Enjoy an Old-Fashioned Holiday at The Ridges Sanctuary

Baileys Harbor, Wis. (Baileys Harbor, Wis.) – The Ridges Sanctuary is giving families and friends a chance to spend time this holiday season surrounded by its natural beauty at its Natural Christmas event on Saturday, December 13, from 3 to 6  pm.

Guests at the old-fashioned holiday celebration can walk down the softly lit Hidden Brook Boardwalk and roast marshmallows around an outdoor fire. The Kaye Cabin, decorated with a winter treats and holidays feasts theme, will host live music and offer homemade cookies, warm cider, and hot chocolate. The event also offers a wreath-making workshop and free holiday crafts for all ages. Guided hikes and tours of the Range Light are available throughout the event. The Nature Store will also be open, allowing visitors to shop for nature-themed stocking stuffers, housewares, clothing, and art.

Ridges volunteers Jane Whitney and Julie Knox selected the event’s theme, which is a year in the making. From cutting greens, gathering, drying, and organizing natural materials, to decorating the Kaye Cabin inside and out, they have dedicated 18 years of their time, talents, and energy to creating this magical event, which has become an annual family tradition.

“So many people work and volunteer to make Natural Christmas special,” says Jane. “Whether guests enjoy every activity or just sit in the cabin with music and cookies, we want them to feel the holiday spirit. It’s a fun, low-key start to winter.” “We love the preparations, but we’re really grateful for the support of Ridges staff, volunteers, and our ‘volun-tolds,’” adds Julie. “Our husbands miss us for six weeks and still show up to haul, paint, or cut whatever we need.”

Admission to Natural Christmas is free. The wreath-making fee is $30 and includes materials for one wreath. Natural Christmas runs from 3 to 6 pm. on Saturday, December 13. Parking is available at the Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 Highway 57 in Baileys Harbor. Handicap parking is also available at the Cabins at The Ridges, 8288 County Q, Baileys Harbor. To learn more, call 920-839-2802 or visit ridgessanctuary.org.