Santa's Christmas Village
Sunday, December 14, 2025 from 12-2PM | Heritage Park In Plover, 2700 Madison Ave
​
The Portage County Historical Society invites you to step back in time and experience the enchantment of the holiday season as Heritage Park transforms into Santa’s Christmas Village, presented by Simplicity Credit Union. This festive, free, family-friendly event offers an afternoon of timeless holiday cheer amid the charm of our historic buildings.
​
Enjoy free professional photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, captured by Malorie Paine Photography, while listening to Christmas caroling performed by the Monteverdi Chorale as you wait your turn. Warm up with a cup of hot cocoa and a cookie from Leap Nonprofit Consulting—free with a goodwill donation, and visit our historic caboose. While you’re here, explore our featured exhibit, Rhythms of the River: The History of Music in Portage County, where Face Painting by Ali will be creating festive face-paint designs for visitors of all ages. Then, stop by the PCHS General Store for unique history-inspired gifts perfect for the holidays.
​
Join us for a heartwarming holiday experience where community, tradition, and festive spirit come together at Santa’s Christmas Village!
A Bluegrass Christmas
Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 6:30 PM | Old Plover Methodist Church, Heritage Park In Plover
​
Celebrate the season with an unforgettable evening of bluegrass, harmony, and holiday cheer! The Portage County Historical Society proudly presents Art Stevenson and the Lost Reindeer: A Bluegrass Christmas, a special one-night-only concert and fundraiser to support the operations and maintenance of Heritage Park, the historic village owned and operated by PCHS in Plover, Wisconsin.
This exclusive performance—held inside the Rhythms of the River music history exhibit within the Old Plover Methodist Church—will be the only concert ever held inside the exhibit. Surrounded by the stories and sounds of Portage County’s musical past, guests will enjoy an intimate holiday celebration steeped in Wisconsin’s bluegrass tradition.
​
Tickets are extremely limited—only 100 will be sold!
-
Seated tickets: $50
-
Standing room only: $40
Proceeds support the Portage County Historical Society and its mission to preserve and share the county’s diverse heritage through the stewardship of Heritage Park and other historic sites.
​
Sponsored by Kort Law Firm and 97.9 WPST
​
Art Stevenson and the Lost Reindeer is a rare, one-night-only assemblage of bluegrass talent, bringing together some of Wisconsin’s most beloved musicians for a festive evening of traditional bluegrass, gospel harmonies, and Christmas favorites. Featuring:
-
Art Stevenson – guitar, harmonica, vocals
A cornerstone of Wisconsin’s bluegrass scene since the 1970s and leader of Art Stevenson & High Water, Art has carried the torch for traditional bluegrass throughout the Midwest. His recent albums Bluegrass Harmonica and Detour showcase his signature harmonica sound. -
Stef Lee – bass, guitar, musical saw, vocals
A member of Sloppy Joe and founder of The Foragers, Stef is a central Wisconsin favorite and the creative force behind the Jackpine Jamboree festival. -
Sue Cronick – fiddle, guitar, vocals
A powerhouse vocalist and fiddler from northern Wisconsin, Sue fronts Hand Picked Bluegrass, one of the state’s most respected groups. -
Dale Reichert – banjo, Dobro, guitar, vocals
A longtime member of Art Stevenson & High Water and one of the Midwest’s premier Scruggs-style banjo players. -
Chris Silver – mandolin, guitar, fiddle, vocals
A seasoned performer and recording artist from western Wisconsin, Chris brings decades of experience from Stoney Lonesome and High Water.
​
Together, these five “Lost Reindeer” will fill Heritage Park’s historic chapel with joyful picking and warm holiday spirit.