Merry & Bright: Oshkosh and Elkhart Lake | December 4, 2026

Registration NOW open!​

If interested in this trip, please email the trip name and your name to Adventure.Tours@uwsp.edu.​ ​

Details

Celebrate the holiday season with a festive day trip featuring three distinct Wisconsin traditions, with opportunities to learn along the way! Begin at Elkhart Lake’s Old World Christmas Market, where European-inspired traditions, handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and holiday decorations offer a glimpse into the customs that have influenced Christmas celebrations in Wisconsin and beyond.

Next, visit Oshkosh’s Paine Art Center and Gardens, where hundreds of beautifully decorated Nutcracker figures fill the historic mansion. Discover the history and artistry behind this beloved holiday tradition before enjoying dinner on your own in downtown Oshkosh with a variety of restaurants within three blocks. As evening arrives, experience the Oshkosh EAA Celebration of Lights via coach bus ride, where thousands of sparkling lights transform the grounds into a festive wonderland.

From European holiday traditions and decorative arts to Wisconsin history and community celebrations, Merry & Bright combines festive fun with cultural discovery and lifelong learning, all wrapped up in the magic of the season.

Registration Information

• General Public: $140 per person 
• LIFE Members: $120 per person 
• UWSP Staff/Student/Alumni: ​$120 per person 
• Veteran: $120 per person​
• Youth: $120 per person​​​

Final payment is due by November 20th​, 2026. If you have not paid for your registration, you may do so by calling UW-Stevens Point Continuing Education at 715-346-3838, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., to pay by credit card. We accept Discover, MasterCard, and Visa.​

Bus Information

* Times are subject to change based on the number that register.

Marshfield Participants

Bus Loading Location: UWSP at Marshfield, 2000 W. 5th St., East Parking Lot off UW Drive. (Parking passes are not required.)  
Bus Loading Time: 7:00 a.m. (please be on time)  
Bus Departure from Marshfield: 7:15 a.m.

Wausau Participants

Bus Loading Location: Cedar Creek Mall – 10101 Market Street, Rothchild; please park closer to the road/median in front of the Expo Center 
Bus Loading Time: 7:15 a.m. (please be on time)  
Bus Departure from Wausau: 7:30 a.m.

Stevens Point Participants

Bus Loading Location: Parking lot in front of Dunham’s, corner closest to McDonalds (HWY 10, Stevens Point)  
Bus Loading Time: 8:00 a.m. (please be on time)  
Bus Departure from Stevens Point: 8:15 a.m.

Fox Valley/Oshkosh Pickup  

Bus Loading Location: Parking lot at the Planeview Travel Plaza (1500 Planeview Drive, Oshkosh WI 54904)
Bus Loading Time: 9:15 a.m. (please be on time)  
Bus Departure from Wausau: 9:30 a.m.

You may bring food and drink onto the bus. The only restriction would be glass bottles and containers. Plastic bottles and cans are acceptable. For those who have asked, alcohol is allowed on the bus. Coolers are also welcomed but should not block the aisle. There is a bathroom on the bus. We will stop at Planeview Travel Plaza on our way to Elkhart Lake for a quick rest stop.

Physical Requirements

As we are unable to provide caregiving or mobility assistance on our trips, we encourage you to bring along a companion who can assist with any needs you may have. Please add to your registration if you will be using a cane, walker, or wheelchair during this trip.

The coach bus has 4 – 6 steps to get on and off the bus.​

Any further questions, please email adventure.tours@uwsp.edu.​​​

Cancellation Policy

Since we make financial commitments in advance, no refunds will be issued for cancellations. However, you may send a substitute in your place. Please email us at uwspceweb@uwsp.edu to inform us of the substitution.

continuing education Information

Please contact Continuing Education at 715-346-3838 or uwspceweb@uwsp.edu.