A German winter holiday tradition you know about: the Christmas tree, serenaded in "O Tannenbaum."

One you're not likely to know about: the springerle, a holiday cookie made by pressing dough into a carved board. The cookies are three-dimensional works of art, appearing like tiny sculptures.

Learn to prepare this traditional treat - and taste it - at the State Capital Museum's annual Historic Holiday Celebration, Saturday Dec. 10.

The event also includes a petting zoo, pony rides, a hayride in a horse-drawn cart, music, photos with Santa and more activities for children.

Oh, and the museum - in the historic 1923 Lord Mansion - has die Tannenbaum covered, too: There'll be a grand tree decorated in period style in the formal parlor.

To read Molly Gilmore's full feature, click here.

Historic Holiday Celebration

Saturday, Dec. 10, from noon to 3 p.m., with springerle baking demonstration from 10:30 a.m. to noon
$7, $25 for a family of four
State Capital Museum, 211 21st Ave. SW, Olympia, 360.753.2580