Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/94702
play around town Get Outta Town Turn your holiday tree hunt into an outdoor adventure by chopping down your own Balsamic Creek Lane Tree Farm Bear Creek Let Fido track your tree at this pet-friendly, family operated tree farm. Afterward, warm up with complimentary hot choco- late and even catch glimpses of Santa Claus on the weekends. Visit mrchristmastree.com French Creek Farms Portage Lead your family on a fun-fi lled quest at this self-serve tree farm. Open 24/7, you can even bring a fl ashlight and search for the perfect tree at night! Visit frenchcreekfarms.com Miller's Christmas Trees Rio Boasting numerous trails and many tree varieties, guests are invited to climb aboard a horse-drawn wagon before searching for their ideal tree, and then savor the season with hot apple cider or hot chocolate from the gift shop. Visit treerex.com Tannenbaum Acres Janesville Hop on a hay wagon and let the search begin at this 50-year-old farm that grows classic fi rs, spruces and more. Visitors can also feed Santa's resident reindeer, Dasher, who makes the farm his year-round home…except, of course, on Christmas Eve. Visit tannenbaumacres.com Mad(ison) About the Nutcracker Celebrate the classic tale with three unique twists by these local productions: Li Chiao-Ping Dance will present "The Knotcracker," which blends adventur- ous dance and imaginative theater Nov. 20-Dec. 2. Overture Center, Madison; overturecenter.com. Dance Wisconsin will incorporate a live orchestra and more than 80 dancers in its "Nutcracker Fantasy," Dec. 7-9. Mitby Theater, Madison; dancewisconsin.com. While Madison Ballet will offer its always lavish and grand rendition of "The Nutcracker" Dec. 15–24, along with a hilarious new spoof, "Nutty Nut," Dec. 22. Overture Center, Madison; madisonballet.org. Escape the Holiday Buzz Reconnect with the great outdoors this season at the Kettle Moraine State Forest (60 miles east of Madison) on Dec. 21 during their "Winter Solstice Night Hike." An annual tradition, this family friendly excursion starts at a bonfi re before venturing into the woods. Head Out: Stocking up on seasonal treats is a snap with offerings from local bakeries Bloom Bake Shop Santa Claus will soon come knocking once you've picked up holiday treats from this bakeshop. And with winter whoopie pies in classic, peppermint and gingerbread varieties, he may not leave! bloombakeshop.com 66 BRAVA Magazine Clasen's European Bakery Founded in 1959 by German brothers, this European bakery is known for its yearly giant gingerbread house, as well as its nostalgic holiday favorites to go, including holiday cookies. clasensbakery.com December 2012 The Rolling Pin Bake Shoppe From its Christmas tree cake, to its chocolate and raspberry Bushe de Noel, cookie trays and more, this bakeshop serves up a bounty of seasonal sweets. rollingpinbakeshop.com Scott's Pastry Shoppe Christmas classics abound at this 30-year-old bakery, including holiday cookies, gingerbread houses, pep- permint bars, Yule log cakes and plenty more. scottspastry.com Silly Yak Bakery Gluten free? No need to cut back on holiday indulgences! With fresh gluten-free pies, holiday breads and buns, Silly Yak bakes up goodies for all. freshglutenfree.net Photo courtesy of the Madison Ballet