An Old-Fashioned Christmas

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The Inspiration for this trip came from a widow that had no one left to spend Christmas with. She said “Ralph, I wish you would do a trip over Christmas for others like myself.” Since the idea for this trip came about, many others, such as those whose families are not able to be together for Christmas, have expressed this same desire. So, no matter what your circumstances are, Jan and I are excited to share Christmas with you!

Day 1 – Home to Ft. Atkinson, WI

With bags all packed and in hand, we are ready to meet our traveling friends and embark on an exciting “Old-Fashioned Christmas!” We’ll have coffee breaks along the way and enjoy an included lunch at the Norske Nook in Osseo, Wisconsin. Upon arriving in Fort Atkinson, we check into the Holiday Inn Express with time to settle in and prepare for an unforgettable evening at the Fireside Dinner Theatre. It begins with their fabulous signature buffet dinner, featuring a variety of delectable choices created by their chefs, and is sure to please! Following dinner we will be treated to the spectacular production of “A Fireside Christmas,” a show that will rekindle the true Christmas spirit in all of us – through songs, stories, and dances, portraying the familiar stories of the season.

Hotel: Holiday Inn Express 

Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner 

Day 2 – Ft. Atkinson to Elkhart Lake

After an included breakfast at the hotel we will depart for historic and charming Cedarburg, all in festive Christmas array. Here more than 200 historic buildings still remain and are used as shops, homes, museums, and public businesses. We will have time to search out many of these beautiful shops and restaurants, easily finding one where you can have your noon lunch. Leaving Cedarburg, we make our way to the community of Plymouth and a visit to the Wreath Factory. Here you will find a collection of wreaths, and at this time of the year, the collection will include their signature blend of pine, cedar, balsam and other botanicals to capture a scent true to Christmas memories, both old and new! Our next stop is the elegant and beautiful Osthoff Resort, our home for the next three nights. As we enter the Resort, be amazed at the beautiful surroundings, now all in Christmas splendor. First enjoy a Welcome Reception, then we’ll be escorted to our rooms where we can unwind and relax before joining our friends for a dinner together. There is so much to see and experience here that as we enjoy the comfort of our beds, we can hardly await the new experiences that the next day will bring!

Hotel: Osthoff Resort (3 Nights) 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Day 3 – Elkhart Lake

We begin our day at leisure with breakfast in one of the Resort restaurants. There will be time to explore the many areas of the Resort, including a Gift Shoppe with a great and diverse selection of merchandise, a pool, fitness center, and the Aspira Spa. Lunch will be on your own to choose the time and place! This afternoon you will have the option of a horse-drawn wagon ride, and upon your return to the Resort there will be hot chocolate and Christmas cookies! Later we enjoy an authentic German Christmas dinner planned for us to share together. Following dinner we will meet together in one of the beautiful rooms to celebrate an “Old-Fashioned Christmas Eve.” We will have time to share some of our memories of Christmases past, special traditions, special childhood memories, favorite Christmas foods & favorite Christmas carols. We may even sing them! Later, a Christmas Eve snack and then we are off to our beds “with visions of sugar plums dancing in our heads.”

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Day 4 – Elkhart Lake – MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Following breakfast we will have the opportunity to attend a Christmas Day service at one of the local churches. As we return to the Resort, we look forward to a fabulous Christmas Day Buffet, crowning the festivities of Christmas Day in style! We’ll spend a relaxing afternoon visiting with each other and enjoying all the amenities of the Resort, one being the beautifully lit and decorated Christmas trees! We may even find a gift with our name on it under one of the trees! Later, at dusk, we may board our coach and drive around to see the Christmas lights in the area, making our Christmas Day complete!

Included Meals: Brunch Buffet, Dinner 

Day 5 – Elkhart Lake to Home

Before we depart for home, we will enjoy a hot holiday breakfast together. Then we’ll leave the Resort, all nestled in the snowy magic of winter, with memories of an Old-Fashioned Christmas spent there! As we travel home, we will share those memories of our Christmas spent together.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch