Christmas in the Ward returns to the heart of Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward Friday, December 3, 2021

(Milwaukee, WI – November 16, 2021) The Historic Third Ward welcomes the holiday season with an old-fashioned tree lighting ceremony and winter fireworks over the river during the 32nd Annual Christmas in the Ward which will be held Friday, December 3 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm in Catalano Square (138 N. Broadway). Admission to this family friendly event is free.

Catalano Square is the place to be when the event kicks off on Friday, December 3. The Tree Lighting Ceremony begins at 5:30pm with the Milwaukee Police Band performing a holiday concert. Milwaukee dignitaries will attend the ceremony along with Santa Claus, Jolly and Ginger Gingerbread, and Frosty the Snowman.

“We are excited to return to our annual tradition of Christmas in the Ward,” said Historic Third Ward Association Executive Director Jim Plaisted. “We missed gathering the community together last year. We’re looking forward to welcoming guests to once again visit and enjoy our beautiful tree, fireworks over the river, and special musical performances.”

95.7 BIG FM’s afternoon drive host Hannah will emcee the night’s activities. Santa Claus himself will lead the countdown to light the 40-foot Christmas tree which is decorated with over 3,000 colored lights. Then, just after 7pm, the Physicians Realty Trust Fireworks display over the river will dazzle festival goers. Rounding out the evening, The Don Linke Trio will entertain with selections from Vince Guaraldi’s classic album, A Charlie Brown Christmas.

In Jolly’s Gingerbread House, kids of all ages can visit with Santa and have their picture taken for a $5 donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

Discounted parking will be available in the Third Ward Parking Structures located at 212 N. Milwaukee St. and 225 E. Chicago St.

This event is presented by the Historic Third Ward Association and made possible by the generosity of our neighbors and sponsors. Thank you to all our sponsors, and especially Gold Level fireworks sponsor Physicians Realty Trust and tree and holiday lights sponsor Town Bank N.A, Additional thanks to Silver Level sponsors Hines, Joseph Property Development, La Macchia Group, Mandel Group, and We Energies Foundation. Grateful to Bronze Level sponsors HGA, Milwaukee Public Market, Milwaukee World Festival, MKE Benefits and Andrew Wadsworth, Russ Darrow Group, and Urban Law.

For more information about Christmas in the Ward, call 414.273.1173 or visit historicthirdward.org/experience/events/christmas-in-the-ward/

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.