Kentucky Christian University's Young Library The 12 Towns of Christmas Virtual Vacation

Driving past Chicago and Milwaukee, we make our way to the Middle of Wisconsin, to another small town called Rudolph.

Although the town isn't named after the popular Christmas character (which didn't even exist until 1939, per NPR), Rudolph has come to embrace the iconic figure, and is now known as the "Home of the Red-Nosed Reindeer."

Rudolph Country Christmas:

Here is a video of the town's annual parade and fireworks show. Not bad for less than 1000 people!

The Rudolph Stamp:

Rudolph, WI also has a post office stamping tradition, as all the Christmas towns seem to have. Check out another brief video below to learn more about it.

Other Activities:

Rudolph has a few standard Christmas traditions as well, such as pictures and breakfast with Santa, live reindeer, petting zoos, gingerbread house competitions. What sets it apart, however, is their chainsaw carving demo. Yes, chainsaws at the Christmas celebration, because Wisconsin!

Taco Dip

Yeah, you read that right. Wisconsin is known for their taco dip at company parties and family gatherings this time of year. It makes sense if you think about it this way - gooey, delicious meat and CHEESE! Yup, Wisconsin and its cheese obsession. You'll be obsessed too, if you try this three cheese taco dip recipe from wisconsincheese.com,

Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sour cream
• 8oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 4 cups shredded lettuce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup pepperjack cheese
• 1 large Roma tomato, seeded and chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• tortilla chips

Directions:

• Beat the sour cream, cream cheese and taco seasoning in a large bowl until blended.
• Spread mixture in the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• Top with the lettuce, cheddar, pepper jack, tomato, green pepper and olives. Serve with tortilla chips.

It's time for a switchback, taking us Southward - this time across the Mississippi river to the town of Noel, Missouri.