Middleton Guide to Entertaining over the Holidays
Thinking of ways to entertain over the holidays can be challenging, especially when guests are in town for multiple days. Here are some ideas!
Thinking of ways to entertain over the holidays can be challenging, especially when guests are in town for multiple days. Don’t worry; Middleton has you covered this holiday with numerous unique entertainment options. From board games and crafts for the whole family to entertainment spots, your guests will be impressed by what Middleton has to offer.
Spend a Day at the Arcade
The Kickback Bar will be closed on Dec. 25, but if you are looking for something to do on Christmas Eve, the arcade is open from 3 to 9 p.m., offering a row of machines you can play for free and brandy slushes. They’ll be showing the Christmas movie classic "Die Hard" on all the TVs. Come out to play pinball, get together, have a few laughs.
Explore the Mustard Museum
You can’t let your friends or family leave town without a visit to the world’s mustard mecca — The National Mustard Museum. This quirky — and free — museum is home to more than 6,700 jars, pots, and tubes of mustard, more than 200 of which are available for sale at the upstairs gift shop. The museum features the Mustardpiece Theatre, interactive displays and plenty of photo opportunities. All patrons can sample mustard before buying at The National Mustard Museum’s tasting bar. And if mustard isn’t your thing, the gift shop also sells other delicious food items, like barbeque sauce, chocolate toppings, jams, maple syrup, and hilarious gift items and Wisconsin-themed souvenirs.
The Mustard Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended holiday hours of 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 23. They will be open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 24, and closed Dec. 25 and New Year's Day.
Enjoy a New Game or Puzzle
Accomplishing a new puzzle or bonding over a classic board game is something almost anyone can get behind. Bring the fun home for the holidays with a new game or puzzle from I’M BOARD! Games & Family Fun, a game store that is home to a vast selection of entertainment items. Plus, the store has an “open gaming” area where patrons can play games and test items before purchasing.
I'M BOARD is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 24 and New Year's Eve and closed on Dec. 25 and New Year's Day. The store is open regular hours through the weekend.
Gingerbread House Kits
This time of year, Clasen’s European Bakery transforms into a winter wonderland. Clasen's is a must-stop spot in December, from the bakery’s child-sized gingerbread house (perfect for photos) to a large assortment of homemade, seasonal baked goods and candies. Additionally, Clasen’s sells gingerbread house kits — perfect for those looking to accomplish a classic, seasonal craft at home. Each kit is filled with everything needed to make a magical mini holiday home, including gingerbread pieces, chocolates, colorful assorted candy and white chocolate "glue" — all hand-made by Clasen’s master bakers. Stop by their store to pick yours up before the holiday rush!
Clasen's is open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 24, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. New Year's Eve, and closed on Dec. 25 and New Year's Day. All other days will be their normal 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Treat Yourself to Something Sweet
There's no better way to connect than by sharing a delicious bite together. This holiday season, let Middleton's vibrant food scene impress your guests. With more than 80 restaurants and cafes to explore, you're sure to find something for everyone. Plus, don't miss our Winter Foodie Guide, featuring seasonal treats and drinks that can only be found this time of year.
Golf for Any Weather
We get it — sometimes you need to switch up the scenery and get out of the house, especially during long holiday breaks, X-Golf is the perfect place to do just that. Gather your friends or family and take on a round of indoor golf at X-Golf, located in Middleton’s Greenway Station shopping district. This premier indoor golf and entertainment facility offers state-of-the-art golf simulators that are fun for all ages and levels. X-Golf also provides a full food and bar menu to help fuel your game.
X-Golf is open 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday; and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays. They will be closed on Dec. 25.
Burn Off Energy at PlayN Wisconsin
If you’re a parent with young kiddos, you’ll thank us later for this suggestion. PlayN Wisconsin is the place to go when your children need to burn off a little extra energy when the weather isn’t warm enough to be at one of Middleton’s many parks. Known for being a retailer of superior outdoor play equipment, PlayN Wisconsin also offers an on-site, indoor play facility where kids and parents can test equipment before purchasing. All ages are welcome to play — including toddlers, tweens and grandparents.
The play facility is closed on Dec. 24, 25 and 31, and Jan. 1. Stop by during store holiday hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. After Jan. 1, the store returns to their regular hours.
Modified January 6, 2025