The Cedarburg Art Museum Presents ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

The locally owned shops, hometown restaurants, bed-and-breakfasts, and micro-wineries located along historic Washington Avenue illuminate during the holidays, especially during Festive Friday Evenings which take place late November through December each year. The Cedarburg Art Museum wishes to be a cornerstone to downtown Cedarburg during these holiday events and help highlight and enhance the historic downtown businesses even more by honoring Clement C. Moore’s famous work, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by transforming our Wittenberg-Jochem Mansion’s period rooms to illustrate thematic lines from the poem and create a destination event year after year during the holiday season.

Not a creature will stir as the Museum quietly awaits the arrival of St. Nicholas; an ornate Victorian tree and stockings hang by the chimney with care; the fireplace-lit bedroom depicts a long winter’s nap interrupted as our narrator springs from the bed to see what “was the matter”. A glance to the nearest window depicts the new fallen snow; and down the chimney St. Nicholas comes with a bound to the parlor, where an array of gifts overflow a full-sized 1898 Victorian Christmas tree adorned with ornaments and candles; in the dining room, a festive bounty feast covers the table in preparation for a Happy Christmas to all; and outside, in the Museum’s garden filled with twinkling lights and live reindeer adorned with jingle bells await the arrival of St. Nicholas.

The Museum Shop will be filled with festive finds, handmade holiday decor and souvenirs available for purchase including copies of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas in every form – hardcover, pop-up, board, and coloring books.

The public is encouraged to visit our museum November 22 through December 20 to experience the holiday magic. The museum will come alive those Festive Friday evenings. Timed tickets for entry on Friday nights will be available from 5:15 to 8:15 p.m. Tickets are required for the self guided tour and access to the Museum garden which will feature hot beverages to keep visitors warm, family photo opportunities, and Santa’s live reindeer. Tickets are $10.00 per person, required, and will be available online starting Friday, November 1 at 9 AM. Pre-registration is highly encouraged due to the Museum’s capacity.

An opening reception for ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas will be held on Thursday, November 21 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Before introducing the spectacular mansion to the public, opening reception attendees will enjoy an exclusive visit that will include the Friday evening magic including Santa’s reindeer in the sparkling outdoor garden. Complimentary light hors d’oeuvres from Frannie’s Market will be served and the Lakefront Brewery Tap House will be open serving a variety of beverages. Tickets to the opening reception are $100.00 per person and will also go on sale Friday, November 1 at 9 AM. Pre-registration is required and space is limited.

Tickets are not required to visit the museum during open hours, Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. but a suggested $5.00 donation is encouraged. Please note the museum will be closed from Thursday, November 14 through Thursday, November 21 as the home transforms for the holidays.

For more information or to purchase your tickets, visit cedarburgartmuseum.org/christmas. Happy holidays from the Cedarburg Art Museum!

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.