What’s Happening in Wisconsin: Your View and the Badger State Buzz (Dec. 10–14)

"It was my perk for getting up to take my grandson to his 6:30AM basketball practice." (Courtesy of Barbara B.)

By Ellie Bourdo

December 10, 2025

Welcome to this week’s Wisconsin View and Badger State Buzz—two staples of the UpNorthNews newsletter. If you want to see the Badger State Buzz as soon as it drops each week, make sure you’re subscribed. And if you’d like your photo featured, like reader Barbara B. here showing the Cold Moon setting behind an island on Lake Wissota, just reply to any newsletter with your submission.

Now, onto your Badger State Buzz:

🚂 CPKC Holiday Train, statewide (Dec. 9-11)

The well-loved CPKC Holiday Train will make stops throughout the state this week. The tour raises money, food, and awareness for food banks across the network.

🎁 Old World Christmas Market, Elkhart Lake (Dec. 8-14)

This Christmas market will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The market features ornaments, Russian nesting dolls, jewelry, clothing, and more. The Old World Food Court will also offer a variety of food options.

🎉 Hmong Milwaukee New Year, Milwaukee (Dec. 13 & 14)

The Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center will host a two-day celebration featuring a cornhole tournament, vendor village, authentic food, games, and more.

🌿 WFU Youth Convention, Wisconsin Dells (Dec. 13)

The Wisconsin Farmers Union is hosting its 95th annual state convention. It will include educational speakers, arts and crafts, and games to inspire the next generation to continue their involvement in agriculture.

🎶 UW Russian Fold Orchestra Annual Holiday Concert, Madison (Dec. 14)

In its 27th season, the Orchestra will present its annual concert at Grace Episcopal Church in Madison. It will include Slavic, Eastern European, and other music performed on authentic instruments.

☕ Colectivo Holiday Market, Milwaukee (Dec. 14)

Colectivo on Prospect Ave. will host a holiday market featuring local handmade products, free coffee samples, a hot cocoa bar, and more. Admission to the market is free.

That’s your Buzz for the week. If you make it to any of these events—or capture a winter scene worth sharing—reply to any of our daily newsletters with a photo. We always look forward to seeing what Wisconsin looks like through your eyes.

Author

Ellie Bourdo

Ellie Bourdo is UpNorthNews’ newsletter editor. A Wisconsin native, she was born and raised in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with degrees in journalism and Spanish. In her free time, Ellie enjoys spending time with family and friends on the lake or at the ski hill. Have a story tip? Reach Ellie at [email protected]. For local reporting in Wisconsin that connects the dots, from policy to people, sign up for UpNorthNews’ "news of the day” email newsletter.

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