FOND DU LAC COUNTY — If you’re looking for something new to do and see this holiday season, the Fond du Lac County community has you covered.
From holiday movie screenings to local markets, the greater Fond du Lac area offers plenty of activities and shopping opportunities.
Here are some things to add to your list this season.
Dickens’ Christmas at Ripon 1st to 3rd December
Paying homage to the city’s historic ties to Ripon, Yorkshire, England, the city’s Dickens of Christmas event will light up the downtown area with horse-drawn carriage rides, carols, and “Living Windows.”
Starting Dec. 1, the first main event will be a holiday parade at 6:30 p.m., but the day’s activities will also include a dress-a-doll contest to support local food pantries. There will also be a gingerbread house contest, which will be on display at Farrell’s Fine Furnishings, 214 Watson Street. Both contests will resume on December 2nd, and the Dress-A-Doll contest will also resume on the afternoon of December 3rd.
Community service clubs and organizations are donating Christmas trees to decorate Horicon Bank’s Enchanted Forest, 400 Watson Street. It can be viewed from 5:30 pm on December 1st to 10 am on December 2nd.
The free horse-drawn carriage ride begins at 2 p.m. on Dec. 2, and Saturday’s event begins at 5:30 p.m., moving toward the living windows, each depicting a Christmas carol.
Dickens’ Christmas concludes with the Ripon College Holiday Concert on December 3rd at 2pm and 6pm in the Great Hall of the Harwood Memorial Union, 300 Seward Street.
Visit ripon-wi.com for a full schedule of activities, including special dining, artisan fairs, open houses and more.
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Ripon’s Small Business Saturday
Many stores in Ripon will have special promotions for small businesses on Saturday, November 25th, and the area has plenty of shopping options all season long.
Patina Vie (205 Watson St.) sells home goods and decor that combines vintage items with modern style. Meanwhile, Hart Mercantile at 206 Watson St. offers a different kind of decor and gifts, including locally handcrafted items and a complete Christmas collection.
Other home decor items are available at Back Porch Gatherings (217 Watson St.). This also includes garden items. Chic Tique, 231 Watson St., has a little bit of everything. Fiddler Creek (311 Watson St.) has a seasonal feel. Gents, a men’s shop at 211 Watson St., sells vintage decor, vinyl records and its own line of coffee.
Watson Street also has a number of clothing and gift boutiques, including American Alchemy at 305 Watson Street, Soul Patina at 123 Watson Street, and Hamilton Women’s Apparel at 125 Watson Street.
For jewelry, check out Diedrich Jewelers (212 Watson St.), a family-owned business for the past 100 years specializing in fine and custom jewelry.
Events you can’t miss:Run the Turkey Trot, take part in holiday lights, and more at this week’s can’t-miss events in Fond du Lac
Wheel & Reel Shows “Home Alone” in Waupun, Nov. 30
Waupun will kick off its post-Thanksgiving holiday festivities with a free screening of “Home Alone” by Wheels and Reels on Nov. 30 at Tanner Park.
Moviegoers have two options: 4:30pm or 6:30pm, where they can park their car in front of the screen, tune their radio to a dedicated station and enjoy the movie.
Waupun Trolley Night and Midtown Market December 14th
Waupun’s My Property Shop and Thrivent Financial will host a free trolley night on Dec. 14, with trolleys running from 5 to 7:45 p.m.
The Northside Trolley will meet at Modern Mercantile, 23 E. Jackson St., and the Southside Trolley will meet at My Property Shoppe, 6 E. Franklin St.
Additionally, Midtown Market’s pop-up winter market will coincide with Trolley Night at 4 E. Franklin St., located between the two pick-up locations.
Waupun Winter Market December 21st
The Waupun Winter Market begins in October and runs on the third Thursday of each month through March.
The Dec. 21 market will be held at Godutch Solutions (328 S. Division St.), with several vendors in a farmers market-like atmosphere, and Godutch offering a limited menu.
Waupun Small Business Saturday
Waupun’s offerings for small businesses starting Saturday include a variety of handcrafted and curated gift ideas.
Imagine That Art Studio (409 E. Main St.) offers opportunities to make your own gifts with painting, resin and other craft sessions.
Blue Heron Antiques (309 E. Main St.) sells antiques as well as home furnishings and other home or personal items. Chic Tique (300 E. Main St.) has a huge inventory of decor, furniture and clothing, including many holiday items, and Firefly Gifts (2 S. Madison St.), part of Reiki Essentials. We also have a variety of products available. Includes various crystals, rotating vintage items, and more.
Boutiques include K’s Boutique (317 E. Main St.), which sells clothing, jewelry and accessories. Stone & Suede Boutique (417 E. Main St.). We have clothing and accessories for every style and occasion. and Modern Mercantile (23 E. Jackson St.), which aims to offer modern clothing in a commercial setting.
Gysbers Jewelry (305 E. Main St.) offers fine jewelry and watches, specializing in permanent jewelry, earrings, in-house repair and customization.
Sigma Holiday House:Sigma Holiday House is offering handmade gifts and decorations this weekend. Here’s everything you need to know.
St. Matt’s Market in Campbellsport November 25th
St. Matthew Catholic School (415 Mill St.) in Campbellsport will host St. Matthew Market featuring handmade jewelry, soaps, art, candles, decorations, accessories and more on Nov. 25 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. To do.
Light snacks such as chili, hot chocolate and coffee are available.
Missing your favorite holiday hidden gem? Contact Streetwise reporter Daphne Lemke at dlemke@gannett.com.