In one hand of a four year old dressed in candy striped tights, a red Christmas dress, and shiny black shoes reaching for yet another goody, in the other a plate. The gathered crowd watch in stunned silence as eggs, bacon, sausage, and a huge strawberry started succumbing to gravity as the breakfast plate slid gently to a terrifying angle towards the floor. A long elfin arm reached down from over the table and leveled the plate, disaster averted.
Above the floor the holiday table was truly a groaning board laden with every possible temptation for brunch. Decorated with piles of Christmas ornaments, swags of cedar, elf figurines, it was surrounded by children serving themselves with eyes bigger than stomachs.
This was the annual Knee High Christmas Brunch with Santa at the Osthoff Resort. Every little festively costumed face radiated the certainty that dreams really do come true.
Live holiday carols were sung and played on a piano while Mr. and Mrs. Clause roamed around the room delivering messages of joy and cheer to children of all ages. Dozens of elves assisted as children climbed up into chairs where they wrestled with the delicious problem of where to start on the miraculous wonder they had assembled at the knee high table.
As parents guided smiling faces towards another knee high table, the children were presented with not-too-hot chocolate surrounded by bowls of marshmallows, peppermints, cinnamon nuggets, chocolate chips, sprinkles and whipped cream in candy striped containers. Endless confections could be made from the dozens of ingredients enticingly waiting in bowls. The kids were grinning, tap dancing and round eyed as they dipped spoons into sugary possibilities adding to the mug of hot chocolate.
Outside the dining hall awaited Santa, the perfect Santa right down to the dimples. Sincere little faces gazed adoringly up at him and spoke of their Christmas wishes. He held them on his lap and listened as if each child was the only person in the world. As they left Santa, each was given a small hand decorated stocking with a treat inside. They carried these precious gifts filled with holiday wonder as they moved to yet another part of this magical day… the cookie decorating room.
The chef at Osthoff Resort had made hundreds of sugar cookies shaped like Christmas trees, reindeer, ornaments and Santas. Each child decorated with bowls of sprinkles, candies, cinnamon chunks and every manner of festive edible. With pride and excitement grinning children worked away at their sweet projects, creating plates full of yummy treats, their own contributions to the holiday.
Outside the festivities continued with the 15th Annual Old World Christmas Market. A tent the size of a football field had been decorated in every possible way for the holiday.
An authentic Christkindlemarkt, reminiscent of the German celebration with veiner schnitzel & bratwurst, local beers, and sweet flakey kringle. Tall sparkling live trees scent and holiday music filled the air while Russian dolls, Czech blown glass, kissing balls, fresh wreathes and hand knit sweaters were presented as gift ideas. It was a small world created just for the holidays and like Brigadoon would vanish in 10 days.
A vestige of road races through the town, you want to make this turn or end up in the lake.
Beyond the borders of this magical world lay another hidden treasure, the town of Elkhart Lake. Famous for road racing in the fifties through the streets of town, it remains a mecca for sports car lovers world over. It deserves credit as a magnet for foodies and fun lovers as well though, with a home town feel but a very sophisticated sense of style and a highly developed palate.
Osthoff Resort www.osthoff.com
Breakfast with Santa Claus – December 7, 14 & 21, 2019
Join in a festive knee-high breakfast buffet given in honor of Santa Claus. Children will receive a special gift from the jolly old elf.
Old World Christmas Market – December 6 – 15, 2019
Experience the holiday “gemütlichkeit” of a traditional European Christmas Market, reminiscent of the centuries-old German Christkindlesmarkt. International and regional artisans displaying their specialty wares, European delicacies, German Christmas music and Father Christmas are all a part of the 22nd annual Old World Christmas Market. Admission is $7 per adult, children 14 and under are complimentary with an adult ticketholder. Discounted ticket prices for groups of 10 or more are available. Visit www.christmasmarketatosthoff.com for more information.
Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin www.elkhartlake.com
The Pampered Traveler 