NEW GLARUS — Although she’s been in New Glarus for more than six years, Jackie Judd-Scherer finds herself still missing many of the traditional things about her home in Switzerland. 

Growing up, as the holiday neared, she and her father would make the trek together to Lucerne to take in Adventsfenster, a live advent calendar that unveiled windows each day of December to commemorate the season. 

Now with two young children of her own, she found herself wanting the same experiences. The idea swirled through her mind for years, but it was having her own children, Alicen, 4, and Paxton, born in March, who encouraged her to make it happen. 

“For me, it’s a very personal project,” Judd-Scherer said. “I really want my children to grow up with the traditions that I always enjoyed.”

Each day in December one New Glarus business will unveil their surprise holiday window. Several of the locations will offer a special treat for guests, or even entertainment. They’ve also been asked to tell a story of their display, which has encouraged some to bring in a short play and the involvement of children.

The businesses agreed to be a part of things so quickly Judd-Scherer said she wasn’t able to ask everyone, but is happy to keep the event downtown. She hopes people can walk to more than one during the December days to feel the same warmth she did as Christmas nears.

Along with her children to motivate her, Judd-Scherer said her boss and longtime New Glarus business owner of The Bramble Patch, Sheri Weix, has helped fill some gaps that held her back for years. 

Weix said Judd-Scherer has shared memories of Switzerland through the holidays, when her friend misses her home the most.

“She always wished she could go back home to Switzerland around Christmas,” Weix said. “We wanted to do something — and we encouraged her to organize it through town.” 

Judd-Scherer was worried about the marketing side of things, which is where Weix was able to help. However, she said Judd-Scherer is the one who has taken on the bulk of the work for the event, even helping businesses struggling with window ideas.

The town is buzzing now as flyers swarm and the businesses prepare for their surprise unveiling. Weix said though in its initial year, the event somehow fits perfectly with the New Glarus downtown. In a way, she said it feels like they have been hosting such an unveiling for a long time.

“It feels right,” she said. “The customers are so excited. They just love that there’s not one set date and they won’t miss it if they can’t make it one night.”

The first event will be the biggest. To kick off the initial unveiling, a celebration will feature a tree lighting, kinder choir and alphorns being played. There may even be guest appearances from Santa Claus and a donkey to mark the occasion.

The Bramble Patch is currently working on their window. Weix said they are hoping to provide a hot chocolate bar for guests if the weather cooperates. Each window is meant to be a surprise, but Weix revealed her window will take on the theme of a snowman playground. There will be between 100 and 200 snowmen for viewing. 

All are welcome to gather in front of the window reveals, watch how the covering is removed and take in the new decor. Each day, the ceremonial reveal will depend on what the “window opener” chooses to do. 

There is a story behind each piece of artwork, Judd-Scheurer said. She added that she hopes others can enjoy the old tradition she’s pulling from her roots. She keeps a list of traditions she has missed after moving to New Glarus with her husband, Corbin Judd, a New Glarus native. Judd-Scheurer has some hope of recreating them, but this event has been the first. She sees it as a solid start. 

“I am really looking forward to this holiday season and I am so excited to see everyone’s artwork and window creations,” Judd-Scheurer said.

At the end of Adventsfenster, there will be a Window Walk on Dec. 29, where the community can view each window to mark the season’s end.

“We have traditions here with my husband’s family, but I want my kids to grow up with something I personally had,” Judd-Scheurer said. “I feel like I want to share things with them.”

Weix said the businesses are anxiously waiting for their window unveiling date, and many will feature treats, specials and other ways to welcome those in attendance to stay and socialize. 

“This is such a Swiss tradition but none of us knew about it,” Weix said. “It’s new to us — but so traditional. It feels like it’s bringing people together.”