Light up your holiday season with a trip to Mineral Point. Gear up for an unforgettable holiday experience in this charming town in southwestern Wisconsin that transforms into a magical wonderland each December. Enjoy a merry and bright date night, holiday themed arts and crafts and our personal favorite – the annual Candlelight Shopping Event. Keep reading for more information about Candlelight Shopping in Mineral Point and our own personal experience at this event in 2023. We also highlight other fun winter holiday happenings in Mineral Point to help you make the most of your visit and our top two area hotel recommendations.
Visiting Mineral Point soon? Be sure to check out our Top 20 things to do in Mineral Point, Wisconsin blog post.
Candlelight Shopping
Immerse yourself in the warmth and spirit of the holidays while experiencing Mineral Point’s annual Candlelight Shopping event. This is truly a magical experience perfect for all ages. It’s about supporting small businesses and getting your holiday shopping done as much as it is about having a genuinely good time with friends and family. Take a leisurely stroll along streets lined with hundreds of luminaires. Bite into freshly roasted chestnuts on an open fire. Listen to Christmas carolers and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride down High Street, the town’s main street. There’s even an impressive and festive firework show halfway into the event.
While enjoying Candlelight Shopping, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee from Café 43. This coffeehouse on High Street also has a boutique market that turns into a fun night market during this event. Peruse an assortment of homemade goods made locally by talented and wonderful vendors. We browsed gluten-free baked goods, soaps and candles, and even a crystal and gem bracelet making stand. This is an excellent way to shop small this holiday season.
While there are a lot of participating businesses that are open late during this event, here are a few small shops and art galleries you won’t want to miss while Candlelight Shopping:
The Sliced Pear
The spot to shop for that special foodie or hostess in your life. They have a great selection of products that make wonderful gifts for all occasions. Think kitchen gadgets and décor, spices, and seasonings, candles and homemade soaps. You’ll also find some art and antiques mixed in. You’re sure to find something that catches your eye in this cute and eclectic little shop.
The Board Shoppe
Located next door to The Sliced Pear, The Board Shoppe is where you’ll find everything you need to refresh your home even for the holidays. There’s a lot to browse in this charming store. We were impressed with the selection of unique dishware, colorful and modern seasonal décor and expertly made tables. In fact, all the furniture here is handmade with a mix of new and reclaimed materials.
The Globe Clay Center
Stoneware dinnerware, vases, even necklaces and elaborate sculptures of eagles and pigs populate this unique studio. The selection is beautiful and not something you come across often. The wood-fire ceramic mugs are not to be overlooked especially because this is a functional piece of art that you can use and enjoy daily. During the Candlelight Shopping event and winter season you’re likely to find ceramic ornaments for sale and even “take-and-paint” ornaments for you to decorate at home.
Driftless Studio and Gallery
Located on High Street, considered by some to be the “artist’s enclave of Mineral Point” is where you’ll find this gallery. We stopped because several items displayed in the window caught our eye and we just had to see more. Inside you’ll find a diversity of artistic media. Everything from watercolor, oil painting, clay sculptures and even greeting cards are on display with almost all available to take home with you to add to your own personal art collection. If you visit during the winter holiday season, you’ll likely find handmade Christmas ornaments too.
Bobbi Jo’s
Bobbi Jo’s is a delightful little shop located on Mineral Point’s quaint, Main Street. It’s an exciting shop that will surprise you the moment you enter. It’s full of treasures and surprises – a little bit of everything for everyone. We loved the selection of locally made, hand-poured candles, trendy fashions and a sweet baby section filled with the most stylish and softest baby pjs we’ve ever seen. It’s a truly charmingly merchandised space and not-to-be-missed.
High Street Sweets
If you’re looking for some sweet treats for the road, be sure to stop by High Street Sweets. This cute candy shop stocks a range of chocolate bars and treats from the United Kingdom. We bought a bunch of Tunnock’s Tea Cakes. You’ll also find penny candy, mainstream candies like gummy worms and even chocolate sourced from an Amish community.
Pro Tip: Check out the weather before you hit the streets to shop until you drop! If temperatures will be cold be sure to dress appropriately and bundle up. We also suggest checking out the Mineral Point Chamber of Commerce’s event page online for the most up to date information on Candlelight Shopping.
Fun & Festive Things to Do
Holiday Workshops at Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts
Close to the heart of Mineral Point is where you’ll find this hub of creativity spread across 2.5 acres and set in an idyllic setting with several historic buildings. Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts is an excellent place to tap into your artistic side by experiencing a workshop here. Both adult and youth workshops are offered throughout the year and span a unique range of artistic mediums like heritage craft and mixed media. Classes vary in size and length with special programming planned each season. We visited in December and participated in their Santa Day activities which included building a gingerbread house inside the Lind Pavilion. It was a stress-free, fun way for us to get into the holiday spirit and build sweet memories. We especially appreciated how we were able to register at the door and how encouraging and helpful all the staff were.
Festive Holiday Bazaar
If you’re looking for incredible bargains and to give back to a local church/community, look no further than the Festive Holiday Bazaar. This event takes place in early December inside the First Methodist Church. This gorgeous building is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and has some lovely glass-stained window work which you can enjoy while perusing the tables. You’ll find a mix of goodies here including handmade crafts, books, home décor, cookies, pies and more. We picked up a copy of Pas & Present Favorites – a recipe book put together by the local church goers featuring Mineral Point favorites. There was also hot cocoa available for sale too. It’s best to go as early as you can because once they sell out, you’ll have to wait until next year to shop for the treasures available here.
Pro Tip: Bring cash as that is the only form of payment accepted.
Hotel Recommendations
After you’ve gotten some one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones and yourselves, put your feet up and unwind with an overnight stay at the historic Mineral Point Hotel or Commerce Street Hotel & Brewery.
Mineral Point Hotel
The Mineral Point Hotel & Suites is gorgeous with unique Victorian/Edwardian flare. The details and embellishments woven throughout the building’s interior were carefully selected by the property’s talented owner and operator. Great care went into curating this boutique hotel and you’re guaranteed to notice something new each time you spend time relaxing in the lower level, common area. The property is also uniquely located within walking distance of High Street making it ideal for those looking to spend lots of time at the local shops and art galleries.
Pro Tip: Try to reserve Room 5 if you plan to stay during the Candlelight Shopping event – you’ll be able to enjoy the firework show from your own private balcony!
Commerce Street Brewery & Hotel
Located steps from art galleries, studios and small shops, the Commerce Street Brewery & Hotel serves up historic charm with modern conveniences. Housed in an 1854 Cornish-style building and registered landmark, guests can expect free parking, complimentary breakfast, fireplaces and full-size whirlpool tubs in each of the guest rooms. This intimate, boutique property scores top marks for location, exemplary hospitality and its collection of little luxuries like peppercorn scented bath products, white noise machines and eye masks. Below the hotel’s sleeping quarters you’ll find a drinking hub with one-of-a-kind brews on tap. This Euro-inspired brewpub is an excellent spot to discover hearty fare, local flavors and house beers brewed on-site. Its wide selection of tasty pub food, including rotating specials, makes it the perfect spot for lunch, dinner or even just a drink in downtown Mineral Point. Popular items on the menu include ribs, tilapia and fish and chips. In addition to brews made right here in Mineral Point you can sip on other Wisconsin favs like a Spotted Cow or a Wisco classic – the Old Fashioned made with brandy and served one of three ways: sweet, sour or press. This laidback brewery is a great place to experience a small-town beer scene where the creative roots that run deep in Mineral Point also extend to the town’s breweries. Know Before You Go: Check-in for the hotel is done via the brewery. Let the hotel know when you plan to arrive in advance. You can make them aware of your arrival online. This will ensure someone will be at the brewery to greet you upon your arrival at the hotel. Typically, there is someone available to greet guests by checking in starting at 2:30 pm. You can also order a bottle of champagne in advance online and have it waiting in your room for when you settle in.
Final Thoughts
We hope you get the chance to capture the magic of the holiday season at Mineral Point’s Candlelight shopping – one of their signature annual events if you ask us.
Be sure to tell us about your Mineral Point adventures or some of your favorite holiday local events in the comments below or message us anytime on Instagram.
– Justin + Alyssa
Disclaimer: Parks and Planes LLC has taken great care to ensure accuracy of this post as much as possible. However, over time, things like hours of operations, admission policies, even names of things may change. We suggest double-checking details when planning a trip. As always, all opinions, photos and content are our own. We only recommend places, products and experiences we love.
