It's time to celebrate the magic of the season! Leave the winter driving to the professionals and step into a cozy and stress-free holiday wonderland. Just sit back, relax and make wonderful holiday memories with old and new friends.
We are heading to southeast Wisconsin for a day of pastries, pines, poinsettias and more. Come enjoy the splendor of season with us!
Our Holiday Itinerary
Lincoln–Tallman House • Janesville
Step into the elegance of 1857 at this Italianate-style landmark, built by the prominent Tallman family. During the holiday season, more than 100 beautifully decorated trees fill the historic rooms with light, color, and creativity. Explore at your own pace and enjoy one of Janesville’s favorite holiday traditions.
Rock County Historical Society Legacies Museum • Janesville
Discover Legacies Museum 2.0: The Heartbeat of Janesville’s GM. Memorabilia from General Motors, JATCO, Fisher Body, and the UAW brings the community’s industrial story to life—from the Janesville Machine Company’s beginnings in 1919 through the plant’s closing in 2008–2009.
Milaeger’s Garden Center • Racine
Enjoy time to browse a family-owned destination that grew from a tiny backyard hobby greenhouse into a collection of more than 90 greenhouses. Take in colorful displays, seasonal décor, and inspiring collections for the home and garden.
Christmas Carnival of Lights • Caledonia
End the day surrounded by holiday sparkle at a festive drive-through light show billed as one of the Midwest’s biggest, brightest, and most dazzling seasonal displays.
Accessibility & Comfort
The Lincoln–Tallman House ground floor is accessible by lift; the basement and second floor are not fully accessible. The Carriage House, Stonehouse, Frances Willard Schoolhouse, and RCHS Visitor Center are fully accessible. Please share mobility or assistance needs when registering.
Cost
$125 per person and includes bus transportation, driver tip, admission fees, meals, taxes, and gratuities.
Lunch Choices
| |
Burrata Berry Salad (Mixed greens, burrata cheese, balsamic glaze, strawberries, blueberries, red onions, fresh basil, raspberry vinaigrette) (V) |
| |
Margherita Pizza (II Famoso ground tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, garlic, fresh basil, olive oil) (V) |
| |
Supreme Pizza (II Famoso ground tomatoes pepperoni, Italian sausage, green peppers, onions, button mushrooms, whole milk mozzarella cheese) |
| |
Chicken Pesto Sandwich with roasted potatoes (Pretzel bun, grilled chicken breast, basil pesto sauce, mozzarella cheese, lettuce, tomatoes) |
| |
Bourbon Burger with roasted potatoes (Brioche bun, cheddar cheese, crispy onion strings, applewood smoked bacon, bourbon BBQ sauce) |
| |
Wisconsin Fish Fry with roasted potatoes (Beer-battered cod, coleslaw, marble rye, tartar) |
Dinner Choices
| |
Grilled Chicken Wrap (Grilled chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, cheddar jack cheese, wrapped up with buttermilk ranch dressing) |
| |
BLT Wrap (Applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato & salad dressing on a tortilla) |
| |
Veggie Wrap (Spinach tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, green peppers & mushrooms topped with feta cheese & Italian dressing) |
| |
Steak Wrap (Steak with green peppers, onions, & mushrooms topped with tomatoes and cheese) |
Schedule
(Times are approximate and subject to change)
Please arrive at departure site 15 minutes prior to departure.
| 7:30 a.m. |
Depart Verona Park and Ride |
| 8:00 a.m. |
Depart Dutch Mill Park and Ride |
| 7:00 p.m. |
Return Dutch Mill Park and Ride
|
| 7:30 p.m. |
Return Verona Park and Ride |
Verona Park and Ride
East side (Dutch Mill Park and 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.
For insurance purposes, all travelers are required to complete the Verona Member Form (no charge) and Verona Trip Waiver Form annually. Please download forms here, complete, and bring to the bus on the day of the trip.
Please note that these forms must be completed annually. If you have traveled with us and completed the forms on a previous 2026 excursion, the forms are not needed.
Registration Details and Deadline
Register online. Mailed in reservations and checks are accepted. Registrations much be received no later than Monday, November 23, 2026.
Refund Policy
UWRA 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.
Questions
Contact trip coordinator Sandi Haase at (sandi.haase@wisc.edu) or the UWRA office at 608-262-0641.
UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu
