Hello Holidays

  NOVEMBER  

82nd Annual Holiday Folk Fair International

Friday, November 21 - 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, November 22 - 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, November 23 - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
State Fair Park Exposition Center, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis

Holiday Folk Fair International, America’s premier multicultural festival and a program of the International Institute of Wisconsin, celebrates the cultural heritage of the people living in southeastern Wisconsin. You can explore the ways music, food, dance, and art weave together a message of welcome. THIS IS A PAID EVENT.

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Fall Harvest - Holiday Community Meal

Tuesday, November 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Mitchell Street Branch Library

Join us for a festive seasonal meal with all the trimmings! Home for the Holidays? As the days grow shorter, grow brighter together at Milwaukee Public Library. Join us for a festive seasonal meal with all the trimmings! Come one, come all and dine with us to bring in the holiday. Have you played our Fall Harvest “Chain Reaction?” Test your game skills in themed activities while Chef Sharrie’s scrumptious scents of wonderful culinary creations are prepared in the Cargill Community Kitchen. All supplies will be provided.

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Free Thanksgiving Meals & Turkey Giveaways

A number of organizations across the city are working hard to ensure Milwaukee’s neediest households are fed this Thanksgiving season. Neighborhood News Service (NNS) has compiled a list of free community meals and turkey giveaways taking place before and on Thanksgiving Day, (Thursday, Nov. 27), as well as some opportunities to volunteer to help those in need. 

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Charles Allis Art Museum - Free First Thursdays

December 4, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. - 1801 N. Prospect Ave. Free on the first Thursday of the month. In the event of holiday closures, admission will be free on the second Thursday of the month.

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Milwaukee Public Museum - Free First Thursdays

December 4, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. -  ALL visitors* (excluding groups) receive FREE access to the permanent exhibits of MPM on the first Thursday of every month during Kohl's Thank You Thursday. *Children must be accompanied by an adult to receive free admission. Admission is free, but we strongly recommend advance reservations.* Walk-up tickets are not guaranteed.

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Hoan for the Holidays Light Show

Friday, December 5  - Hoan Bridge 
Christmas in the Ward

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Jump on the Jingle Bus

December 5 - December 28, Friday – Sunday from 5 pm to 9 pm - Tours depart from the NEW Warming House at Red Arrow Park
*Weather permitting* 

Ooh and ahh at the winter wonderland scenes scattered throughout Downtown Milwaukee by hopping on the Jingle Bus, powered by KB Excursions. This 40-minute narrated tour highlights the main attractions of the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival, including our four parks: “Community Spirit Park” at Cathedral Square Park, “Santa’s Celebration Square powered by We Energies” at Zeidler Union Square, “¡Felices Fiestas!” at Pere Marquette Park, and “Slice of Ice Lights” at Red Arrow Park.

Jingle Bus tickets are $8 per person and can be purchased at the link below. Guests can choose their tour date and time online, with an option to take a Spanish language tour on Sundays. Tickets may also be purchased on-site with cash.

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Christmas In The Ward

Friday, December 5, 5:15 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Catalano Square, Third Ward

Performance by Milwaukee Police Band at 5:15 p.m. Tree lighting ceremony with Santa Claus and Milwaukee dignitaries at 6 p.m. Visit Santa in Jolly's Gingerbread House, cookie sale, food trucks, s'mores roasting, and live reindeer. Fireworks at 7 p.m. over the river. Performance by First Stage at 5:45 p.m. Performances by Skylight Music Theatre and Marcya Daneille at 7:10 p.m.

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Santa’s Holiday Gift Market on Brady St.

Saturday, December 6 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Get ready for a little holiday magic on Brady Street! Local vendors near the intersection of Brady Street and Arlington Place, closed off from traffic.

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Santa Hustle Milwaukee

Saturday, December 7 - Veterans Park in Milwaukee, 1010 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr. 
Get ready to sleigh the day! Gather a group of friends or family for a festive morning of fitness and seasonal cheer, with events for all ages and fitness levels. The merriment begins with the Kids Dash at 8:00 a.m., followed by the Half Marathon at 8:30 a.m., the 10K at 8:45 a.m., and the 5K at 9:00 a.m.! THIS IS A PAID EVENT.

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Holidays on The Hop 

Sunday, Dec. 7, from 4–6 p.m.  Marquette University Meladies & Milwaukee Choristers
Sunday, Dec. 14, from 4–6 p.m.  JL Russell
Sunday, Dec. 21, from 4–6 p.m. Sarah Fierek

The Hop is once again spreading the spirit of the season as “Holidays on The Hop” returns this December. The streetcar will play host to live, holiday-themed music performances along with holiday cookie giveaways on three Sunday afternoons during the holiday season.

“Holidays on The Hop” is highlighted by a music series featuring live, holiday-themed performances right on board the streetcar. At each event streetcar riders will also be treated to free holiday cookies, generously provided by the Baird Center and Levy Restaurants

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Cocoa with the Clauses - Free photo ops and more

Saturday, December 13, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Cathedral Square Park

Santa and Mrs. Claus return for this annual cocoa klatch. The free outdoor event is a chance for kids to share their wish lists and for moms and dads to grab a keepsake photo. Elves and other holiday characters will also be there! Plus, complimentary cookies and hot cocoa sponsored by Educators Credit Union will be provided