Many Times, Many Ways
By Amy Elliott
Let’s face it: the holidays can be tough. It takes stamina to make it through the six weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s with one’s sensibilities intact. But even with all of the off-the-rocker relatives, the shrill children, the sugars and saturated fats and the pushy crowds everywhere from Macy’s to Ace Hardware – there’s something genuinely nice about the holidays. Something warm, peaceful and pretty. Here, then, is VITAL’s holiday events guide, your roadmap through the evergreen forest of Milwaukee’s winter festivities. From champagne brunches to basketball games to the finest of the fine arts, everyone from the preternaturally merry to the utterly contrary will find some way to greet the season. Turn your frost-bitten sneer into some holiday cheer. Kick back with some hot chocolate, put on some slippers and enjoy the time of year with us.
Slice of Ice
Red Arrow Park
Beginning Dec. 1, weather permitting
414-257-6100
www.countyparks.com
Free skating, plus skate rentals and warm refreshments.
99.1 WMYX Santa’s Mailbox
Presented by East Town Association
Cathedral Square Park
Through Dec. 15
www.99wmyx.com
www.easttown.com
Drop off a letter to Santa and receive a personalized letter from the jolly old elf himself!
Basilica of St. Josaphat
Dec. 16, 8 pm
414-628-6018
www.concordorchestra.org
Te second installment of the Concord Chamber Orchestra’s concert series entitled “Les Beaux Arts,” a tribute to musical repertoire related to other art forms.
Dickens in America
Milwaukee Chamber Theatre
Through Dec. 17
414-291-7800
www.chamber-theatre.com
An evening with Charles Dickens in the Milwaukee premiere of this new play by Wisconsin playwright James DeVita.
Cedarburg Festive Friday Eves
Cedar Creek Settlement, Downtown
Cedarburg
Through Dec. 22, 5-9 pm
Live holiday music, luminarias, wine tasting, a winter cookout, and free cider & cookies. A different theme each Friday!
Breakfast with Santa
The Pfister Hotel
Saturdays through Dec. 23, 10 am
414-390-3804
www.thepfisterhotel.com
A holiday breakfast with jolly old St. Nick himself.
A Fireside Christmas
Fireside Dinner Theatre, Fort Atkinson
Through Dec. 23
1-800-477-9505
www.firesidetheatre.com
Fireside Theatre’s 14th annual Christmas spectacle promises to entertain with singing, dancing and holiday stories.
A Christmas Story
First Stage Children’s Theater
Through Dec. 24
414-273-7206
www.firststage.org
The classic holiday treat tells the story of the young Ralphie Parker, whose dreams of getting an air rifle for Christmas are repeatedly deferred.
Candy Cane Lane
West Allis
Through Dec. 28
www.maccfund.org
The West Allis neighborhood bounded by Oklahoma and Montana Avenues and 92nd to 96th Street is transformed into a winter wonderland with proceeds going to the MACC Fund.
Honky Tonk Holiday Revue
Apple Holler, Sturtevant
Through Dec. 30
1-800-238-3629
www.appleholler.com
Songs by country legends like Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, and Loretta Lynn in a holiday dinner theater musical revue.
A Cudahy Caroler Christmas
In Tandem Theatre
Through Dec. 31
414-273-7206
www.intandemtheatre.com
This wildly popular holiday show returns with a hilarious tale of beer, bowling, friendship and forgiveness and the quest to reunite the beloved Cudahy choir.
11th Annual Christmas in the Country
Grand Geneva Resort, Lake Geneva
Through Dec. 31
262-249-4741
www.grandgeneva.com
Musical theater, festive food and family fun amidst over half a million lights in dramatic displays across 1,300 acres.
M&I Bank Annual Holiday Display
M&I Bank Building
Through Jan. 2
414-765-7700
www.mibank.com
A holiday display featuring more than 50 life-size stuffed animals.
East Town’s Holiday Season
Through Jan. 6
414-271-1416
www.easttown.com
Over 30 decorated wooden trees are displayed in the shops, taverns and parks of East Town.
Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra
The Shops of Grand Avenue
Through Jan. 6
414-224-0655
www.grandavenueshops.com
This 18-piece bear orchestra delights the kids every hour on the hour.
Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival
Through Jan. 7
414-220-4700 ext. 30
www.milwaukeeholidaylights.com
Lights, displays and special events in the parks make for a festive downtown. Tours on the Jingle Bus through Dec. 30.
Community Spirit Park
Cathedral Square Park
Through Jan. 7
414-220-4700 ext. 30
www.milwaukeeholidaylights.com
Handmade ornaments by students adorn a forest of trees with themes of love, peace and joy.
Fairytale Dreams
Pere Marquette Park
Through Jan. 7
414-220-4700 ext. 30
www.milwaukeeholidaylights.com
Thousands of lights create a fairytale wonderland with special events throughout the season.
Holiday Circus Fun
Zeidler Union Square
Through Jan.7
414-220-4700 ext. 30
www.milwaukeeholidaylights.com
The circus come to “light” in Zeidler Union Square, with music and events all through the season.
Grand Avenue Christmas
Captain Frederick Pabst Mansion
Through Jan. 14
414-931-0808
www.pabstmansion.com
Celebrate the season at Milwaukee’s most historic house, decorated for the holidays.
Milwaukee Coach and Carriage Holiday Rides
414-272-6873
www.milwaukeecarriage.com
The sights of downtown Milwaukee seen from a horse-drawn carriage. Pickups at the Pfister, Wyndham or Hyatt hotels.
Festive Westown Decorating Contest
414-276-6696
www.westown.org
Westown Association businesses will be decked in holiday splendor.
Celebrating 75 Years of “Billie the Brownie”
Milwaukee County Historical Society
Through Jan. 2007
414-273-8288
www.milwaukeecountyhistsoc.org
Milwaukee Christmases past come to life with walls decked in Billie memorabilia and the sounds of early “Billie the Brownie” radio shows.
Holiday Night Lights
Milwaukee County Zoo
Dec. 1–Dec. 16, 6–8 pm
414-256-5411
www.milwaukeezoo.org
The Zoo shines with more than 20 animal light displays and the Zoological Society’s “Winter Wonderland,” complete with Santa and Mrs. Claus and a fantastic forest of trees.
Old World Wisconsin Winter Lamplight Tours
Old World Wisconsin
Dec. 1–2 & Dec. 8–9, 6–8 pm
262-594-2798
Peer into the cozy houses of the Finnish by the warm glow of lamplight, and listen to stories of Christmas the way it used to be. Enjoy hot cider, a Christmas cookie and a visit from St. Nicholas.
Season’s Greetings
Sunset Playhouse, Elm Grove
Dec.1 – Dec.17
262-782-4430
www.sunsetplayhouse.org
A family Christmas celebration is interrupted by petty squabbles and a case of mistaken identity in this holiday comedy.
Christmas in the Ward
Historic Third Ward, 100 – 200 Blocks of North Broadway
Dec. 1, 5 pm – 8:30 pm
Dec. 2, 11 am – 4 pm
414-273-1173
www.historicthirdward.org
Fireworks, a tree lighting ceremony and Santa kick off a festive weekend of holiday shopping.
Jolly’s Outdoor Gingerbread House
Historic Third Ward, Catalano Square
Dec. 1, 5:45 pm – 8:30 pm
Dec. 2, Noon – 3 pm & 6 pm – 8 pm
Dec. 8 & 9, 5 pm – 8 pm
414-273-1173
www.historicthirdward.org
Visit with Santa in Jolly’s Gingerbread House and get a seasonal photo.
Jolly’s Secret Gift Shop
Historic Third Ward, Catalano Square – Strange Brew Café
Dec. 1, 5 pm – 8:30 pm; Dec. 2, 11 am – 4 pm & 6 pm – 8 pm
Dec. 8 & 9, 5 pm – 8 pm
414-273-1173
www.historicthirdward.org
Kids can shop secretly for family presents.
Winter in the Garden Holiday Show
Cedarburg Cultural Center
Dec. 1, 10 am – 9 pm; Dec. 2, 9 am – 3 pm
262-375-3676
Shop for holiday plants, garden art, wreaths, herbs, antiques and collectibles, and enjoy orchid teas, wine tasting & treats.
Handel’s Messiah
Uhlein Hall, Marcus Center for Performing Arts
Dec.1 & Dec. 2, 8 pm
414-291-7605
www.mso.org
The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra performs the legendary masterpiece.
Toys for Tots Breakfast with Santa
Hilton Milwaukee City Center
Dec. 2, 9 am –11:30 am
414-271-7250
www.hiltonmilwaukee.com
Bring a new, unwrapped toy or a $5 donation to eat breakfast with Santa. Every kid receives a photo with Santa and a special gift.
Saturdays with Santa
The Shops of Grand Avenue
Dec. 2 – 23, 12 pm – 2 pm
414-224-0655
www.grandavenueshops.com
Craft a holiday keepsake and spend time with Santa, his helpers, and Radio Disney entertainers.
We Energies Weekend
Zeidler Union Square
Dec. 2 & 3, 10 am – 3 pm
www.we-energies.com/recipes
Free copies of the We Energies Cookie Book, plus hot cocoa, cookies and prizes.
Martina McBride: Joy of Christmas
Bradley Center
Dec. 3, 7:30 pm
414-276-4545
www.ticketmaster.com
The much-loved singer performs classics from her White Christmas album.
Boston Pops
Milwaukee Theatre
Dec. 6, 7:30 pm
414-908-6001
www.milwaukeetheatre.com
An all-new holiday show with Conductor Keith Lockhart and the world-famous Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra.
Festival of Trees Gala
Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
Dec. 7, 5:30 pm
414-610-3021
www.festivaloftreesmilwaukee.org
A black tie evening with dozens of gorgeous trees up for auction. Proceeds benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
European Holiday Celebrations
Milwaukee Public Museum
Dec. 8 & 9, 10 am – 2 pm
414-278-2702
www.mpm.edu
Festive music in the Public Museum’s own European Village.
Doc’s Holiday Pops
Uhlein Hall, Marcus Center
Dec. 8 – 10
414-291-7605
www.mso.org
Celebrate Doc’s last holiday season as Principal Pops Conductor with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Chorus.
Milwaukee Youth Theatre’s Holiday Jamboree
Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
Dec. 9, 3 pm
414-390-KIDS (5437)
www.bbcmkids.org
Holiday songs and skits from around the world show how different cultures celebrate the season.
An Ellington Holiday
Pitman Theatre, Alverno College
Dec. 9, 7 pm
414-933-9746
www.cityballettheatre.com
Duke Ellington’s re-orchestration of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker presented in a beautifully choreographed story ballet.
Bel Canto Chorus: “Sing We Now of Christmas”
Sharon Lynne Wilson Center, Brookfield
Dec. 9, 7:30 pm
414-481-8801
www.belcanto.org
Bel Canto Chorus annual holiday concert.
The Christmas Story
Basilica of St. Josaphat
Dec. 9, 7:30 pm
414-225-3113
www.earlymusicnow.org
www.waverlyconsort.org
Early Music Now hosts the Waverly Consort in a celebration of the spirit and pageantry of medieval church dramas with the story of the biblical Christmas eve.
Christmas Choirs
The Pfister Hotel
Dec.11 – 15 & 18 – 21, Noon – 1 pm
414-273-8222
www.thepfisterhotel.com
Local children’s choirs sing in the beautiful hotel lobby.
The Christmas Toyshop
Cooley Auditorium, MATC
Dec.13 – Dec.19 (except Dec.17)
414-272-7701
www.mandwproductions.com
A familiar holiday story with unexpected – and funny – twists.
The Nutcracker
Uhlein Hall, Marcus Center for the Performing Arts
Dec.15 – Dec. 29
414-273-7206
www.milwaukeeballet.org
Michael Pink brings toys to life onstage with incredible sets, lavish costumes and Tchaikovsky’s rich score in this holiday classic.
It’s a Wrap! Stationery Workshop
Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
Dec. 15, 2 pm
414-390-KIDS (5437)
www.bbcmkids.org
Create your own gift wrap, personalized cards and colored containers.
Riverside Theater
Dec.17
414-286-3663
www.riversidetheater.org
The legendary singer performs an enchanting concert of holiday standards.
A Very Merry McGivern!
with David Sedaris’s Santaland Diaries
Off-Broadway Theatre
Dec.19 – Dec. 31
414-278-0765
www.nextact.org
John McGivern brings his hilarious Christmas family memories to the Off-Broadway stage.
Lorie Line: For Unto Us a Child is Born
The Traditions of Christmas
Milwaukee Theatre
Dec. 20, 7:30 pm
414-908-6001
www.milwaukeetheatre.com
Lorie Line is back to share “The Traditions of Christmas” through classic traditions and favorite carols.
Holiday Classics
Basilica of St. Josaphat
Dec. 20, 7:30 pm
Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist
Dec. 21 & 22, 7:30 pm
414-291-7605
www.mso.org
The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra plays beautiful sacred and secular music in two of Milwaukee’s most beautiful churches.
Luncheon Lecture
“The Christmas Tree Ship”
Milwaukee County Historical Society
Dec. 21, Noon – 1 PM
414-273-8288
www.milwaukeecountyhistsoc.org
Meet Rochelle Pennington, author The Historic Tree Ship: The Story of Captain Santa.
Christmas Champagne Brunch
The Pfister Hotel
Dec. 25, 11 am – 3 pm
414-390-3804
www.thepfisterhotel.com
Bring the whole family to the Pfister to celebrate Christmas morning in style.
Winter Wonder Workshops
Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
Dec. 26 – Dec. 29, 1 pm
414-390-KIDS (5437)
www.bbcmkids.org
Winter-themed workshops featuring a penguin walk & talk, the science and art of snowflakes, stories and a winter carnival.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Bradley Center
Dec. 28, 8 pm
414-276-4545
www.ticketmaster.com
One of rock music’s most exhilarating live bands, TSO is a holiday essential among music lovers.
Holiday Choral Performance
Milwaukee Art Museum – Quadracci Pavilion
Dec. 30, 2 pm
414-224-3220
www.mam.org
The Milwaukee DANK Choir performs for free.
NEW YEAR’S EVE
Downtown New Year’s Eve Party
414-257-6100
www.milwaukeeholidaylights.com
Milwaukee County Parks and the City of Milwaukee ring in the New Year with ice-skating at Red Arrow Park and fireworks at midnight.
Harlem Globetrotters
Bradley Center
2 pm & 7:30 pm
414-276-4545
www.ticketmaster.com
See the Globetrotters’ annual performance in one of Milwaukee’s favorite New Year’s traditions.
New Year’s Eve at Noon
Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
10 am – 1 pm
414-390-KIDS (5437)
www.bbcmkids.org
Let the kids be part of the New Year festivities with crafts, dancing, a ball drop and a “sham”pagne toast at noon.
Ultimate New Year’s Eve at the Pfister
The Pfister Hotel
414-390-3804
www.thepfisterhotel.com
Package includes a four-course dinner, tickets to the Milwaukee Rep’s production of Born Yesterday, then dancing, the countdown and overnight accommodations.
Holy Mary Motor Club + The Trusty Knife
Hosted by VITAL Source
Bremen Cafe
www.bremencafe.com
Settle in to the cozy Bremen Café for one of the city’s most intimate parties. Great rock music and a champagne toast.
Miller Time Pub Crawl
Hilton Milwaukee City Center
414-271-7250
Live music, drink and sandwich specials, party favors and a champagne toast, plus double occupancy guestroom and bus transportation to Milwaukee’s hottest spots.
Cake with Maritime, The Scarring Party and Xtreme Juggler Marcus Monroe
Riverside Theater
414-286-3663
www.riversidetheater.org
CAKE rocks the riverside with Milwaukee bands Maritime and The Scarring Party and Xtreme Juggler Marcus Monroe, hosted by FM 102.1’s Kramp & Adler. Hors d’ouevres, desserts, a midnight countdown and balloon drop.
A Blu New Year’s Eve
The Pfister Hotel
414-390-3804
www.thepfisterhotel.org
A stylish place to meet this New Year’s Eve for cool jazz, party favors, and a midnight champagne toast.
Miller Free Rides
1-800-FREE RIDES
www.millerfreerides.com
Stay safe on New Year’s Eve with Miller Free Rides starting at 8 PM. Call for route and schedule information.
