Central Wyoming National Historic Trails Interpretive Center
By Claire Walter
Visiting Casper during the holidays is like stepping back in time to a slower, gentler age when every event was treasured and a congenial down-home spirit reigned. While Casper is a small city with a college and a lively music, art and theater scene, there's nothing akin to big-city holiday frenzy. Enjoy the traditional downtown ablaze with holiday lights, as are many neighborhoods, where residents decorate their homes with exuberant lighting. Family-friendly activities abound.
History
In pioneer times, the Oregon Trail, Pony Express, California, Mormon and Pioneer Trails passed through Casper, considered the crossroads of the West. On Dec. 8,from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the sprawling National Historic Trails Interpretive Center welcomes visitors to its fifth annual Holiday on the Homestead open house. Re-enactors in period costumes show how the early settlers celebrated the holidays inside their homes during the pioneers' press westward. The music of yesteryear further pulls visitors back in time. Admission is free.
Art & Culture
Shorter days and the annual art and craft show at the Nicolaysen Art Museum & Discovery Center signal the impending holidays
Central Wyoming Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker
in Casper. Nearly 70 artists and artisans are featured at the museum's annual Art Show & Sale, a highly anticipated fixture on the calendar since it started in 1993. The three-day event (Nov. 8 -10) kicks off with a Hot Jazz and Cool Art preview night with wine, hors d'oeuvres and a celebratory ambiance. The sale provides an opportunity to purchase original paintings, sculptures, photographs, wearable art, jewelry, pottery, ceramics, glass and other gift items.
The museum, which locals call "The NIC," is the epicenter for other holiday events too, including Breakfast with Santa (Dec. 1), the NIC Christmas Open House (Dec. 2), Youth for Christ performing Night in the Stable (Dec. 8) and the NIC Holiday Museum Series (Dec. 9 and Dec. 16). For times and admission prices, call 307-235-5247.
It wouldn't be Christmas without The Nutcracker. The Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker touring company performs this family favorite on Dec. 18for the 15th year. Beautiful ballerinas, a handsome prince, an enchanting story, hand-painted sets, larger-than-life puppets, gorgeous costumes and fabulous scenery bring this magical holiday tale to life in the Casper Events Center, beginning at 7:30 p.m. For tickets,
Central Wyoming Downtown Casper
call 800-442-2256 or 307-577-3030.
Celebrating for a Good Cause
Mr. and Mrs. Claus welcome families to their traditional Teddy Bear Tea on Nov. 25 from 1 - 4 p.m. at the Casper Boys and Girls Club. The "price" of admission is a teddy bear that will put a smile on a child's face. The Festival of Trees begins at 6 p.m. at the same location. Admission to see incredible trees, wreaths and centerpieces is $15 per person or $25 for two. Proceeds from the admission and the sale of these donated holiday items benefits Special Olympics. Local choruses and musicians entertain during these events.
Decorated Downtown
It doesn't get more down-home than Casper's annual downtown Christmas Parade on Nov. 24 at 6 p.m., featuring lavish floats, decorated cars and other vehicles, marching bands, horses with riders, horses pulling carriages and, of course, the big man in the red suit. Throughout the following weeks, local shops, boutiques and galleries are awash with seasonal decorations and creativity aplenty. Stop at Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters to surprise the cowboys and cowgirls in your life with authentic saddles, boots, western wear and more. Taubert's, established in 1919 near Fort Laramie, has been outfitting ranchers and romantics alike ever since. Keep on shopping elsewhere in town or at one of three outlying malls, including the 60-store Eastridge Center, Wyoming's largest indoor shopping center. Youngsters can visit Santa and parents can help Mr. Claus make those wishes come true.
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