As the days grow shorter and the sun slips away before many of us have even thought about starting supper, I find myself wanting to do what any sensible woodland creature would do: crawl into a warm den, curl my paws around a mug of chamomile tea, and not emerge until April.

One night, while padding around in my slippers and sniffing for molasses cookies, I wondered if 8:00 was too early to grab my book and head to bed. That’s when it hit me—this was getting ridiculous. If I didn’t intervene, I’d be hibernating like a black bear with a belly full of junk food. Don’t get me wrong. This is the perfect time to curl up with a good book, movie, and snacks, but not every evening. It was time to fight my instincts and embrace the night. Fortunately, we Dells residents have some delightful ways to do that.

Legacy Theatre’s Christmas in the Dells

Last week, my daughter, two grandsons, and I went to Legacy Theatre’s Christmas in the Dells. The sun was already disappearing when we pulled into the parking lot for the evening show, but the Christmas trees’ bright lights and Santa’s smiling face greeted us like old friends. The production, which runs until January 3rd, combines dazzling lights, bright costumes, sweet surprises, and a feel-good message. After enjoying the story, the powerful voices—some operatic—and the live nativity scene, which included a camel (a camel!), I left with my spirits lifted and a firmly renewed determination to embrace the night.

Tree of Light

Another night, we walked the Dells River Walk. When my grandson saw the magnificent 55-foot Tree of Light—a silver maple wrapped in 65,000 sparkling lights—he drew in a deep breath. He felt the magic too. As we continued beside the moonlit river, passing the eighty decorated trees lining the walkway, I could feel the hibernating part of me thaw and stretch.

Aquavia Lumina

One evening, my husband Frank and I, along with our daughter and grandsons, wandered through Lake Delton’s Aquavia Lumina. This forested canyon of music, lighting effects, and storytelling—with just a touch of mystery—was unlike anything I’d stepped into before. My bear brain perked up and seemed to mutter, “Good choice. Worth coming out of hibernation for.”

But Aquavia Lumina isn’t the only place where lights transform our long winter nights. 

Torchlit Trails at Mirror Lake

On a visit to Norway, I once asked our guide how locals endure the long winter darkness. He let me know they celebrate it.

And we can, too.

Mirror Lake State Park offers torch-lit hikes, skis, and snowshoe treks along softly glowing paths. There’s something mesmerizing, maybe even meditative, about adventuring through the woods at night. In past years, the Friends of the Park warmed visitors with a fire, hot chocolate, and goodies. Cozying up to flickering firelight with friends or family is more delightful than munching molasses cookies alone.

Upcoming chances to embrace the night:
• January 1 – First Day Hike, 12–2 PM
• January 3 – Torchlight Ski/Hike/Snowshoe, 5–8 PM
• February 7 – Torchlight Ski/Hike/Snowshoe, 5–8 PM

I’ll still occasionally grab a cookie, the remote, or my novel—winter is perfect for those pleasures—but I’m determined to balance cozy moments with adventures. Winters in Wisconsin deserve celebration. All we need to do is venture out, follow the lights, and let the nippy air remind us we’re hardy Wisconsinites.

So here’s to stepping outside, shaking off the urge to burrow, and welcoming winter’s glow. I’ll be out there, too, lumbering happily along.