By Maura Keller & Melanie Radzicki McManus | Photo by Tim Erickson
Kick-start your holiday season in Stoughton, where you’ll find a wealth of diverse gifts and plenty of festive experiences. At Green Road Pottery, create a Christmas tree or ornament in one of its classes. Owner Brook Johnson also operates the adjacent Yahara Chocolate, which sells delectable chocolates from around the globe, plus more than 40 varieties of hot tea, hot and cold beverages, and more.
Overt Space Gallery + Gift is the place to peruse original artwork and an eye-popping assortment of gifts. Think unexpected items like a concrete tape dispenser, decorative wooden milk crate and a small tape measure coiled within a metallic leather pouch. Even standard gift items come with a twist. Its line of manifestation candles, for example, come embedded with crystals. Once the pleasantly scented wax has melted, hang onto the crystals for continued good vibes.
Every week brings something different at Cheesers Lokal Market, which sells cheese, meat and more than 300 carefully curated wines. Stop here Thursday through Saturday for a wine-tasting — available by request — then check out the vast selection of cheese from Wisconsin and around the globe. The shop also carries bison and elk sausage; Norwegian products such as lefse and herring; locally produced jams, jellies and syrup; and local craft beer and cider. Membership in their new wine and cheese club makes a great holiday gift.
Grand Inspired is the place to score finely crafted artisan furniture and accessories. The gallery and woodworking maker space also creates custom-made pieces and holds woodworking classes. Recent courses were offered in creating a live-edge charcuterie board and bud vase. Gallery events may feature the ability to watch an artist while they work, then ask questions later.
No holiday is complete without music. At the historic Stoughton Opera House, built in 1901, you can take in a holiday harp show (Dec. 2), listen to the Stoughton Festival Choir & City Band (Dec. 11) and enjoy centuries-old tunes by Cherish the Ladies (Dec. 16), among other productions.
VICTORIAN HOLIDAY WEEKEND
Stoughton’s arts and entertainment district transforms into a glittering, magical area this holiday season during its annual Victorian Holiday Weekend, taking place Dec. 1-4. The jam-packed extravaganza features numerous activities and events for one and all.
Grab the little ones for breakfast with Santa, then take them to Santa’s Workshop to make a craft. Adults can check out handcrafted treasures at the winter artisan market, or peruse the plethora of holiday treats available for sale at the Cookie Walk. Don’t forget to watch for the high school’s Madrigal singers, who will be strolling throughout the downtown in Victorian-era costume. Before heading home, catch the holiday light display, set to music, at Stoughton Rotary Park.
Plan your visit at visitstoughton.com.
