It’s hard to believe it is already November. The holidays are right around the corner and yet I still find myself wondering if we are stuck in March. With 2020 throwing a wrench in almost every person’s life, I think everyone could use a little holiday spirit this year.

Well don’t you worry because you are in luck! We have gathered great holiday gift ideas, activities, ways to support local, and maximize your holiday experience in the midst of a pandemic. Keep on reading to explore all the holiday goodness.

Holiday Gift Ideas

We are lucky in Mount Horeb to have so many awesome retailers. You can check off everyone on your list this year without having to leave the Village. We are lucky to be able to support local always, but in the middle of a pandemic it is a bonus to be able to get everything you need without going far from home.

Click here to view our complete Mount Horeb Area gift guide. 

At-Home Activities

While some holiday activities are no longer possible this year, there are many at-home activities to bring a little joy to your household.

Board & Brush is a creative studio that educates you and assists you on creating one of a kind projects. Home décor is their specialty! They have many workshops on their calendar for you to go into the studio and experience a night out, but you can also take advantage of their Make & Take options! They have a selection of smaller projects available that you can pre-order and take home. All the supplies you need are included and there are many designs to choose from. This is a great option if you are looking for something to do at home. 

Did you know the Driftless Historium has a virtual store on their website full of books, toys, and games? Consider picking up a few puzzles and new games to keep your family entertained. You could make an evening out of it and have a game night! Order some pizza from Pizza Hut or Mount Horeb Pizza Co., cuddle up around the coffee table, and enjoy some family time together.

Date night idea! Order each course of your dinner from a different restaurant for takeout and have an at-home Taste of Mount Horeb. For example, order Cheese curds from Skal Public House, an Uff-Da Pretzel from The Grumpy Troll, and Troll Burgers from the Walk-On Bar & Grill. Grab a take-home pint of Chocolate Shoppe ice cream from Icki Sticki and a 4 pack of Brix Cider and you have yourself one heck of a date night, at home and you were able to support 5 different small businesses in one night!

Supporting Local this Holiday Season

Personally, nothing puts me more in the holiday spirit than a little decorating. How lucky are we that Jada’s Garden is located just minutes from Mount Horeb and is a one-stop-shop for all things holiday décor! Trees, wreaths, gifts, and more all in one spot! Plus they offer online shopping with more items being added daily. They are open for in-person shopping starting November 20^th.

Thanksgiving will definitely be a little different this year for many families. Not being able to gather with loved ones is hard. Don’t make it harder on yourself than it has to be. Order your Thanksgiving meal from Hi Point Steakhouse, Skal Public House or Bistro 101 and jump on a Zoom call with family that can’t be physically together. Spend more time with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen this year. Orders are being accepted until November 17 through Hi Point Steakhouse.

If you are planning to create your own fest, check out local grocery options like the Brix Cider Marketplace and Miller & Son’s Supermarket.

Some local restaurants are offering take-home family sized meals as well. Grumpy Troll has Grab and Go Mac & Cheese, Uff-Da Pretzel, and Chicken Biscuits. Bistro 101 has many take-and-bake family meals as well like Meatloaf, Pot Pie, Lasagna, and more!

Botham Vineyards is local to the Mount Horeb area and produces authentic Wisconsin wine. Consider picking up a bottle for your holiday dinners, to add to a gift, or just because it’s 2020 and we could all use an extra glass. 

Maximize Your Winter Experience

Is there a better way to experience a Wisconsin winter than at a ski hill? Tyrol Basin, located just down the road from Mount Horeb, provides wholesome & adventurous family activities year round. In the winter, you can experience skiing and snowboarding as well as snow tubing.


Brix Domes/Shanty is the perfect solution for those looking to get out but also wanting a private space. A heated dome or shanty and deliciousness from Brix is a win-win situation. You can rent a one hour slot for only $5.00 on their website here. 

The first weekend in February, the people of Mount Horeb, don their red pointy hats as they celebrate the town’s Scandinavian heritage. We hear this year’s Scandihoovian Winter Festival will include lots of at-home fun and memory making opportunities. Make sure to follow the festival on Facebook and Instagram for more updates.

Ways to Support Your Community

Neighbors Helping Neighbors is resource hub where people in need in our community can access food, clothing, and personal items, as well as information regarding other services, all under one roof.  By having access to these items, at no cost, they are then able to reallocate their funds to cover other needs such as rent, mortgage, utilizes and heat. 

If you would like to join their volunteer base, please visit: https://www.mthorebneighbors.org/get-involved or if you wish to help us help others, through a financial gift, you can contribute online at https://www.mthorebneighbors.org/donate or mail a check to Neighbors Helping Neighbors, P.O. Box 196, Mt. Horeb, WI 53572.

The Mount Horeb Area Giving Tree works with the Mount Horeb area community to bring gifts to low income children, disabled adults and senior citizens. All applicants live within the Mount Horeb Area School District.

If you’re interested in donating, volunteering, or have any questions about the Mount Horeb Giving Tree please contact them at MHGivingTree@gmail.com.

How are you enjoying this holiday season?

We want to hear from you! Are you enjoying the holidays through Zoom this year? Leave us a comment down below. 

Please note, information is subject to change. Please check directly with the business for the most up-to-date information.