HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
|
Billie the Brownie
Lecture on “Billie the Brownie” |
 Billie the Brownie |
City/County Official Christmas Tree Lighting—Past, Present and Future
Wednesday, November 14 - 4:30 pm
Red Arrow Park | 414.273.8733
Hear a pre-lighting choral concert by local Milwaukee area schools and enjoy FREE hot cocoa, cider, cookies and popcorn. Then join John McGivern and city officials as we light the 94th Annual City/County of Milwaukee Christmas Tree at 5:15 pm.
Milwaukee County Historical Society Open House
Thursday, November 15 – 5 - 7:30 pm
Milwaukee County Historical Society | 414.273.8288
milwaukeecountyhistsoc.org
See the renovation progress of the Milwaukee County Historical Society as doors remain open for the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Kick-Off Extravaganza. Admission is free.
Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Kick-Off Extravaganza presented by Midwest Airlines
Thursday, November 15 - 6 pm
Pere Marquette Park | 414.220.4700 ext. 30
milwaukeeholidaylights.com
Help us flip the switch at the city’s largest display of holiday lights. Pre-lighting activities will include live music, holiday entertainment and a brilliant fireworks display all culminating the official lighting of downtown Milwaukee’s streets and parks. FREE hot cocoa, coffee and cookies will keep you toasty all night. Plus, after the show take in the sights with FREE Jingle Bus rides from Pere Marquette Park.
Festival of Trees Lighting Ceremony
Thursday, November 15, 7 pm
Marcus Center for the Performing Arts | 414.610.3021
festivaloftreesmilwaukee.org
Beautifully decorated trees by local businesses and individuals will be lit simultaneously amid live music and entertainment.
Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival
Thursday, November 15 – Sunday, January 6
Downtown Milwaukee | 414.220.4700 ext. 30
milwaukeeholidaylights.com
Thousands of sparkling lights and dozens of dazzling displays in three downtown parks. Tour the festive sights aboard the convenient Jingle Bus, Thursdays through Sundays until December 30.
Santa’s Workshop at Kloiber Jewelers
Thursday, November 15 – December 24
Kloiber Jewelers | 411 E. Wisconsin Avenue | 414.276.2457
kloiberjewelers.com
Mrs. Claus and her elves want to help you find the PERFECT Christmas gift! Use our $50 coupon from our website. Enjoy free gift wrapping and parking!
Ornaments & Adornments
November 16 - 5:30 – 8 pm
November 17 – 18 - 10 am – 5 pm
Milwaukee Art Museum | 414.224.3855
mam.org
Solve your holiday shopping woes at this holiday show and sale held in Windhover Hall. Choose from a selection of fine jewelry, clothing, ceramics, scarves and more.
A Grand Avenue Christmas
Friday, November 16 – Sunday, January 13
Pabst Mansion | 414.931.0808
pabstmansion.com
Stunning decorations, engaging Milwaukee history, and events and activities for all ages.
81st Annual Milwaukee Holiday Parade presented by Johnson Controls
Saturday, November 17, 9:30 am
Downtown Milwaukee | 262.377.5935
milwaukeeparade.com
Spectacular floats, bands, helium balloons, live animals and Santa create a magical experience for the whole family. Can’t join us? Tune into FOX 6.
Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra
Monday, November 12 – Friday, January 4—hourly
The Shops of Grand Avenue | 414.224.0655
grandavenueshops.com
Hear Leonard Bearstein and his 18-piece orchestra of bears perform an array of holiday hits.
Classic Movies in a Classic Mansion: “Since You Went Away”
Wednesday, November 21, 7:30 pm
Charles Allis Museum | 414.278.8295
cavtmuseums.org
The second most popular film of World War II and Selzneck’s follow-up film to Gone With the Wind.
Thanksgiving Champagne Brunch
Thursday, November 22, 11 am – 3 pm
The Pfister Hotel | 414.390.3804
thepfisterhotel.com
Choose from an impressive spread of appetizers, entrees, side dishes, desserts and all of the traditional Thanksgiving fixings. $49 Adults, $24 Children under 12. Tax and gratuity included.
|
Lighting of the Whale
Breakfast with Santa |
 Lighting of the Whale |
|
M&I Bank Holiday Display |
 M&I Bank Holiday Display |
|
Home & Hearth: Victorian Christmas Traditions |
 Home & Hearth: Victorian Christmas Traditions |
Christmas in the Ward
Friday, November 30, 5 – 8:30 pm
Saturday, December 1, 11 am – 4 pm
Historic Third Ward, 100 – 200 Blocks of North Broadway
414.273.1172
historicthirdward.org
Fireworks, a tree lighting ceremony and Santa kick off a festive weekend of holiday shopping.
Jolly’s Outdoor Gingerbread House
Friday, November 30, 5:45 – 8:30 pm
Saturday, December 1, noon – 3 pm & 6 – 8 pm
Friday, December 7 & Saturday, December 8, 5 – 8 pm
Historic Third Ward – Catalano Square | 414.273.1173
historicthirdward.org
Visit with Santa in Jolly’s Gingerbread House and get a seasonal photo.
Jolly’s Secret Gift Shop
Friday, November 30, 5 – 8:30 pm
Saturday, December 1, 11 am – 4 pm & 6 – 8 pm
Friday, December 7 & Saturday, December 8, 5 – 8 pm
Historic Third Ward – Catalano Square | 414.273.1173
historicthirdward.org
An opportunity for kids to shop for Mom & Dad.
Breakfast with Santa
Saturdays, December 1 – 22, 9:30 – 11:30 am
Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin | 414.765.8610
discoveryworld.org
Enjoy a jolly breakfast with Santa. $32.95 adults, children under 12 $16.95 plus tax and gratuity. Discounted admission to Discovery World with brunch reservation.
Children’s Stories at the Pabst Mansion
Saturdays, December 1 – 22, 11 am
Pabst Mansion | 414.931.0808
pabstmansion.com
Gather in Mrs. Pabst’s Sitting Room for story time. Story time is free with paid admission and remember children under 6 are free!
Saturdays with Santa
Saturdays, December 1 – 22, noon – 2 pm
December 1 - Create your own Reindeer Head Holiday Bucket
December 8 - Create your own Snowman Welcome Sign Door Decoration
December 15 - Create your own Santa’s Toy Chest
December 22 - Create your own Wintery Snowflake Head Bobbers
The Shops of Grand Avenue | 414.224.0655
grandavenueshops.com
For the fifth year in a row, Radio Disney coordinates an afternoon of crafts and a visit by Santa at The Shops of Grand Avenue Food Court. FREE and open to the public.
Gilded Age Glitz
Sunday, December 2, 12:30 – 2:30 pm
Pabst Mansion | 414.931.0808
pabstmansion.com
Enjoy historically inspired crafts for the whole family. Activities are free with admission and kids under six are always free.
Festival of Trees Gala
Thursday, December 6, 5:30 – 10 pm
Marcus Center for the Performing Arts | 414.610.3021
festivaloftreesmilwaukee.org
Beautifully decorated trees will be auctioned with proceeds benefiting Habitat for Humanity. Black tie optional.
Skating in Red Arrow Park – Slice of Ice
Beginning Friday, December 7 (weather dependent)
Red Arrow Park | 414.257.6100 or 414.289.8791
countyparks.com
Bring the family outdoors on this FREE ice rink with a full railing and a warm concession stand. Skate rentals available at $5 per pair.
East Town’s Holiday Market
Friday, December 7, 11 am – 9 pm
Atrium of 770 N. Jefferson Street | 414.271.1416
easttown.com
Browse a variety of items made by Wisconsin artisans and pick up gift certificates to popular downtown restaurants, retailers and performing arts venues. Shoppers will enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, hot chocolate, food samples, beer, wine and parking in the connected System Parking garage.
|
European Holiday Village Comes Alive |
 European Holiday Village Comes Alive |
Christmas Choirs at The Pfister
December 10 – 14 & 17 – 20, noon – 1 pm
The Pfister Hotel | 414.273.8222
thepfisterhotel.com
Angelic sounds of the season fill the lobby as area youth choirs perform yuletide hymns. Plan on a delightful lunch at Mason Street Grill or Café at The Pfister.
Dickens Dinners
December 14-15, 18-22
Pabst Mansion | 414.931.0808
pabstmansion.com
A traditional English feast, including “crackers,” where Charles Dickens himself will delight guests as he reads aloud from the timeless classic, “A Christmas Carol.” Reserve by calling Bartolotta’s at 414.258.7885.
Luncheon Lecture on “An Old-Fashioned Christmas”
Thursday, December 20, noon – 1 pm
Milwaukee County Historical Society | 414.273.8288
milwaukeecountyhistsoc.org
Meet Rochelle Pennington, author of the popular children’s book “The Christmas Tree Ship,” and hear about Christmas celebrations during the ‘30s, ‘40s, and ‘50s. Lecture is free with general admission. Reservations required.
Christmas Tales with Caroline Kennedy
Thursday, December 13, 6 pm
Milwaukee Public Library - Central Library | 414.286.3000
mpl.org
Caroline Kennedy will sign copies of her new book “A Family Christmas.” Tickets are $32 per person and include an autographed copy of the book and a $5 tax-deductible contribution to the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation. Additional copies will be available at all Harry W. Schwartz Bookshops.
Christmas Champagne Brunch
Tuesday, December 25, 11 am – 3 pm
The Pfister Hotel | 414.390.3804
thepfisterhotel.com
A complimentary champagne toast starts your celebration followed by an amazing brunch, complete with a wide spread of appetizers, salads, entrees and decadent desserts. $49 Adults, $24 Children under 12. Tax and gratuity included.
|
East Town Trees
Milwaukee Coach & Carriage Holiday Rides |
 Festival of Trees Gala |
