Snuggle up with some holiday cheer as OnMilwaukee shares stories of everything merry and bright in the spirit of the season.
The OnMilwaukee Ho Ho Holiday Guide is brought to you by Educators Credit Union, Harley-Davidson Museum and MolsonCoors.
Things are getting festive at the J. Leinenkugel’s Barrel Yard at American Family Field, largely thanks to a new seasonal pop-up that’s meant to give everyone that holly jolly holiday feeling.
The Tinsel Taproom is bringing on all the holiday feels with festive accommodations for up to 12 guests including festive holiday beverages, small plates, board games and holiday movies playing on the big screen. It’s the perfect spot for girls’ nights, holiday luncheons, gift exchanges, office lunches, family gatherings and more.
Located just inside the Barrel Yard with a view of the pilot brewery, the Tinsel Taproom offers cozy – you guessed it – tinsel-filled quarters with both lounge and table seating, holiday trees and decor and plenty of twinkling holiday lights.
Complementary holiday beverages include the choice of two cocktails: the Red Nosed Mule (vodka, cranberry, lime, mint and ginger beer) or the Blackberry Bramble (gin, blackberry puree, lemon and Sprite). Non-alcoholic options can also be substituted. Options include a zero-proof Blackberry Bramble (all the flavor but no gin) or peppermint hot cocoa. All are served in these adorable holiday mugs.
Each reservation includes complementary meat and cheese boards and the Barrel Yard’s signature hanging bacon.
Guests can also add the signature Tinsel Tapp-etizers package for $45. That includes: Deep fried cheese curds and cherry peppers served with sour cream and onion aioli;
pretzel bites with beer cheese and horseradish mustard;
and four housemade buttermilk biscuits with whipped butter and hot honey;
You can also assuage your sweet teeth with the Oh Hole-y Night package for $15. That includes six cinnamon sugar churro doughnuts with pecan maple caramel sauce.
Be sure the kiddos bring along their letters for Santa! Letters can be dropped off at the Brew Crew’s North Pole Mailbox located inside the Left-Field entrance through Dec. 22.
Make your reservations
Standard reservations are $125 and include 90-minute accommodations for eight guests, a complimentary drink package and small plates (meat and cheese boards, plus the Barrel Yard’s signature hanging bacon). Guests can also order additional food and beverage items from the Barrel Yard’s regular and holiday menus. Additional guests (up to 12 total) can be added to the experience for $15 per guest.
Reservations are available now through Saturday, Jan. 6 with hours from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Make yours online here!
Also consider bringing along a donation for the Toys for Tots box, located just inside the Barrel Yard. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 22. All toys collected will be donated and distributed to families by the Salvation Army of Milwaukee County.
Santa at Tinsel Taproom
Santa will also be taking over the Tinsel Taproom on various weekdays between Wednesday, Dec. 6 and Thursday, Dec. 20. Guests can make reservations for private 15-minute bookings which include time to visit with Santa and tell him all of your holiday wishes, photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus (bring your camera), complementary hot cocoa plus crafts and cookie decorating for the kids. Reservations are $20 for up to six guests and can be made online.
More Santa!
Photos with Santa & his Live Reindeer: Santa will be making a very special appearance at American Family Field on Sunday, Dec. 10 from 3 to 5 p.m. inside the Left-Field entrance. He will be joined by “Brewdolf” the red-nosed reindeer and his very real reindeer pals. Reservations are $35 and can be made online. They include a photo with Santa and his reindeer, hot cocoa and crafts. Pilot brews will also be available for purchase.
Supper with Santa: Guests can also make a reservation for Supper with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 16 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. During the event, guests can snap a photo with Santa, enjoy crafts, complimentary hot cocoa and cookie decorating. Parents can also enjoy the new Gingerbread Ale and other holiday drink specials. Reservations are required and can be made online.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
