The holidays are now upon us, so here are some local events to help you get into the spirit of the season.
A Cudahy Caroler Christmas by Anthony Wood
Stasch and the whole gang are together for one night only to bring you a performance about bowling, beer friendship and forgiveness with alternative holiday songs and local humor. Tickets for the performance are $30.
Where: St. Thomas More High School, 2601 E. Morgan Ave.
When: Monday December 11, 7:00 p.m.
More information: (414) 271-1371
Bay View Tree Lighting
The best way to spread Christmas cheer, so they say, is singing loud for all to hear. Join the St. Thomas More High School Choir to listen and sing along before the lighting of the tree in Bay View. There will also be a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will hand out treats to children, as well as hot chocolate. The event is free and open to all.
Where: Church of the Immaculate Conception, at the intersection of S. Kinnickinnic Ave. and E. Herman St.
When: Dec. 4, with the choir starting at 6:30 p.m. and tree lighting at 7 p.m.
More information: (414) 481-2842
Black Nativity
Through the power of gospel music, the play Black Nativity by Langston Hughes tells the story of Christmas starting with the first star in Bethlehem.
Where: Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, 929 N Water Street
When: Thursday, December 7, 7:30 p.m., Friday, December 8, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, December 9, 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, 13 December 7:30 p.m., Thursday, December 14, 7:30 p.m., Friday, December 15, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, December 16, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, 17, 3:00 p.m.
More information: (414) 273-7206
BMO Harris Bank Holiday Display
The lobby at BMO Harris Bank's Downtown branch this year will be decorated in the theme of "A Holiday in King Arthur’s Court." The presentation will feature 150 life-sized Steiff animals, as well as a display of kings, queens, knights, thrones, medieval towers and the famous Round Table. The event is free, and BMO Harris Bank will also be donating $30,000 to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin.
Where: BMO Harris Bank Lobby, 770 N. Water St.
When: Nov. 27, 2017 to Jan. 2, 2018; Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday – Sunday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Special Hours:
Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Monday, Dec. 25, 2017: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Monday, Jan. 1, 2018: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
More information: (414) 765-7500
Christmas in the Ward
Christmas in the Ward has a little bit of everything to help you get into the holiday spirit. The event is this Friday and Saturday, and includes a Milwaukee Police Band performance, Mrs. Claus and her live reindeer, music, dancers, a tree lighting ceremony, holiday refreshments, a horse-drawn carriage ride, fireworks over the river and more.
Where: Third Ward, primarily in Catalano Square.
When: Dec. 1, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.; Dec. 2, all day.
More information: historicthirdward.org/events/christmas
Fantastic Forest at the Zoo
The Fantastic Forest combines the Milwaukee County Zoo's love of the holidays and animals. For the past several weeks, local youth groups have been working to make ornaments that will be placed on 63 evergreen trees inside the Zoo. The tree decorating will take place this week, but the trees will remain decorated and open for viewing throughout December.
Where: U.S. Bank Gathering Place at the Milwaukee County Zoo.
When: Tree decorating is Nov. 29-30; Fantastic Forest runs Dec. 1-29
More information: zoosociety.org/Events/Forest
Community Spirit Park
Cathedral Square Park in Downtown is home to dozens of Christmas trees decorated with ornaments designed at local schools and area organizations to represent a theme or wish. The park is free and open for all to view the trees.
Where: Cathedral Square Park, 520 E. Wells St.
When: Park hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
More information: milwaukeedowntown.com/about-us/special-events/milwaukee-holiday-lights-festival/sights-to-see
DIY Tree Ornaments
If you need some more ornaments for your Christmas tree, or you are looking for a gift for others, stop by the Urban Ecology Center Menomonee Valley for a hands-on workshop. The workshop is open for everyone. Admission is $6 for adults ($9 for nonmembers) and $4 for children ($7 for nonmembers).
Where: Urban Ecology Center Menomonee Valley, 3700 W Pierce St
When: Saturday December 9, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
More information: (414) 431-2940; http://urbanecologycenter.org/serviceu.html?id=14226&view=event
MATC Gingerbread Creations
Milwaukee Area Technical College students are once again competing in a gingerbread house competition. This year, in addition to the normal gingerbread houses, there will be several replicas of the new Bucks arena and Miller Park. The houses will be on display at the Public Market until Dec. 13, at which point they will be judged. There will also be a silent auction on Dec. 13.
Where: Milwaukee Public Market, 400 N. Water St.
When: Display from Dec. 2 to 13; competition on Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m.
More information: (414) 297-6972
Naughty or Nice Holiday Floral Show
Come see who is naughty or nice, and enjoy a show that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the elves who work at the North Pole. The show is centered around a 25-foot Christmas tree covered in a paper garland, which is Santa’s famous list, and also includes lights and ornaments. The event costs $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, students and youths, and it's free for children under 5.
Where: Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, 524 S. Layton Blvd.
When: The show runs through Jan. 7, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More information: (414) 257-5600
Oh Night Divine: A Holiday Convert with Tallymoore
Enjoy an evening of holiday music with the folk quartet Tallymoore. There will be a cash bar with water, soda, beer and wine. Tickets are limited, so it is encouraged to buy them ahead of time. Pre-sale tickets are $10, $15 for general admission at the door and children 12 and under are free. In addition, attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to be donated to the Wauwatosa Community Food Pantry.
Where: CelticMKE Center, 1532 N. Wauwatosa Ave, Wauwatosa, WI
When: Saturday December 9 at 7:00 p.m.
More information: (414) 476-3378; http://celticmke.com/CelticMKE-Events/Holiday-Concert-Tallymoore.htm
Old World Christmas
Want to experience Christmas in the 19th century? If so, stop by Old World Wisconsin for storytelling, live performances from holiday characters from immigrants past, caroling, and hymn sining, food sampling and free horse-drawn bobsled rides will be available from 12-3 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults, $9 for youth and children 4 under are free.
Where: Old World Wisconsin, W372 S9727 Highway 67, PO Box 69, Eagle, WI 53119
When: Saturday, December 9, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Sunday, 10 December 10, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
More information: (262) 594-6301
Saz’s Holiday Party
Saz’s State House will be decorated for the holiday’s to go along with their holiday buffet and holiday-inspired cocktails and their jingle juice. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. you can donate $10 to The Children’s Charity of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin State Fair Park Foundation. In addition, there will be live music starting at 5:30 p.m. with Eric Barbieri.
Where: Saz’s State House Restaurant, 5539 W State St.
When: Monday, December 11, 3:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
More information: https://sazs.com/sazs-holiday-party/
The "Colors of Christmas" Concert
The PAC Singers will bring you some Christmas cheer with a combination of Christmas carols and Holiday favorites at their Colors of Christmas Concert. Tickets are $14 for members and $16 for non-members.
Where: Plymouth Arts Center, 520 E. Mills St
When: Friday, December 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 9 at 7:30 p.m.
More information: (920) 892-8409
The Nutcracker
The Milwaukee Ballet performs this holiday classic in conjunction with Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra. Tickets range from $40-$110.
Where: Marcus Center for Performing Arts, 929 N Water Street
When: Dec 9, 2017 at 01:30 pm - 03:30 pm (Sat),Dec 9, 2017 at 07:30 pm - 09:30 pm (Sat), Dec 10, 2017 at 12:00 pm - 02:00 pm (Sun),Dec 15, 2017 at 07:30 pm - 09:30 pm (Fri), Dec 16, 2017 at 01:30 pm - 03:30 pm (Sat),Dec 16, 2017 at 07:30 pm - 09:30 pm (Sat),Dec 17, 2017 at 12:00 pm - 02:00 pm (Sun),Dec 17, 2017 at 04:30 pm - 06:30 pm (Sun), Dec 21, 2017 at 07:30 pm - 09:30 pm (Thu), Dec 22, 2017 at 01:30 pm - 03:30 pm (Fri)
More information: (414) 902-2103. https://www.milwaukeeballet.org/the-latest/nutcracker-pre-show-events/
UWM "Sounds of the Season"face Choral Concert
UWM's Men's Choir, Women's Choir and Champ Choir provide a concert will sing songs seasonal choral music from a variety of styles and time periods. General admission tickets are $12, seniors, UWM faculty & staff tickets are $8 and student tickets and those under 18 can go for free.
Where: Helene Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts, 2419 E. Kenwood Boulevard
When: Saturday December 9, 7:30 p.m.
More Information: (414) 229-4308; http://uwm.edu/arts/event/sounds-season-choral-concert/
