TCD’s 2012 Holiday Fun Guide
Make the most of your holiday season with TCD's vast guide to your favorite winter activities from ice skating to singing bears and more!
While taking care of all your to-dos this holiday season, don’t forget to pencil in time to enjoy the company of family and friends. Or better yet, save yourself the trouble and let TCD’s 2012 Holiday Guide keep you busy. From tree lighting ceremonies to breakfast with Santa, our guide includes holiday fun for the whole family.
Holiday Lights and Decor
Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival
This magical night is not one to miss. The Holiday Lights Festival is the unofficial start to the holiday season in downtown Milwaukee. Cathedral Square, Zeidler Union Square and Pere Marquette Park are each decorated with a specific theme in mind. See them all in one night, or make an evening out of each park.
- Thursday, Nov. 15- Dec. 31
- Pere Marquette Park, 900 N Plankinton Ave, 53202
- Cathedral Square, Kilbourn Ave & N Jefferson St
Milwaukee, WI 53202 - Zeidler Union Square, 301 W Michigan St
Milwaukee, WI 53244
Holiday Tree Lighting at Bayshore
The tree lighting at Bayshore is always an extravagant event. While you’re getting a head-start on your holiday shopping, why not take a much needed break and walk on by Bayshore’s beautifully decorated Christmas tree.
- Now through Christmas
- Bayshore Town Center, 5800 N Bayshore Dr, Glendale,53217
There is nothing more indicative of the holiday season than Christmas lights, and there’s no better place to see them than Candy Cane Lane. Drive or walk around the neighborhood to witness some of the most unique holiday light displays in the city! Check the MACC Fund website for special entertainment including performances by Comedy Sportz and the Diamond Dancers.
- Friday, Nov. 23 – Dec. 26
- Monday-Friday, 6-9 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday, 5-10 p.m.
- West Allis, WI
- Neighborhood bounded by Oklahoma and Montana Avenues and 92nd to 96th Streets
With more than 300,000 LED lights, the “Holiday Lites” show at the Milwaukee Brewery is the largest in the Midwest! And only in Wisconsin does your visit also include a free mini brewery tour with samplings for those 21 and older.
- Every Friday and Saturday, Nov. 30- Dec. 22
- 4:40- 9 p.m.
- 4251 West State Street,53208
The Wisconsin Christmas Carnival of Lights
Join us for Wisconsin’s largest holiday lights display at Jellystone in Campground. The event features 1.3 million lights and dozens of one-of-a-kind displays in an experience that goes on for more than a mile. Be blown away by the the main building adorned with 31,000 lights synchronized to music and and be wowed as you drive through a 250-ft tunnel of lights. One dollar from every car this season will benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin.
- Every evening, Nov. 23- Jan. 1
- 5 p.m.
- 8425 Hwy 38 Caledonia, 53108
Family Fun 
Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra
Dressed in their holiday best, this “beary” unique ensemble of musicians is not only an amusing sight but an entertaining one as well. Every hour the group engages visitors with holiday classics that patrons of all ages will enjoy.
- Now through Jan. 6
- Bears perform every hour
- The Shops of Grand Avenue – Center Court, 275 W Wisconsin Ave, 53203
For just a dollar, the Jingle Bus takes you on a scenic tour throughout the city as a Milwaukee Public Service Ambassador talks you through the famous sights of our great downtown. Grab some complimentary cookies and cocoa before the trip, then sit back and enjoy the ride.
- Thursday-Sunday, Starting Nov. 16- Dec. 30
- 6-9 p.m., last departure at 8:20 p.m.
- The Shops of Grand Avenue – Center Court, 275 W Wisconsin Ave, 53203
Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves invite guests to have lunch with them at the zoo! Come for the lunch, stay to see the animals, including the reindeer!
- Saturday, Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16
- Begins at noon
- Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W Blue Mound Rd, 53226
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Hometown Holiday Tour
Milwaukee is fortunate to be home to a nationally acclaimed symphony orchestra and even more fortunate to experience their engrossing performances for free this holiday season! Our hometown orchestra scheduled several shows in various venues throughout the city to reach audiences who wouldn’t otherwise be able to see them.
- Tuesday, Dec. 11-15
- Time and location varies, check website (link above) for further information
Children are invited to show their artistic taste and customize their own gingerbread house plus have breakfast with Santa at Motor Bar & Restaurant. They will provide everything you need to create the perfect gingerbread house for the family to enjoy.
- Sunday Dec. 9 and Dec. 16
- 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Motor Bar & Restaurant, 401 W. Canal St., 53203
Winter Activities
Westown Indoor and In-Store Market
Enjoy live music performances while you shop the indoor market for home-grown produce and handcrafted art located on the second floor of the mall.
- Wednesdays, beginning Nov. 7- Dec. 19
- 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Shops of Grand Avenue Mall, 275 W Wisconsin Ave, 53203
The Historic Pabst Mansion has been a Milwaukee icon over the last hundred years. Treat yourself to their annual Christmas decoration display that has received national acclamation.
- Friday, Nov. 16- Jan. 13
- Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Sunday, noon-4 p.m.
- Pabst Mansion, 2000 W Wisconsin Ave, 53233
“Let it Snow” Show at the Domes
There are very few places where you can walk through the desert and then five minutes later roam through a snowy oasis (don’t worry, it’s not real snow). The floral interpretation of the phrase “Let it Snow” is this season’s special exhibit in the Show Dome. Visitors will stroll through a winter wonderland where they’ll see classic sights such as a sleigh and children sledding.
- Saturday, Nov. 17- Jan. 6
- 6-9 p.m.
- Mitchell Park Conservatory (The Domes), 524 S Layton Blvd, 53215
Whether or not you have the skills of Michelle Kwan or can barely walk in skates, the ice rink at Red Arrow Park accepts all ability levels. Ice skates are available to rent at the park and a Starbucks is conveniently located next to the rink to warm-up afterwards.
- Opens Thursday, Dec. 6, (weather permitting) -Jan. 4
- 11 a.m.-8 p.m., times change weekly
- Red Arrow Park, 920 N Water St, 53202
This holiday themed pub crawl has its roots in Washington D.C. and has since traveled to the Midwest. Participants will enjoy exclusive drink specials in their complimentary mug and, if you’re still standing, are invited to an after party hosted by Buckhead Saloon.
- Saturday, Dec. 15
- 1-8 p.m.
- Participating bars: Buckhead Saloon, Brother’s, Irish Rec Room, Milwaukee Brat House, Upper 90 Sports Pub
This indoor festival brings more than 50 rides and activities to the Delta (formerly Frontier Airlines) Center in the week leading up to the new year. Highlights include one of the largest indoor zip lines in the state, a roller rink, radar snowball pitch and a polar cafe for parents. Admission is $15 for children and $10 for adults at the door, or $12 and $8 in advance.
- Wednesday, Dec. 26 – Monday, Dec. 31
- 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Wed/Thurs/Sun, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Fri/Sat, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., 6:30-9:30 p.m. Monday
- Delta Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Holiday Performances
In its tenth year of production, Milwaukee Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker is updated every year to keep the show fresh. Check out our own Tom Strini’s review of last year’s show.
- Saturday, Dec. 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26
- Monday and Wednesday at 1:30p.m., Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 1:30
- Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, 929 N Water St, 53202
Was it Rudolph? Could it have been Frosty? Or perhaps The Little Drummer Boy? I wouldn’t write off “poor” Tiny Tim either. Like the game of Clue, audience members try and help the detectives figure out which of Santa’s guests turned the holiday party into a murder scene. Written by local playwright Neil Haven, this puppet show is back for its fourth year of production.
- Friday, Dec. 14 – 30
- Wed/Thurs at 7:30 p.m., Fri/Sat at 8 p.m., Sunday at 7 p.m.
- Carte Blanche Studios, 1024 S 5th St, 53204
Holiday Events
I would say that this run would be a good way to burn off all those hearty winter meals and cookies you’ve consumed throughout the season, but with snacks and treats available along the course route, I wouldn’t be fooling anyone. With candy posts throughout the course, this is a run even Santa would consider. By the way, did I mention that you get a Santa hat and beard, and a themed t-shirt with your registration?
- Saturday, Dec. 22
- 9 a.m.
- Veterans Park, 700 N Art Museum Dr, 53202
A Mason Street Grill Christmas
Your Christmas tradition starts at Mason Street Grill featuring classic American favorites and a specially prepared Christmas prix fixe dinner. Private dining rooms are also available for your family gathering whether it’s six or 60.
- Monday, Dec. 24 and Tuesday, Dec. 25
- Monday from 5 – 10 p.m. and Tuesday from 1 – 7 p.m.
- 425 E. Mason St, 53202
- Tuesday, Dec. 25
- 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Rouge Ballroom, 424 E. Wisconsin Ave, 53202
Begin your holiday festivities at Kil@wat on Christmas Eve and enjoy a scrumptious Christmas brunch or dinner. The menu features salads, appetizers, two different entrees and dessert.
- Monday, Dec. 24
- Brunch 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Dinner 5:30 – 10 p.m.
- Intercontinental, 139 E. Kilbourn Ave, 53202
The Hilton Milwaukee City Center Cafe is having a holiday breakfast a la carte and buffet. Select from your favorite morning dishes or indulge in the bountiful breakfast buffet. The brunch buffet is $16 per adult.
- Monday, Dec. 24 and Tuesday, Dec. 25
- Monday 6:30 – 11 a.m. Tuesday 6:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. & a la carte breakfast menu 6:30 – 11: 30 a.m.
- The Cafe, 509 W. Wisconsin Ave, 53203
- Monday, Dec. 24
- 4:30 – 9 p.m.
- 633 N. 5th St, 53203
Holiday Getaways
Each of these vacation destinations have special themed activities scheduled throughout the holiday season
- Grand Geneva Resort and Spa
- The Abbey Resort
- The Heidel House
- Lake Lawn Resort
- The Osthoff Resort
- The American Club Resort
Places to Grab a Christmas Meal
