A Merry Time

A group of children enjoys a visit with Santa during last year’s Festival of Trees. Submitted photo.

For the third straight holiday season, Door County Maritime Museum (DCMM) will present its Merry-Time Festival of Trees over the course of more than three weeks, from Nov. 15 through Dec. 9.

The event has grown since it began in 2012 and this year, there will be plenty of events, from story time to the chance to deck your halls with an already-decorated Christmas tree, to help you and yours get into the holiday spirit.

The focus of the event from year to year is bringing in guests to view dozens of decorated trees in the museum’s galleries. These trees are decorated by local businesses and organizations, and through a raffle drawing, each one will be sent home with a lucky winner. There will also be a silent auction to help take care of your Christmas shopping.

Merry-Time Festival of Trees kicks off with a series of family-friendly events on Saturday, Nov. 15. In collaboration with the Door County Library, children are invited to a story time under a festival tree at 9 am with Tree Tales.

At 10 am, Write On, Door County and the Maritime Museum will partner to offer families the chance to take part in a writing activity based on the festival trees. Families are invited to explore the tree display and once inspiration sparks, write a story or poem about their favorite tree. Volunteers will be on hand to help out, and families will be invited to share their story or poem at the end of the activity. Registration is $10 per family (one adult, one child) and includes museum admission.

A beautifully decorated tree at last year’s Merry-Time Festival of Trees. Submitted photo.

At noon, Ministry Door County Medical Center’s Children’s Choir will delight museum-goers with the musical message of wellness, joy and goodwill.

The next big event of the festival is Pirate Day on Saturday, Nov. 29. Ministry Door County Medical Center is the chief sponsor of the parrot-and-pirate themed event, which will feature exhibits, crafts, games, an outdoor pirate ship, cookie decorating and more.

On Saturday, Dec. 6, Door County author Carol Davis and illustrator Jan Rasmussen will be on hand to read their book The Night Before Christmas. The book has a “distinct Door County flare” and includes references to several area points of interest, including Cana Lighthouse, Eagle Tower, the car ferry and more. Each book will be signed by both Davis and Rasmussen. Two book signing and story time sessions will be offered – one at 9:30 am and the other at 11 am.

From 10 am – 1 pm, Santa will be onboard the historic tugboat to hear children’s Christmas wishes. Adult admission to the museum includes a visit with Santa.

Merry-Time Festival of Trees will also be a stop on DOOR CANcer’s Holiday Home Tour from 10 am – 4 pm. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at the museum.

The concluding event of Merry-Time Festival of Trees is the Jingle, Jingle, Mix & Mingle from 5:30-8:30 pm on Tuesday, Dec. 9. Enjoy a heavy hors d’oeuvres buffet, silent auction and the Merry-Time Festival of Trees raffle drawing. Advanced registration is required by calling 920.743.5958.

Museum adult admission remains $8 through the festival but includes a free $5 Merry-Time Festival of Trees raffle ticket. Tickets can also be purchased at a discount (six for $25). Children’s admission to the museum is free during the festival with any Cana Island restoration donation. Door County Maritime Museum is located at 120 N. Madison Ave. in Sturgeon Bay. For more information visit dcmm.org or call 920.743.5958.