Crossroads at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay and The Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor are helping you take a nature-first approach with your holiday celebrations on December 10th. The holiday tradition of the Night Tree at Crossroads at Big Creek began a dozen years ago as a part of a field trip organized by a Sawyer Elementary School first-grade teacher. The students would read the book “Night Tree” by the hearth inside the Collins Learning Center, and afterward, they would head outside to feed the animals like they do in the book. Interpretative Naturalist Coggin Heeringa said when the teacher retired, it was decided that the tradition would continue.

The Night Tree program begins at 10 a.m. at Crossroads at Big Creek. Later in the day, families can head to The Ridges Sanctuary for their annual Natural Christmas celebration. From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., guests are invited to walk along the boardwalk, enjoy snacks and warm beverages inside the Kaye cabin, and participate in holiday crafts and a campfire.