Holiday of Lights Tour in Oshkosh
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Registration deadline is Monday, November 17, 2025
Our first stop will be at the Oshkosh Public Museum (OPM) where you will have 75 minutes to get an an inspiring glimpse into local history, art, and culture—all set within a beautifully preserved historic mansion. From engaging exhibitions to permanent collections rooted in the stories of Oshkosh and its residents, the museum is a must-see Wisconsin destination for anyone interested in the connections between people, place, and the past. In addition to its rotating exhibits, the OPM is home to original Tiffany-stained glass windows and one of the last known examples of an original Tiffany Studios interior commission. The historic Sawyer home includes two one-of-a-kind stained-glass windows—a rare treasure among Tiffany collections. While many museums display Tiffany pieces, OPM is one of only four known in-situ interiors, one of just two original commissions, and the only one currently open to the public, making it a truly exceptional cultural experience in northeast Wisconsin. As an added bonus to our visit the current exhibition "Nature as Muse" features a selection of beautiful decorative arts treasures from the Richard H. Driehaus Collection shedding light on Louis C. Tiffany's innovative design.
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We will then visit the Paine Art Center for a self--guided 75 minute tour of the "Nutcracker in the Castle". There will be a mesmerrizing array of sights, sounds, and surprise. Each elaborately decorated room of the historic Paine mansion reveals a new chapter of the story.
From the opening party scene with a giant Christmas tree to the Land of Sweets and beyond, follow the aventure of Clara and the Nutcracker Prince. As part of your journey, visit the Sugar Plum Fairy's Cupcake Cafe for a scrumptious treat!
After the Paine we will have lunch at the Roxy Supper Club.
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After lunch we will spend 75 minutes at the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass which operates exclusively as a glass art museum featuring nine galleries, a classroom, a glass studio, a museum shop and extensive grounds. With over 5,000 objects, the Museum’s glass collection is known for containing the largest representative collection of antique to contemporary glass paperweights, the Mahler collection of Germanic vessels, Victorian Era decorative glass, and a significant collection of contemporary glass sculpture. Ranked in the top five glass museums in the country, it is the only glass museum in Wisconsin and is nationally accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
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After the Bergstrom we will have a surprise stop before picking up our boxed supper to eat on the way home.
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Our trip would not be complete without holiday lights! The Celebration of Lights is a beloved annual event in Oshkosh that showcases millions of twinkling lights! This festive display attracts over 16,000 vehicles each season! Enjoy another year of Oshkosh COL sights and activities which include the 100-foot tree, 120+ plus trees filled with lights, sculptured scenes, animated light displays, visits with Santa, special event nights, wagon rides and so much more.
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Meals (Included in your registration fee)
Lunch Options: Includes coffee, tea, or soda (Indicate your choice when registering)
- Chopped Sirloin with onion rings, salad, potato
- Grilled Chicken breast with asparagus spears & melted mozzarella cheese, salad, potato
- Pan-fried Haddock (GF), salad, potato
- Fried Shrimp (GF), salad, potato
- Roasted Veggie Wrap with fresh spinach, cucumber, sun-dried tomato pesto aioli & mozzarella cheese, French Fries (GF)
Boxed Supper on the bus going home: Includes bottled water & chips (Indicate your choice when registering)
- Roast beef Crisper (on Italian bread with tomatoes, green peppers & onions topped with mozzarella cheese)
- Roast Turkey Crisper (on Italian bread with tomatoes, green peppers & onions topped with mozzarella cheese)
- Vegetable Crisper (on Italian bread with tomatoes, green peppers & onions topped with mozzarella cheese)
- Breaded Chicken Tenders (4 tenders served with barbeque sauce)
- Roasted Veggie Wrap with fresh spinach, cucumber, sun-dried tomato pesto aioli & mozzarella cheese, french fries (GF)
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PLATO is partnering with the Verona Senior Center and UW Retirement Association on this travel opportunity. Pick-up locations are different from PLATO's usual trips. You will be required to fill out the 2025 Verona New Member Form (no charge) and 2025 Verona trip waiver Form. You can fill out these forms in advance or on the day of the trip.
Schedule: (Return times are approximate)
TRAVELERS ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE 15-20 MINUTES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE
7:30 a.m. Depart Verona Park & Ride
7:50 a.m. Depart (East Madison) Dutch Mill Park & Ride (East Lot)
8:00 p.m. Return Dutch Mill Park & Ride
8:30 p.m. Return Verona Park & Ride
Departure Locations:
Verona Park & Ride - 2585 Old PB, Verona, WI
East Side (Dutch Mill Park & Ride (East Lot))
Map below for those boarding the bus on east side Dutch Mill Park & Ride. Please park in the "east" lot as indicated by the arrow. (east of Arby's)
Cost: $110 per person and includes bus transportation, driver tip, admission fees, meal, taxes, and gratuities.
Seating is limited, so register today! Registrations must be received no later than noon on Monday, November 17, 2025.
Mail-In Registration Form: Print, Fill-in, and Mail this form for those who wish to register off-line and by check
Refund Policy: PLATO refunds an event fee if cancelled prior to the registration deadline. Refunds after the registration deadline are only processed if a wait-listed registrant can attend. Refunds made by check.
PLATO Membership: PLATO membership is $60.00/year and all memberships renew on July 1.
For further information, contact PLATO trip coordinator, Bob Shaw, robert.e.shaw@gmail.com , 608-255-3486.
