Create a new holiday tradition for your family and friends by visiting the Door County Maritime Museum (DCMM) during the 8th Annual Merry-Time Festival of Trees. The Festival runs daily at the Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay (120 North Madison Avenue) from November 8 through December 10, 10am-5pm. Uniquely decorated trees and wreaths donated by businesses and individuals in the community can be found throughout the museum’s galleries.
With trees in every gallery and new decorations to enhance the experience, this year will be sure to make an impact on everyone’s holiday memories. Visitors to the museum throughout the month can purchase raffle tickets in hopes of winning one of the beautifully decorated trees.
The Festival kicks off with a brand new event this year – a Tug Lighting! On Friday, November 8 from 4-6pm, the Museum is bringing the community together for cocoa, cookies and carols to see the 100-year-old tugboat John Purves draped with lights as the Festival of Trees begins.
There will be many special days throughout the Festival, but none as special as Kids Day & Santa on the Tug John Purves on Saturday, December 7. Kids of all ages are welcome to participate in holiday activities and explore the Museum starting at 9am. Santa is scheduled to arrive via U.S. Coast Guard boat at 10am. Children will delight in visiting Santa aboard the historic tugboat John Purves from 10am-1pm. All children accompanied by an adult receive free admission to this event and to the Museum from November 29 through December 7.
The Festival culminates with the annual Jingle Mixer Gala on Tuesday, December 10. Hundreds of attendees will enjoy catered hors d’oeuvres, open bar, live music, silent and live auctions, as well as the tree raffle. The Jingle Mixer Gala includes the raffle drawing where guests will win the trees decorated by local businesses and organizations. Each of these extraordinary trees is adorned with beautiful ornaments and special surprises.
Tickets for the Jingle Mixer Gala are limited and are available to the public on www.DoorCountyTickets.com starting November 1. Museum guests can begin bidding on silent auction items online on #CyberMonday, December 2 at www.32auctions.com/jinglemixergala.
If you are interested in sponsoring and decorating a tree, please contact Carrie Dorski, Community Engagement Manager (cdorski@dcmm.org or 920-743-5958). Sponsors of the Merry-Time Festival of Trees benefit from over 30 days of advertising exposure including a listing on our website, event brochure, and sponsor board. All proceeds raised during the Merry-Time Festival of Trees supports the Museum’s annual operating fund.
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