15-17.
From Nov. 1–Dec. 19, Mount Horeb will be featured in the Dane Buy Local Holiday Passport, allowing visitors to shop at a participating business and get entered to win prizes. Visitors can also earn double entry for prizes on Small Business Saturday (Nov. 27).
The essence of Mount Horeb is the spirit of community. Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, and the patrons, whether they live in town or come from another community, love the feeling of togetherness they find when they are here. All of the local businesses work together to provide a quality experience that is unmatched, whether you are stopping for an hour, a day, a weekend or a lifetime.
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
FESTIVE FRIDAY EVES
Dec. 3, 10, 17
Downtown stores will stay open late the first three Fridays of December and the The Jingle Jangle Holiday Market will be hosted at District #1 Old School House on Dec. 3 from 4–8 p.m.
HOLIDAZE ART SPREE
Dec. 3-5, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
An art show and sale at artist studios and Martinson Hall in downtown Mount Horeb. mhaaa.org/events
SANTA + COOKIE WALK AT MOUNT HOREB LIBRARY
Dec. 4, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Meet Jorgen the Troll, and peruse and enjoy shops and restaurants in downtown Mount Horeb. Stick around for the Holiday Fire Truck Parade on Main Street at 5 p.m.
