Spectacular Craftacular

Those looking to buy handmade gifts this holiday season can stop by the fifth annual Holiday Craftacular on Saturday, Nov. 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Madison Masonic Center, 301 Wisconsin Ave. More than 80 artists and crafters will sell their wares at the event.

Picture frames, jewelry, bath and body products, embellished sweaters, bags and stationery are among the items for sale, many of which are made from recycled or repurposed materials.

Free goodie bags will be handed out to the first 50 shoppers. Last year there was a line when the sale opened, so get there early.

Satirical elves

Everyone knows that Christmas is only about the presents. On Friday, Nov. 27, through Saturday, Dec. 19, the satirical essayist David Sedaris’ “The Santaland Diaries” will be performed at the Bartell Theatre at 113 E. Mifflin St., poking fun at the commercialized Christmas season. Based on Sedaris’ actual diaries documenting his job as “Blisters,” a Macy’s store elf, the show will be philosophical, thought-provoking and hilarious. Singing and dancing elves, stressed shoppers and a go-go dancing reindeer are all part of the cast. This show is rated PG-13 for language. Shows run Thursday through Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets in advance are $12 for adults, $10 for students; tickets at the door are $15 for adults, $12 for students.

Run, you turkeys

You’ll feel free to take that second helping of mashed potatoes and stuffing if you first take part in Thanksgiving Day’s annual Berbee Derby road race in Fitchburg. It’s the sixth annual event, with proceeds benefitting the Technology Education Foundation.

Events include a 10K run, 5K run and 5K walk, all starting at 9 a.m. in the Fitchburg Center area on East Cheryl Parkway. The entry fee is $25; register on race day from 7:30-8:45 a.m. For information, check berbeederby.com.

Be jolly, take a trolley

Free trolley rides, carolers and special deals from participating merchants are part of the Downtown Madison Holiday Open House, Saturday, Nov. 28, on State Street and around the Capitol Square. Trolleys will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and can be boarded at Madison Metro bus stops. Trolley service will continue Downtown on weekends through Dec. 20.

Also as part of the Open House, Overture Center for the Arts, 201 State St., will have activities for families like cookie decorating. An information table will be open at Overture from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., providing maps, directions and area shopping ideas.

For information and a list of businesses taking part in the event, sponsored by the Madison Central Business Improvement District, go to visitdowntownmadison.com.

Land of shadows

Shadow puppets are not only for kids. On Saturday, Nov. 28, Daniel Barash will take adults and kids alike to Southeast Asia and Africa on an intricate shadow puppet adventure on the Rotunda Stage in the Overture Center, 201 State St. This performance entitled “Spin Me a Shadow, Tell Me a Tale” is set 2,200 years ago in the time of the Han Dynasty in China. Some audience members will have a chance to participate behind the screen during the shows at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The free event is part of the Kids in the Rotunda series for kids and families.

Santa’s “sleigh”

In the spirit of the holiday season, climb aboard the Mid-Continent Railway’s Santa Express the weekend of Nov. 28 to 29 for a seven-mile, 50-minute ride on a former branch line of the Chicago and North Western railroad. The train will be decked out in holiday decorations and there will be a special visit (and a small gift for the kids) from Santa himself. All the cars are heated by steam heat or coal-fired stoves. The train leaves at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. from the Mid-Continent Railway Museum at E8948 Diamond Hill Road in North Freedom. Tickets are $16 for adults and $10 for kids (Children under 3 ride free).

Activities at the Arb

Enjoy the cool fall weather at the “Stars and Night Sounds” walk at the Arboretum on Saturday, Nov. 28. Meet at the Arboretum Visitor Center at 1207 Seminole Highway at 6:30 p.m. to enjoy the night air, listen for nocturnal animal activity and see the waxing moon that is about 78 percent full. The free event lasts until 8 p.m.

The next day, more than 25 vendors of art, food items and gifts will be part of the “Close to Home: Arboretum Local Products Expo.” The event, meant to highlight sustainable goods and recycling, will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the visitor center. Admission and parking are free.

Products include locally produced chocolates, cheeses, honey and pasta sauces; handmade tote bags, scarves and mittens; and jewelry and pottery. Shoppers also can make purchases from the Arboretum’s bookstore, and the Friends of the Arboretum Garden Boutique will have tools designed for native gardeners on sale.

Lite-Brite

Here’s an outing that requires little exertion: Pile the family into the car and head to Olin-Turville Park for the Holiday Fantasy in Lights, open through Jan. 3. Enjoy the twinkling lights and festive scenes from the warmth of your car. And because it starts to get dark at 4 p.m., you don’t have to wait too long to see the sights.

Add or View Comment

Login to post your comment. If you don't have an account, you may register for one.