Come to downtown Mineral Point for the most magical weekend of the year with candlelight shopping, Santa Day at Shake Rag, the Nutcracker, chestnuts (and s’mores) roasting on an open fire, and the final Gallery Night of the year.

The town is just about ready to go.  The shops are festooned with evergreen garlands, the Homan’s Christmas tree at the top of the hill is lit, and the new light-up wreaths adorn the downtown street lights. Come Saturday at 5:00 p.m. the Mineral Point Key Club will light and distribute the luminary, and the holiday singing and shopping will begin!

Look for numerous new shops and galleries as well. In addition those mentioned in our most recent blog post “New Stores Popping Up“, check out the grand opening of Kath Whitford’s Retromantic at 148 High Street.

Most galleries and shops are showcasing special exhibits and offering complimentary treats. It’s like a series of parties and we’re all invited. Here’s a rundown of the activities, with links.

Friday, December 2, 2016

7:30 p.m. The Nutcracker kicks off its two-week engagement at the Mineral Point Opera House.

8:30 p.m. Cupola returns to the Gray Dog.

Saturday, December 3, 2016 – Gallery Night – Candlelight Shopping

8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Christmas Cookie and Candy Sale at the Faith Lutheran Church, 400 Ridge Street.

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 60th Annual Holiday Fair at Trinity Episcopal Church.  Lunch and pie will be served from 10:30am-2pm.  The fair features baked goods, Christmas decorations, crafts, and more. Pie and coffee will be served all day with a raffle at 2:00 p.m.

10:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Santa Day at Shake Rag Alley. Due to the ongoing pathway/landscape repair at Shake Rag Alley, they have moved most of the Santa Day activities, including check-in and ticket purchasing to the Lind Pavilion at 411 Commerce St. Photos with Santa (10:00 a.m. – noon) will still be in the Cabinet Shop, but you’ll need to purchase your tickets at the Lind Pavilion.

9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. The UCC Church has a “Pop Up” store at the corner of High and Chestnut that includes a holiday bake sale, handmade scarves, Christmas decor, and other gifts.

2:30-pm and 7:30pm “The Nutcracker” ballet at the Opera House.  Tickets are available at Berget’s Jewelers or online at brownpapertickets.com.

5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. GALLERY NIGHT.   It’s the final Gallery Night of 2016 with several new places to check out in downtown Mineral Point. The candles will be lit by 5 and many of the people will be lit a little later.  Most of the stores and galleries will be open all day. You’re sure to find something for everyone on your shopping list. Check out all the Gallery Night locations here: http://www.artsmp.org/gallery-night/

5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Candlelight Dinner at the Red Rooster serving Prime Rib Dinner, Shrimp Scampi, Chicken Alfredo, and their full menu including Fresh Pasty. If would like to make reservations you can call 608-987-9936. Ask for Patti or Tammi.

5:30 p.m. – The MP Kiwanis will be roasting chestnuts — and s’mores — on an open fire at the corner of High and Chestnut. Donations are welcome and will go to help the Kiwanis continue their restoration of the little stone visitor house at Water Tower Park.

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Nancy Schmalz and Caleb Mitchell will play music for flute, bassoon, and piano in the old bank building, 203 High Street. Limited seating will be available. Stop in and enjoy classical music.

6:30-9:00pm Caroling on High sponsored by the Mineral Point Historical Society. Gather at Cornish Heritage Park, next to the Opera House, at 6:30 p.m. or join along at any point. Feel free to bring a songbook.

Sunday, December 4, 2016

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Breakfast at Tony’s Tap to support the T-Riders Snowmobile Club and a toy drive to support UW American Family Children’s Hospital and Iowa County Social Services.

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Winter Bazaar On the Point! at the First United Methodist Church at the top of High Street includes a silent auction, cake walk, baked goods, sundaes, a chance to win wonderful prizes and a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus.

2:30 p.m. The Nutcracker

Festive shopping continues.  The sidewalk will be decked out with un-lit, wax-encrusted luminaria. Most shops and galleries are open on Sundays (all year!)

Make a weekend of it and get a room in one of the many charming guest houses in Mineral Point.

It should be a busy, fun weekend!

-Contributed by Lisa Hay