Westown Indoor Market
Every First and Third Wednesday, November 5 – February 11 – 10 am – 3 pm
The Shops of Grand Avenue – East End of the First Level, Inside the 2nd Street Entrance
414.276.6696 | westown.org
The Westown Farmer’s Market is moving indoors. Enjoy the same great vendors including stained glass, handmade soaps, paintings, prepared food items, plants and jewelry, as well as an exciting musical lineup.
Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra
November 17 – January 3 – Hourly
The Shops of Grand Avenue
414.224.0655 | grandavenueshops.com
Hear Leonard Bearstein and his 18-piece orchestra of bears perform a range of holiday hits.
East Town Trees on the Street presented by Madison Medical Affiliates
November 18 – January 5
East Town Neighborhood
414.271.1416 | easttown.com
See over 30 decorated wooden trees scattered outside East Town retailers, restaurants, nightclubs, salons and many other businesses.
City/County Tree Lighting
Thursday, November 20 – 5 pm
Red Arrow Park
414.286.3261
Hear traditional carols by the Milwaukee Children’s Choir at 4:30 pm, then join emcee John McGivern and city and county officials in lighting the City/County Tree. A visit by Santa, characters from “A Christmas Carol,” holiday tunes and refreshments will round out the celebration.
Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Kick-Off Extravaganza
Thursday, November 20 – 5:45 pm "Fear No Ice Pre-Show"
6 pm Show Begins
Pere Marquette Park
414.220.4700, ext. 30 | milwaukeeholidaylights.com
Timeless carols, one-of-a-kind holiday acts and a dazzling fireworks display combine to electrify the evening for the city’s largest switch-flipping ceremony. Free hot cocoa, coffee and cookies will be served beginning at 5:30 pm while supplies last. After the show, tour the sights with free Jingle Bus rides.
Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival
November 20 – January 4
Downtown Milwaukee
414.220.4700, ext. 30 | milwaukeeholidaylights.com
Thousands of twinkling lights, dozens of animated characters, hundreds of holiday happenings and a convenient Jingle Bus tour combine for a season of magical sights. Catch the Jingle Bus from the NEW Warming House location at the Plankinton Arcade in The Shops of Grand Avenue, Thursdays through Sundays from 6 to 9 pm, for just $1 per person.
A Grand Avenue Christmas
November 21 – January 11
Pabst Mansion
414.931.0808 | pabstmansion.com
Stunning decorations, engaging Milwaukee history, and events and activities for all ages.
82nd Annual Milwaukee Holiday Parade presented by Johnson Controls
Saturday, November 22 – 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.
Classic Movies in a Classic Mansion: “A Christmas Carol”
Wednesday, November 26 – 7:30 pm
Charles Allis Museum
414.278.8295 | cavtmuseums.org
See Dickens' immortal Christmas story come to life in this 1938 MGM classic.
Thanksgiving Bountiful Brunch
Thursday, November 27 – 11 am – 3 pm
The Pfister Hotel
800.558.8222 | pfisterhotel.com
The Pfister’s bountiful brunch provides an ample dose of holiday cheer. Appetizers, entrees, side dishes and desserts – plus all the traditional Thanksgiving trimmings – give you plenty to be thankful for. Call for reservations.
Thanksgiving at Mason Street Grill
Thursday, November 27 – 1 pm – 7 pm
Mason Street Grill – 435 E. Mason Street
414.298.3131 | masonstreetgrill.com
Celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends at Mason Street Grill. Private dining rooms are available for gatherings of 6 to 60. Call for reservations.
Neapolitan Crèche Display
Beginning November 28 through the Holiday Season
Milwaukee Art Museum
414.224.3200 | mam.org
On view amidst the beautiful surroundings of the Collection galleries, the Milwaukee Art Museum displays an authentic 18th-century Neapolitan Crèche.
Lighting of the Whale
Friday, November 28 – 11:30 am
Milwaukee Public Museum
414.278.2702 | mpm.edu
Join the MPM for a most unusual holiday tradition – the lighting of the massive humpback whale skeleton that hangs over the Grand Staircase. Free with admission.
Saturdays with Santa
Saturdays, November 29 – December 20 – Noon – 2 pm
The Shops of Grand Avenue – Food Court
414.224.0655 | grandavenueshops.com
For the sixth year in a row, The Shops of Grand Avenue and Radio Disney team up for an afternoon of crafts and jolly entertainment with Santa.
Harley-Davidson Museum Tree-Lighting Ceremony
Saturday, November 29
Harley-Davidson Museum – 400 W. Canal Street
1.877.436.8738 | h-dmuseum.com
Visit the Harley-Davidson Museum during the holidays for a variety of holiday events and activities including the first tree-lighting ceremony on November 29th. Enjoy shopping, dining and free parking.
Pfister Tree Lighting Ceremony
Sunday, November 30 – 5 pm – 6:30 pm (with official lighting at 6 pm)
The Pfister Hotel
414.273.8222 | pfisterhotel.com
Join The Pfister and Santa for the first annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Nonperishable food items will be collected. Free and open to the public.
M&I Bank Holiday Display
December 1 – January 5
Weekdays: 9 am – 8 pm
Weekends, Christmas and New Year’s Day: 9 am – 4 pm
Lobby will close at 1 pm on December 13 & 24, and at 5 pm on January 5
M&I Bank – 770 N. Water Street
414.765.7700 | mibank.com/holiday
Celebrate the holidays by visiting M&I Bank’s Holiday Display, featuring more than 50 life-sized, costumed Steiff animals. Free and open to the public.
Slice of Ice
Opens December 4 (weather dependent)
Red Arrow Park
414.257.PARK | countyparks.com
Bring the family outdoors for this wintry tradition. This free ice rink offers a picturesque backdrop of the city and a warming house to stay toasty. Skate rentals are $5.50 per pair. Enjoy FREE skate rentals on opening night from 5-8 pm compliments of CFA Society of Milwaukee.
East Town Holiday Market
Thursday, December 4 – 11:30 am – 6:30 pm
Chase Tower at Water and Wisconsin
414.271.1416 | easttown.com
Browse a variety of items made by Wisconsin artists and pick up gift certificates to popular downtown restaurants, retailers and performing arts venues. Shoppers will also enjoy complimentary gift wrapping, refreshments and restaurant samples.
Public Service Ambassador Bake Sale & Coat Drive
Coat Drive: November 4 - December 4 (Drop-Off at Milwaukee Downtown, 600 E. Wells Street)
Bake Sale & Coat Drive: December 4 (City Hall)
414.220.4700 ext. 29
Every year the Public Service Ambassador program of Milwaukee Downtown BID #21 provides for families and/or organizations in need over the Holiday Season. This year we are privileged to support several recipients: Salvation Army, Repairers of the Breach, Cathedral Center, Teen Challenge, Milwaukee Rescue Mission, CYD and St. Ben's. Come and help us raise money as well as satisfy your holiday cravings. We are also asking for donations of gently used children’s winter coats, hats, mittens and scarves.
20th Annual Christmas in the Ward
Friday, December 5 – 5 pm – 8 pm
Saturday, December 6 – 11 am – 4 pm
Historic Third Ward – Catalano Square
414.273.1173 | historicthirdward.org
Fireworks, a tree lighting ceremony and a visit from Santa kick off a festive weekend of holiday shopping.
Jolly’s Gingerbread House
Friday, December 5 – 5:45 pm – 8:30 pm
Saturday, December 6 – Noon – 3 pm, 6 pm – 8 pm
Friday, December 12 – 5 pm – 8 pm
Saturday, December 13 – 5 pm – 8 pm
Historic Third Ward – Catalano Square
414.273.1173 | historicthirdward.org
Make a $5 donation to Toys for Tots and get a keepsake photo with Santa at Jolly’s Outdoor Gingerbread House.
European Holiday Village Comes Alive
December 5 – 6 – 10 am – 2 pm
Milwaukee Public Museum
414.278.2702 | mpm.edu
Stroll the decorated Streets of Old Milwaukee and step back in time to a turn-of-the-century holiday. See the traditional décor of European families during a walk through the decorated European village. Free with admission.
3rd Annual Walk Against Poverty
Friday, December 5
Downtown Milwaukee
414.297.7432 | myspace.com/walkagainstpoverty
Join MATC and community partners in raising awareness of poverty in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin.
Discovery World Artisan and Entrepreneur Holiday Market
Saturday, December 6 – 10 am – 4 pm
Discovery World Promenade
414.765.9966 | discoveryworld.org
Support local artisans by purchasing unique, one-of-a kind gifts for your loved ones this holiday season. Enjoy 25+ vendors, do-it-yourself workshops, music and refreshments.
Breakfast with Santa
Saturdays, December 6, 13 and 20 – 9 am – Noon
The Pfister Hotel
800.558.8222 | pfisterhotel.com
Share a jolly breakfast with Santa and his elves in the festive Imperial Ballroom. A special gift awaits each child. Call for reservations.
Teddy Bear Tea
Saturdays, December 6, 13 and 20 – 1 pm – 3 pm
The Pfister Hotel
800.558.8222 | pfisterhotel.com
Join Mrs. Claus for Holiday Tea and stories. New teddy bears will be collected for children in need within our community. Children who wish to donate a new teddy bear will receive a discount off the price of admission. Call for reservations.
Mason Street Grill Christmas
Wednesday, December 24 – 5 pm – 9 pm
Thursday, December 25 – 1 pm – 6 pm
Mason Street Grill – 435 E. Mason Street
414.298.3131 | masonstreetgrill.com
Featuring traditional holiday delights and unique twists. Call for reservations. Private dining rooms available for gatherings of 6 to 60.
Pfister Christmas Celebration Brunch
Thursday, December 25 – 11 am – 3 pm
The Pfister Hotel
800.558.8222 | pfisterhotel.com
A spectacular holiday buffet featuring a delicious assortment of appetizers, salads, entrees and decadent desserts located in the elegantly appointed Imperial Ballroom. Call for reservations.
Lucille's Rockin' Pianos' Customer Appreciation Christmas Present
Thursday, January 8 - 6 pm - Midnight
1110 N. Old World Third Street | lucillesrocks.com
Free appetizers, drinks and door prizes throughout the night.
Pfister Afternoon Tea
Friday, Saturday and Sunday Afternoons – 3 pm – 4 pm
The Pfister Hotel
800.558.8222 | pfisterhotel.com
Cozy up in The Pfister’s Lobby Lounge for an afternoon of tea, fresh scones, tea sandwiches and pastries.
Milwaukee Coach & Carriage Holiday Rides
414.272.6873 | milwaukeecarriage.com
See downtown’s spectacular sights with a horse-drawn carriage ride. Pick-up locations are at The Pfister, InterContinental Milwaukee and Hyatt Regency Milwaukee. Call to reserve a half-hour or one-hour carriage ride.
