Middleton, WI December 2025

Happy Holidays!

As the snow begins to fall and twinkling lights illuminate our neighborhoods, there’s a familiar joy that returns each December, one built around connection, generosity, and a bit of cozy nostalgia. The holidays remind me that the best gifts are often memories and shared moments. Alexis and I love to attend church on Christmas Eve, then spend time with both of our families the next day. This issue gives us the chance to celebrate everything that makes the season so special.

Start by checking off a few festive favorites in The Holiday Bucket List, our guide to embracing what the community has to offer this season. From hunting for the perfect tree at Summers Christmas Tree Farm to sipping cocktails at Craftsman Table & Tap’s “Old Fashioned Christmas,” we’ve rounded up five local experiences that capture the magic of the holidays.

In A Holiday Glow-Up Worth Giving, discover how Middleton’s newest luxury sunless studio, goGLOW, is redefining self-care this season. Owner Mary Lamp shares how their mindful, skin-first approach brings out the best version of yourself (and makes the perfect gift for anyone who deserves a little extra glow).

Our Season of Giving: Middleton’s Holiday Finds spotlights three standout shops. Kylee’s Gift Cottage, Katy’s American Indian Arts, and Pageberry Mercantile each offer unique, handcrafted finds from local makers and artisans. These boutiques are filled with thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list.

Looking to gift beyond the box? Gifting Experiences encourages us to trade things for memories; think concert tickets, pottery classes, brewery tours, or a Wisconsin game day. After all, the best gifts are often the ones we live, not the ones we unwrap.

Finally, Intentional Gifting With Lasting Value takes us inside University Coin & Jewelry, a Middleton staple where authenticity and trust shine as brightly as the pieces themselves. Owner Jason Wrasse and his team remind us that meaningful gifts can tell stories that last for generations.

As you celebrate this season, I hope this issue inspires you to shop local, gift intentionally, and embrace every joyful detail that makes the holidays in Middleton truly magical.

Warm wishes,

December 2025

PUBLISHER

Cole Spitler | cole.spitler@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Jill Heilman | jill.heilman@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Alexis Venter | alexis.venter@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jill Heilman, Shelby Deering

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Bill Martens, Raise Agency, Jill Heilman, Rise Studio, Nicole Hansen Photography, Chris Hynes Photography, Rotary Club of Waunakee

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

COLE SPITLER, PUBLISHER @MIDDLETONCITYLIFESTYLE

business monthly

Come See What’s New at Red & White Winebar!

We’ve given our space a fresh new look—perfect for relaxing with friends! Come check out our brand-new beer tap line featuring rotating craft selections. Plus, we’re excited to now offer tasty menu items from Tricky Foods and Jacknife. Whether you’re here for a quick bite, a cold pint, or a cozy night out, there’s something new waiting for you. Stop by and see what’s pouring and plating - we think you’ll love it!

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Kwik Drip Launches New Website

Ben Miller, owner of Kwik Drip, has recently launched his company’s new website, kwikdrip.shop. Following the success of his social media and previous e-commerce platforms, this expansion marks the next step in Kwik Drip’s efforts to make upcycled and vintage fashion accessible to a broader audience. The website features a curated collection of vintage apparel, including Badger gear, band tees, sportswear, and denim, reflecting Kwik Drip’s commitment to sustainable style and individuality.

Middleton’s New Destination for Modern Wellness: Degree Wellness Opens January

Discover a new standard of self-care at Degree Wellness Middleton, where science-backed recovery meets luxury comfort. Enjoy private suites with infrared saunas, cold plunges, cryotherapy, red light therapy, IV drips, and compression massages, all designed to boost energy, improve sleep, reduce inflammation, and elevate overall well-being. Whether you’re a busy parent or wellness-seeker, our customized modalities will help you look, feel, and perform your best. Opening January 2026 - offering limited Founding Membership rates now.

HOLIDAY

BUCKET LIST

Christmas Vibes Are Here, and They’re in Your Own Backyard.

For a classic Christmastime experience, look no further than Summers Christmas Tree Farm on the outskirts of Middleton. Familyowned since 1957, traipse the property to discover the perfect tree to take home (complete with that real-deal pine scent you can’t achieve with an artificial tree) and visit their Christmas Shop.

At Craftsman Table & Tap, you can host a private party that’ll get everyone in the spirit. Called an “Old Fashioned Christmas,” throw a holiday soiree for up to 40, enjoy a curated cocktail menu, relish appetizers, and even take part in a cocktail-making class.

For the holidays, Tanner’s Bar Grill transforms its garage bar space into a pop-up wonderland of dazzling decorations, themed cocktails (like the “Gingerbread Man” and “Frosty Bomb”), and beers on tap. Don’t miss their special events, like an ugly Christmas sweater party and live music.

In downtown Middleton, one must-shop boutique is The Regal Find, which comes alive even more during the holidays. Known for their artisan-made goods and vintage pieces, you can shop here for everyone on your list. Think: one-of-a-kind ceramics, handmade soaps, and Christmas cards you won’t find anywhere else.

Hubbard Avenue Diner is a destination for comfort food throughout the year, but during the holidays, it becomes extra cozy, thanks to its amazing seasonal pie offerings. Snuggle up in a booth and delight in flavors like Candy Cane, Egg Nog, Gingerbread, and Pear Apple, a vegan option.

On Sunday, November 23, 2025, Waunakee will debut their famous Rotary Lights, located at the Waunakee Village Park. This year, they’re showcasing new displays that add to (over a million!) lights. Grab free candy canes and play your favorite holiday tunes as you drive through all the glittering displays.

Beauty like Your Mother Intended

A Beautiful Year in Review –WHOW Aesthetics Thanks You

Over the past year, we’ve shared advanced treatments that rejuvenate the skin, sculpt the body, and restore inner vitality — from Morpheus8 radiofrequency microneedling, CO₂ and erbium laser resurfacing, and PRF rejuvenation to Botox, dermal fillers, PDO threads, and sclerotherapy. We’ve also continued to expand our wellness offerings, including IV hydration, semaglutide weight management, and restorative vitamin therapies — all designed to help you glow from the inside out.

Our mission remains simple: to enhance, refresh, and empower every client who walks through our doors.

As we celebrate this season of gratitude and renewal, we wish you joy, health, and radiance in the year ahead. Thank you for making WHOW Aesthetics part of your self-care journey.

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (MLPF&S) is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, and Member SIPC. Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC and MLPF&S are wholly owned subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.

The Bull Symbol and Merrill are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® , and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S.

A Senior Portfolio Advisor can help clients pursue their objectives by managing on a discretionary basis custom investment strategies, selecting from a wide range of Merrill model portfolios and third-party investment strategies. © 2025 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. MAP6209646 | AD-01-25-2573 | 470944PM-0124 | 02/2025

A holiday glow-up WORTH GIVING

‘Tis the season for skin as pale as snow during a flurry of events that require you to look and feel your brightest. With a festive calendar filled to the brim, it can be hard to stick to your routine, yet we turn around and instill resolutions to become our better selves. New year, new me. Look good, feel good. While we’re at it, can we take a moment to recognize the fact that we end up picking out most of our own gifts? Our hearts are full, our hands are wrapping, our drinks are topped, our wits are ending. It’s madness, it’s balance, it’s fun, it’s the holidays.

What if the gift of the season is a moment of intentional selfcare? The kind where you see and feel the immediate impact? goGLOW, Middleton’s newest luxury sunless studio, offers the perfect solution: an intentional act of mindful self-care that yields immediate, glowing results, perfect for gifting. Sound too good to be true?

The Gift of the Season: Routine Well-Being for an Outward Glow.

ARTICLE BY JILL HEILMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAISE AGENCY

To and fro, confidently you go, complexion aglow. A vision Mary Lamp, owner, wanted to bring to her community. While a holiday glow-up is certainly an event necessity, Mary suggests positioning it as a staple or, shall we say, tinsel part of your wellness routine, encouraging time to step away from the hustle and simply nurture your skin. Long-term skin health is a result of daily actions, and dodging UV rays is definitely a top contender in the anti-aging game. Your skin barrier is another player.

Mary explains that their product line is designed to work together to prioritize skin health: “skin is your largest organ and we want to help take care of it.” Mary shared that their founder, Melanie Richards, wasn’t satisfied with the industry standard, so she created her own process. This led to a commitment to clean ingredients, a “low, pleasant scent that reminds clients of vacation,” and the elimination of that notorious orange hue associated with lower-quality products. “A goGLOW results in a natural brown color, with ingredients intended to benefit your skin,” Mary shares.

The goGLOW experience is fast and refreshing, but never rushed. It begins with a personalized consultation where their sweet-hearted staff take time to analyze your skin tone, discuss past sun experiences, and understand your lifestyle. They’ll guide you through the process in a patented, brightly lit, and highly ventilated booth, a world away from the “back dark corner” experience of the past. Detailed notes linked to your personal profile ensure consistent, customized, and trusted care every time.

For a stocking stuffer that feels like a thoughtful kiss of sunshine, give the gift of a customized GLOW-up. Or, add it to your wishlist and thank yourself later. A gift card for a membership or a sleek bag of travel-sized products sounds like the perfect introduction to a new routine. With a non-committal membership that unlocks discounts, why not give it a glow?!

Middleton residents Mary and Mark Lamp opened goGLOW in January 2025, eager to change our preconceptions through their elevated, sunless self-care experience. Partnerships, collaboration, and information sharing within the local business community have been an incredibly fulfilling side benefit.

Tailored

INTENTIONAL GIFTING with lasting value

A Lively, Unpretentious Shopping Experience for an Intentional Gift That Carries Real Value.

ARTICLE AND

BY JILL HEILMAN

Nestled on the corner of the Willy St. Co-Op block of University Avenue lives an unassuming store with a revolving door of precious goods. For decades, University Coin & Jewelry has been a delightfully chaotic hub of buying, selling, and banter. Step inside and you’ll find a constantly evolving museum where everything is for sale and the curators, a highly experienced and genuinely quirky staff, are as warm as they are knowledgeable. If you’re determined to ditch the disposable holiday gifting this year, this eccentric, friendly shop is your destination for finding a gift of true intention.

In an industry where trust is paramount, employee Tim Heuer explains that the store’s ethos makes it an easy place to work: “I stand behind what we’re selling because the prices are honest.” This transparency has resulted in “a lot of return customers,” says Tony Harper, an employee who started as a dedicated shopper. It has also led to long-standing relationships with other jewelry businesses that turn to UCJ for appraisals. Tim adds, “It’s all about building trust. Many people bring in a box of jewelry and say, ‘I don’t know what I have here.’ It would be so easy to say, ‘This isn’t anything…’ and then turn around a profit. It’s like, no. I always tell people, I like to sleep at night.”

This loyalty has been built, brick by brick, on a foundation of deep-seated trust. The staff understands that when people are selling, they are often at their most vulnerable, dealing with estates or financial necessity. Everyone who walks through their door is a neighbor whom they remain committed to supporting through their passion and rare portfolio of experience, shares Tim, “we’re not just here to sell jewelry. We’re also here to provide a service to the community.”

Their dedication to integrity directly translates to the consumer buying experience. Since most of their inventory is pre-owned, the prices are typically a fraction of retail costs. This means you can give a high-quality gift, such as a fine watch or a diamond ring, at a price that reflects your budget.

As the holiday season approaches, the store becomes a hub for intentional shoppers. For some, it’s time for their annual visit, where they arrive ready to handle all their gifting in one swoop.

The staff act as an invaluable guide, ready to help you find that needle-in-ahaystack gift. As your enthusiastic navigators, “we can narrow down what you’re looking for and come up with a game plan,” shares Tony. It becomes quite an enjoyable experience when you take the time to truly think about how someone’s personality can influence the selection of a piece as unique as they are.

To ensure your gift is a perfect fit, they offer resizing and even custom design work, further proving this shop is anything but ordinary. Ready for a custom engagement ring? They can take a picture, provide a CAD design, give you a 3D-printed model for approval, and have it handmade by a local craftsman, all without the excessive markups of larger stores.

Whether investing in silver every month like a local high school student, selling an old collection, or seeking a special piece that will carry value and a new story, University Coin & Jewelry is the honest, vibrant, and perfect stop for all your holiday needs.

JASON WRASSE | OWNER

A childhood passion for collecting rare coins and watches led Jason to take a part-time job at the shop in 2010. Within seven months, he was promoted to manager. In 2017, Jason took over as the owner, committed to preserving the store’s legacy while building on their niche as a knowledgeable, trusted community cornerstone.

HOLIDAY APPETIZERS

SURE TO BE CROWD PLEASERS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, INDULGE IN THESE DELICIOUS, STRESS-FREE RECIPES simple, yet fancy,

Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers

INGREDIENTS

• 2 pears (or substitute green apple)

• 8 ounces of brie cheese

• 2 cups baby arugula

• 1/4 cup raw walnuts, chopped

• Balsamic glaze

INSTRUCTIONS

• Cut pear and brie into 1/2-inch cubes. Leaving the rind makes skewers less sticky to handle!

• Take (4-inch) skewer, add pear, arugula, and cheese.

• Gently press chopped walnuts onto brie cheese to stick.

• Drizzle balsamic glaze overtop.

Cranberry & Pecan Cheese Crostini

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (8 oz.) container light cream cheese spread

• ½ cup chopped cranberries

• 1 Tbsp. grated orange peel

• ½ cup coarsely chopped pecans, toasted

• Rosemary and olive oil crostinis

INSTRUCTIONS

• Top crostinis with a dollop of cream cheese.

• Add cranberries and pecans.

• Garnish with grated orange peel.

Shop Small, Give Big - Local Shops Have The Perfect Gifts For Every Loved One

Holiday Gifts from Local Boutiques

To quote one of the shops mentioned, “local businesses are the flavor of Middleton and keep us unique and special.” We hope this guide inspires you to skip the big-box rush this holiday season and head to the places that give our community its heartbeat.

ARTICLE BY MIDDLETON CITY LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Kylee’s Gift Cottage

Kylee’s Gift Cottage feels like stepping into a mini art fair. What started out as selling artwork at craft shows around the Midwest has grown into a shop featuring pieces from more than 25 local and regional artists. You’ll find handmade woodwork, jewelry, paintings, photography, candles, greeting cards, and plenty of festive holiday gifts, including a pet section inspired by their Chihuahua, Kylee. Popular picks include Wisconsin-shaped cutting boards and locally made candles from Windsor. Visit the store in Middleton Hills or explore more at kyleesgiftcottage.com , and be sure to stop by for Small Business Saturday on November 29th.

6711 Frank Lloyd Wright Avenue, Middleton

Katy’s American Indian Arts

For over 50 years, Katy’s American Indian Arts has celebrated authentic handmade jewelry and crafts created by more than 150 Native artists, primarily from the Southwest. The shop features stunning turquoise and silver pieces, hand-carved Zuni fetishes, sand paintings, pottery, and more, each reflecting generations of artistry and tradition. Holiday shoppers will find unique gifts like spiny oyster or white buffalo stone jewelry and collectible carvings. Stop by the Middleton shop this holiday season to find something beautiful, authentic, and deeply rooted in artistry and heritage.

6220 University Avenue, Suite 102, Middleton

Pageberry Mercantile is a charming mother-daughter-owned shop featuring a carefully curated collection of products for the home, pantry, kids, pets, and book lovers. Holiday shoppers will find plenty of thoughtful gifts, from mocktails and glitter drink mixes (Sangria, Margarita, or Mimosa), to the whimsical Magical World of Maileg Scandinavian toy collection, and an array of holiday decor and ornaments. From Fieldbar coolers and bread-making tools, to Rifle Paper Co. products and Terrapin Ridge condiments, Pageberry Mercantile truly has something for everyone you love.

203 E Main Street, Suite C, Waunakee, WI

GIFTING experiences

Experience-Based Gift Ideas For Unforgettable Memories

ARTICLE BY MIDDLETON CITY LIFESTYLE

1 - TALIESEN : Gift a tour to visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic home.

2 - POTTERY CLASS : Hands-on creativity, relaxation, and art that lasts.

3 - WISCONSIN SPORTS GAME : Excitement, hometown pride, and shared memories; the ultimate fan experience.

4 - NEW GLARUS BREWERY TOUR : Fresh pours, local flavor, and Wisconsin craftsmanship celebrated.

5 - CONCERT : Live music for the soul - Sylvee, Overture, and Majestic await.

By Melissa Dale, Owner Olivine Designs & Home Solutions, LLC

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

DECEMBER 2ND AND 3RD

Glow Up, Grand Reopening & 6th Birthday Bash: R&W Winebar

331 E Main Street, Waunakee | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Celebrate Red & White’s 6th Birthday and Grand Reopening! VIP Night on Dec. 2 (4–9 PM) invites Carpe Vinum members and past tasting guests to enjoy sips, live music, beer and bubbles, bites, and exclusive treats. Then on Dec. 3 (4–9 PM), the public is invited to the birthday bash with drinks, bites, cheese raffles, and the fresh new look.

DECEMBER 5TH

Light the Night Santa Parade at Red & White Winebar

331 E Main Street, Waunakee | 3:00 PM

Join Red & White Friday, December 5th for Light the Night with Santa and the Holiday Light Parade! Grab a cozy spot on the patio with blankets and enjoy their fire pits. Parade begins at 6:30 PM, traveling down Main Street to Village Park through the Rotary of Lights, about 30 minutes of festive fun.

DECEMBER 6TH

Football Bowling - KEVA Sports Center

8312 Forsythia Street, Middleton | 5:30 PM

Mixing football and bowling, this fun indoor event at Keva Sports Center invites teams of up to six (three per side) to toss a football down bowling lanes and knock over pins. Ideal for kids ages 10+, families, friends, or a date night, the one-hour blocks include full bar service and a unique spin on traditional bowling.

DECEMBER 10TH

Sip, Sparkle & Glow

601 Junction Road, Madison | 5:00 PM

Join goGLOW, Hydralive Therapy and Willow & Weld for an evening of radiant self-care! Enjoy sparkling sips, IV therapy, glowing spray tans, permanent jewelry, and exclusive event specials. Explore holiday gifting deals and gift cards for everyone on your list - and treat yourself while you’re at it! You won’t want to miss this event!

DECEMBER 14TH

Two-Handed Cribbage Tournament – Holiday Edition

7545 Hubbard Avenue, Middleton | 11:00 AM

Grab a friend and your best ugly sweater for a festive two-handed cribbage tournament at Longtable Beer Café. Players compete over six games against randomly drawn opponents, using standard rules (with “no mugging” of points) and earn points toward gift card prizes. The entry fee is $10, and the kitchen and full bar will be serving throughout.

DECEMBER 17TH

Middleton Community Orchestra Holiday Concert

740 University Avenue, Madison | 7:30 PM

Enjoy a festive evening with the Middleton Community Orchestra as they bring holiday spirit through classical works, including Thomas Kasdorf on piano and Ryan Tani conducting. The program features Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 4 and Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade. Tickets are available for $20 and the doors open at 7:00 PM.

THIS IS WHAT DREAM HOMES ARE MADE OF

A home is more than just its walls, floors, and furnishings—it’s a place where feelings and emotions are shared. It’s a place you can truly unwind after a long day and look forward to returning. And in a dream home, this comfort level reaches new heights.

A dream home is one that exceeds your expectations and meets all of your needs, even ones you didn’t realize you had. It reflects your personal style and gives you a sense of serenity. Dream homes can be large and luxurious or compact and cozy, with unique interior features created just for the homeowner.

So, even if you’re not sure what defines your dream home yet, are you still willing to make that dream a reality? Then Victory Homes is here to help you.

Find a model home near you!

OPEN EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY, NOON TO 4 PM, OR BY APPOINTMENT. CLOSED HOLIDAY WEEKENDS.