November 19 - December 13
The City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County's 17th Annual Holiday Drive beneifts Milwaukee-area individuals and families at Meta House . Contribute and make a meaningful difference! Whether it’s toys, blankets, or self-care items, your generosity will help brighten someone's holiday and make the season a little warmer.
December 5 - December 29 at Courtyard Milwaukee Downtown, 300 W. Michigan St.
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! sponsored by Generac” at Pere Marquette Park and “Slice of Ice Lights” at Red Arrow Park.
Jingle Bus tickets are $8 per person and must be purchased in advance. Spanish tours will be available on select evenings. Buses will depart from Courtyard Milwaukee Downtown, 300 W. Michigan Street. Jingle Bus parking is available at InterPark The Avenue Garage, 615 N. 2nd Street, for only $3, thanks to Interstate Parking. Please see the Jingle Bus information table for parking validation. Guests are invited to enjoy the vendors at the 3rd Street Market Hall while waiting to catch the Jingle Bus.
Sunday, December 8, 3-6 p.m. - Milwaukee Choristers (3-4:30 p.m.); Sarah Fierek (4:30-6 p.m.)
Sunday, December 15, 3-5 p.m. - JL Russell Jazz Trio
There’s no better place to be during the holidays than right in the heart of the city, and this year The Hop is once again proud to contribute to the festive atmosphere in downtown Milwaukee. Our “Holidays on The Hop” initiative, featuring live music, giveaways, and festive décor on our streetcar shelters, is back for a fifth 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.
NOVEMBER
Friday, November 22 - 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, November 23 - 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, November 24 - 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.
Special displays and items will be featured highlighting Milwaukee’s sister cities: Abuja, Nigeria; Bomet County, Kenya; Galway, Ireland; Irpin, Ukraine; Kragujevac, Serbia; Tarime District, Tanzania; Zadar, Croatia.
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. 28), as well as some opportunities to volunteer to help those in need.
Join us on Thursday, December 5 at 5 p.m. in the "Cheer District" (Deer District), presented by the We Energies Foundation. The City of Milwaukee's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting is sure to be a family friendly good time. The event is free and open to the public.
Celebrations will begin at 5 p.m. with a DJ followed by a featured performance from Guyton Entertainment. The tree lighting ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. with Mayor Johnson and special guest appearances by Bango, Santa Claus and Comet, Vixen and Dancer of Reindeer Games. Free parking will be available to attendees at the Highland Structure located at 1030 N. 6th St. and 5th Street Parking Structure located at 1215 N. 5th St. For more information on all upcoming events, visit deerdistrict.com.
December 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. - 1801 N. Prospect Ave.
Free for all visitors on the first Thursday of every month.
December 5, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Kohl's Thank You Thursdays. Free for all visitors on the first Thursday of every month. County residents get $2 off every day. Admission is free, but we strongly recommend advance reservations. Walk-up tickets are not guaranteed.
December 5, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. - 2220 N. Terrace Ave.
Free for all visitors on the first Thursday of every month.
Saturday, December 7 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Visit us on Brady Street for the first annual Brady Street Holiday Market! Local vendors will be accompanied by live entertainment in a tented area near the intersection of Brady Street and Arlington Place, closed off from traffic.
Friday, December 7, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Catalano Sqaure, Third Ward
Tree lighting ceremony with Santa Claus and Milwaukee dignitaries from 6-7 p.m. Visit Santa in Jolly's Gingerbread House, cookie sale, food trucks, s'mores roasting, live reindeer. Fireworks at p.m. over the river. Performances by Skylight Music and Sarah Fierek from 7:15 p.m. - 8 p.m. Light the Hoan Holiday Show at 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 14 , 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 Taste of Home and Dunkin’ will be provided.
Saturday, December 14 - Washington Park Library Branch, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd.
Let's come together to celebrate the winter season!
Community Room Programs
- 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Fast Winter Quick Bites Demo with Chef Udulutch
- 1-1:30 p.m. Nefertari African Dance Company Performance
- 2-3 p.m. Pizza & Cookie Decorating
- 12-1 p.m. Drop In and Paint with Vibez
Children’s Programs
- 10-11 a.m. Story Time; Meet Browser the Library Lion and the DPW Snowplow
- 11-12 p.m. Winter Animals Galore with Ms. Kim’s Amazing Animals
- 12-2 p.m. Cottonball Snowman and Snowflake craft
Photo Opportunity 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Winter Photo Booth
All-Day Activities 10 a.m.-3 p.m. - Cozy Drinks for Al, Library Card Check-ups, Prize Giveaways
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