Free holiday fun abounds downtown with Cocoa with the Clauses and Holly Trolley rides on Dec. 8
The Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival is giving area residents more free things to do this season.
The Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival is giving area residents more free things to do this season. On Saturday, Dec. 8, the Festival’s organizer, Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21, will roll out a free, one-day Holly Trolley service as part of Shop 2nd Saturdays. The five-stop route will link shoppers to stores in downtown’s East Town and Westown neighborhoods, offering exclusive deals for downtown’s retail series – Shop 2nd Saturdays. Holly Trolleys will operate from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In addition to free trolley rides, free cocoa and cookies will await the young at heart at Cocoa with the Clauses presented by Madison Medical Affiliates and Columbia St. Mary’s. The annual cocoa klatch will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Cathedral Square Park. The outdoor event is a chance for kids to share their wish lists with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and for moms and dads to snap a keepsake photo. Elves and other holiday characters will be on site for pictures, plus the Salvation Army Brass Ensemble and DJ Shawna will perform. Other free treats include games and face painting.
After visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Cocoa with the Clauses, families are invited to enjoy lunch downtown. Several restaurants on Cathedral Square will offer meal deals for kids from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information on the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival and activities taking place on Saturday, Dec. 8, call 414.220.4700 or visit www.milwaukeeholidaylights.com.
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.
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