Vital Source’s 2004 Holiday Events Guide
The holiday season is upon us and the city is bright with twinkling lights and holiday spirit. Why not take a little time out of your holiday rush to enjoy the city’s many seasonal offerings? Vital Source has gathered together our second annual Holiday Events Guide. From shows to shopping, skating to sightseeing, there really is something for everyone. So take some time to enjoy some seasonal cheer with friends and family during this most wonderful time of the year.
For Everyone
A Grand Avenue ChristmasCaptain Frederick Pabst MansionThrough Jan. 9www.pabstmansion.com414-931-0808A Victorian Christmas with live music on the weekends.
Happy “Hollerdays” 2004Apple Holler – SturtevantThrough Dec. 30www.appleholler.com 800-238-3629
Saturdays with SantaShops of Grand AvenueSaturdays through Dec. 1812 p.m. – 2 p.m.www.grandavenueshops.com 414-224-0655
Visits With SantaSouthridge Mall Through Dec. 24, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.www.shopsouthridge.com414-421-1108
A Season of WonderMilwaukee Public Museum Through Dec. 24, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.www.mpm.edu 414-278-2728See the “European Village” and turn-of-the-century “Streets of Old Milwaukee” decorated for the holidays. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., enjoy live hands and craft activities.
Milwaukee Holiday Lights Downtown Parks and StreetsThrough Jan. 2 www.milwaukeeholidaylights.com 414-220-4700 Come see downtown dressed up for the holidays.
A Schooner ChristmasPier Wisconsin Through Dec. 31www.pierwisconsin.org 414-276-7700Free. Enjoy stories about the Schooner Christmas Trees, arts, crafts and refreshments.
Candy Cane Lane92nd – 96th Streets from Oklahoma to MontanaDec. 1 – 30 414-456-5830Holiday lights display for MACC Fund and children with cancer.
Christmas In The Ward Historic Third WardDec. 3 and 4www.historicthirdward.org 414-273-1173Experience the Trinity Irish Dancers, fireworks, carriage rides, musical performances and the Saturday shopping extravaganza.
Cedarburg Christmas in the CountryCedar Creek SettlementDec. 2 – 3, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.Dec. 4, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.www.christmasinthecountry.org 800-237-2874 Christmas arts & crafts show featuring 75 artists.
Holiday Night Lights Milwaukee County ZooFridays and SaturdaysDec. 3 – 18, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.www.milwaukeezoo.org 414-256-5412See the Zoo lit up with thousands of twinkling lights courtesy of WE Energies, along with holiday activities and musical performances.
Christmas by LamplightOld World WisconsinDec. 3 – 4 and 10 – 11 www.wisconsinhistory.org262-594-6305Celebrate traditions of our immigrant ancestors in this after-hours lamplight tour.
Children’s Holiday FestivalUWM Union BallroomDec. 4, 10 a.m. to noonwww.uwm.edu/events414-229-5538Stories, songs and traditions from around the world.
Cedarburg Festive Friday Eves: “Santa’s Workshop”Dec. 10, 5 p.m – 9 p.m.www.cedarcreeksettlement.com 866-626-7005Santa Claus, magic, balloon sculpture and live music. Children’s projects and cookie decorating, wine tasting, complimentary cider and cookies, plus a winter cookout.
Breakfast with Father ChristmasOld World WisconsinDec. 12, 9 a.m. – noon www.wisconsinhistory.org262-594-6305Visit with the 19th century version of Father Christmas for breakfast. Face painting, balloons and old-fashioned goodies for the kids. Reservations required.
Toys for Tots Breakfast with SantaHilton Milwaukee City CenterDec. 4 and 9, 11:30 a.m.414-271-7250Bring a new unwrapped toy or $5 to enjoy breakfast with Santa. Every child receives a complimentary photo with Santa and a special gift.
Brunch with St. NickMilwaukee Public MuseumDec. 4, 11 and 18, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.www.mpm.edu414-278-2728Reservations required.
Breakfast and Lunch with SantaMilwaukee County ZooDec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19www.milwaukeezoo.org414-256-5412Enjoy breakfast or lunch with Santa. Breakfast only served on Saturdays. Reservations required.
Skating in Red Arrow ParkDowntown MilwaukeeBeginning Dec. 5 www.countyparks.com414-257-6100Skate rentals and refreshments.
6th Annual Community Wide Hanukkah CelebrationJewish Community CenterDec. 6, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.www.jccmilwaukee.orgA singing, swinging Hanukkah. Food, music, activities and music.
Radio Disney Family NightDowntown ParksDec. 17, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.www.milwaukeeholidaylights.com 414-220-4700
Twelve Days of ChristmasThe Pfister HotelDec. 6 – 10; Dec. 13 – 17; Dec. 20 – 21, noon – 1 p.m.www.thepfisterhotel.com 414-273-8222Holiday music from local children’s choirs in the lobby each day.
Festival of Trees Auction GalaWyndham Milwaukee Center Dec. 7, 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.www.festivaloftreesmilwaukee.org 414-291-4765Cocktails, appetizers and auction of 40 beautiful trees. Proceeds to the Boys and Girls Clubs.
Kwanzaa CelebrationsMilwaukee Public MuseumDec. 27, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.www.mpm..edu 414-278-2728Drumming by the Ajula African Dance Group, storytelling, plus make your own Kwanzaa gift.
Theater
A Christmas CarolHistoric Pabst TheaterThrough Dec. 26www.milwaukeerep.com 414-224-9490The popular holiday show returns for its 29th year.
A Christmas StoryMarcus Center for the Performing ArtsThrough Dec. 26www.firststage.org 414-273-7206He wants a BB gun, mom doesn’t approve. The new holiday classic.
A Fireside ChristmasFireside DinnerTheatreThrough Dec. 21www.firesidetheatre.com 800-477-9505 Come see the 12th year of this famous holiday attraction.
The Santaland DiariesMarcus Center for the Performing ArtsThrough Jan. 2www.marcuscenter.org 414-273-7206John McGivern is hilarious as an unemployed actor working as an elf.
Dysfunctional Dixie ChristmasMiramar TheatreThrough Jan. 8www.themiramartheatre.com414-967-0302The play “Tennessee Williams forgot to write,” lets the audience choose situations for their favorite Southern-fried characters.
Nutcrackers – The Nunsense Christmas MusicalBreak-A-Leg Productions Marian Center for Non-ProfitsDec. 3 –12 414-486-1020The Little Sisters of Mount St. Helen’s do their Christmas special in a Cable Access Studio.
Miracle on 34th St.Waukesha Civic Theatrewww.waukeshacivictheatre.comDec. 1 – 19 262-547-0708A classic play from the classic movie.
A Tuna ChristmasSunset Playhouse in Elm GroveDec. 3 – 31 www.sunsetplayhouse.com 262-782-4430In the third smallest town in Texas, radio jocks play 22 personalities reporting holiday events in their bustling mini-burg.
Mama, I Want To SingAfrican American Children’s TheatreCalvary Presbyterian ChurchDec. 4 and 11www.aact.us414-283-9588Doris wants to share her gift for gospel music with the world.
A Laura Ingalls Wilder ChristmasAcacia TheatreTodd Wehr AuditoriumConcordia UniversityDec. 4 –12 www.acaciatheatre.com414-562-5995Wilder’s family’s tribulations of the cold winter of 1876.
A Fifth of Holiday CheerMcMann and Tate ProductionsCedarburg Cultural CenterDec 11, 17 and 18www.cedarburgculturalcenter.org262-375-3676A lighter side of the holidays musical review.
A Cudahy Caroler ChristmasIn Tandem TheatreWalker’s Point Center for the ArtsThrough Dec. 31www.intandemtheatre.com 414-444-2316Nothing says Christmas like bowling, beer, friendship and forgiveness.
Inspecting CarolUWM Mainstage TheatreDec. 9 – 11, 7:30 p.m.Dec. 12, 2 p.m.www.arts.uwm.edu414-229-4308Madcap comedy of errors as a theatre company tries to stage A Christmas Carol.
The Story of the NutcrackerMATC, Cooley AuditoriumDec. 9 – 18 www.mandwproductions.com 414-272-7701The traditional score spiced up with dialogue, music and comedy.
An Ellington HolidayCity Ballet TheatrePitman Theatre, Alverno CollegeDec. 10414-933-9746Duke Ellington’s “reorchestration” of Tchiakovsky’s The Nutcracker.
The NutcrackerMilwaukee Ballet Marcus Center for the Performing ArtsDec. 10 – 26 www.milwaukeeballet.org 414-643-7677Michael Pink’s clever choreography, all new costumes and Tchiakovsky’s immortal music.
Holiday Punch 2004Off the Wall TheatreDec. 16 – 31 414-327-3552This musical review is OTWT’s 26th annual holiday show.
Music
Holiday Pajama JamboreeFestival City SymphonyMarcus Center for the Performing ArtsDec. 1www.marcuscenter.org 414-963-9067Free concert full of holiday songs.
Comfort and JoyRockapella! Miramar Theatrewww.themiramartheatre.comDec. 2A cappella troupe acclaimed for their rock-influenced soul gives a benefit concert for the Child Abuse Prevention Fund.
Doc Severinsen Holiday ConcertMarcus Center for the Performing ArtsDec. 3 – 5 www.milwaukeesymphony.org 414-291-7605
Christmas in Eastern Europe Choirs of Wauwatosa East High School with the Concord Chamber OrchestraThe Basilica of St. JosaphatDec. 4414-281-6095Traditional Polish Christmas carols.
Christmas ConcertShattuck Music Center Auditorium, Carroll College Dec. 4, 8:15 p.m.262-524-7633
A Boy was BornBel Canto ChorusDec. 5: Cedarburg Cultural CenterDec. 11: St. Robert ParishDec. 12: Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Artswww.belcanto.org 414-418-8801The 140 voices of the Bel Canto Chorus perform holiday favorites.
Holiday ClassicsThe Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra & ChorusDec. 9: Cathedral of St. John the EvangelistDec. 10 and 12: Basilica of St. Josaphatwww.milwaukeesymphony.org 414-291-7605The MSO makes a joyful noise.
University Lake School Choir Milwaukee Art MuseumDec. 10, 10:30 a.m.www.mam.org 414-224-3243The University Lake School Choir performs holiday tunes under the Burke Brise Soleil.
Before the First Nowell:An English ChristmasLiber unUsualisEarly Music NowSt. Joseph Center ChapelDec. 11, 5 p.m.414-225-3113
UWM Choirs Holiday ConcertHelen Bader Concert HallDec. 11, 7:30 p.m.www.arts.uwm.edu414-229-4308UWM’s Women Sections Chorus, University Choir & Men of Song perform selections ranging from 6th-century sacred music to the Beach Boys.
A Peter White Christmas w/Rick Braun & Mindi AbairNorthern Lights TheaterPotawatomi Bingo CasinoDec. 13, 8 p.m.www.paysbig.com 800-PAYSBIG
Brenda LeeNorthern Lights Theater Potawatomi Bingo CasinoDec. 17, 8 p.m.www.paysbig.com 800-PAYSBIG ext. 7922
LeAnn Rimes with theMilwaukee Symphony OrchestraThe Milwaukee TheatreDec. 19, 7:30 p.m.www.milwaukeetheatre.com 414-276-4545
Margaret CarlsonSharon Lynn Wilson Center for the ArtsDec. 22www.wilson-center.com 262-781-9520
Workshops
Winter DiscoverylandDiscovery WorldThrough Jan. 2www.discoveryworld.org 414-765-9966Special holiday activities in the Digital Video and Television Studio.
Gift Wrap, Stampers and More! Betty Brinn Children’s MuseumDec. 2, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.www.bbcmkids.org 414-390-5437Create personalized cards, gift-wrap and more. Call to register.
Winter Day CampsDiscovery WorldDec. 28 – 30www.discoveryworld.org 414-765-9966Fun hands-on workshops for children ages 6 and up.
Winter CampsMilwaukee Public MuseumDec. 28 – Dec. 31 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.www.mpm..edu 414-278-2728Discover traditions and cultures from around the world through holiday treats and crafts. Reservations required.
Exhibits
5th Annual Not Another �@* X-mas SaleLuckystar Gallery, Third WardThrough Jan. 2www.luckystarstudio.com 414-223-4502Original art, clothing, accessories and gifts. Reception Dec. 3 with music from Bobby Rivera and the Rivieras.
First Fridays Holiday PartyMilwaukee Art MuseumDec. 3www.mam.org 414-224-3200Free appetizers, music from the Orphans and “Masterpieces of American Art, 1770-1920”
A Heavy Metal X-mas Gallery 218Dec. 3 – 23 www.gallery218.com 414-643-1732Exhibits in reflective materials, metal and metallic colors. Wear your shiniest outfits to the “The Metallic Party” on Dec. 4. $1 or free w/non-perishable item for the Hunger Task Force.
Holiday Studio Art CrawlThe Arts BuildingWalker’s PointDec. 10 – 12 414-962-0808Over forty artists display work in painting, photography, textile, glass and more.
Artists’ WreathsGallery 218Dec. 11 – 13 Fri. 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.Sun. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. www.gallery218.com414-643-1732Creative wreaths made of unusual materials by area artists.
New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve ActivitiesBetty Brinn Children’s Museum9 a.m. – 5 p.m.www.bbcmkids.org 414-390-5437Craft the day away with an afternoon apple juice toast for those who might not make it ‘til midnight.
Harlem GlobetrottersBradley Center1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.www.bradleycenter.com 414-276-4545Come see the Globetrotter’s annual performance in one of Milwaukee’s biggest New Year’s events.
Downtown New Year’s EveCity Hall, Red Arrow Park and the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts414-273-7121A free family event including ice skating, swing dancing with Swing Nouveau and an exciting countdown from City Hall’s bell tower with spectacular fireworks at midnight.
MSO New Year’s w/Big Bad Voodoo DaddyMarcus Center for the Performing Artswww.milwaukeesymphony.org 414-291-7605Big Bad Voodoo Daddy pairs up with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra to ring in 2005 with plenty of cross-generational hits.
New Year’s Eve at the PabstPabst Theaterwww.pabsttheater.org 414-286-3663The BoDeans and host John McGivern return again for a New Year’s celebration like no other.
