Good morning!

Ellie here. I want to start by giving a big thank you to our readers who donated during our fundraising campaign! We surpassed our goal because of your awesome support. 💙

Yesterday, I asked about your family’s holiday traditions. Here’s what one reader said:

“My girls and granddaughters and I get together the first Saturday in December each year to make Christmas centerpieces from fresh greens from our farm and fresh flowers. We do it in our heated garage. We were 10 of us this year and we made about 50 centerpieces. Some for our own homes and some to give to in-laws, cleaning lady, hair dresser etc. We’ve been doing this for about 25 years.” — Gurnie G.

What a special tradition! If you have any fun holiday traditions, be sure to send them my way so I can feature them!

Did you catch Badger State Buzz earlier this week? It’s got a roundup of things happening around the state. Catch up here.

In today’s Locals Love section, we’ll look at the holiday markets you won’t want to miss around our state, along with other Wisconsin news!

Ellie Bourdo

Newsletter Editor, UpNorthNews

P.S. After Dec. 23, we’ll be on winter break! We’ll return to your inbox on Dec. 30 and resume our regular schedule on Jan. 5.

“Waiting for the picnic to begin.” (Courtesy of Dan R.)

Dan R. in Wild Rose sent in this great photo, featuring his sweet pup on a picnic table in the snow. Claiming the high ground. Smart.

Thanks for sharing!

Show me your Wisconsin view!

Holiday markets this weekend that you won’t want to miss

With the holiday spirit in full swing, here are some markets for you to check out this weekend:

🎁 Christkindlmarket on Broadway, Green Bay (Dec. 19 & 20)

This German-style outdoor market features festive food, drinks, and unique gifts in the heart of Green Bay.

🎁 Farmers Market Holiday Bazaar, Oshkosh (Dec. 20)

Held at the Oshkosh Arena, this event is free to attend and features a visit from Santa himself.

🎁 Sparta Kriskindlmarkt, Sparta (Dec. 19 & 20)

This Christmas market features unique artisans, crafters, and local producers, along with a variety of traditional food and drinks.

🎁 The Inclusive Bean Holiday Market, Racine (Dec. 20)

The second annual holiday market will feature free photos with Santa, cookie decorating, and local vendors with handmade gifts and goodies.

🎁 Holiday Market at Heartland Montessori, River Falls (Dec. 21)

This holiday market will feature a great lineup of local artists, bakers, growers, and more.

A record number of people are expected to travel for the holidays. Here’s what to know in Wisconsin

Holiday travelers depart from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023, in Milwaukee, Wis. (USA Today via Reuters Connect)

By USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

Holiday travel is again expected to hit record levels in 2025, with AAA estimating that more than 122 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home over the last few weeks of the year.

Nearly 3 million more people will travel for the holidays this year than did in 2024, according to AAA. Most are expected to travel by car.

If you’re one of those people ready to hit the road, AAA also has projections for the best and worst times to drive during the busy holiday season.

Here’s what to know about traveling for the holidays, whether you’re staying in Wisconsin or venturing farther.

✈️ Learn more

These Wisconsin seniors remember when government worked for the people

Wisconsin seniors are using lessons from the past to shape their communities’ future.

By Gwen Frisbie-Fulton

My dad usually keeps his emotions close, tucked up under his flannel shirt. That’s one reason why I’ll always remember the day he was playing on the floor with my toddler and looked up to say, “There should be a Grandparents’ Party. You know, like a political party, but for grandparents.”

My dad explained that growing older and becoming a grandparent has made him think about what the world should look like, not just now, but long after he is gone. Embracing this protracted view, he reasons, can change how people think about government and policy for the better.

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Ellie Bourdo with stories from USA Today Network via Reuters Connect and Gwen Frisbie-Fulton. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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