December 2022 activities in Milwaukee
The winter months are referred to as the most magical time of the year for good reason—community celebrations, art, music and performing arts productions.
Christmas in the Ward
Catalano Square, Dec. 2
Enjoy live music, a tree lighting, Santa, his reindeer and dazzling winter fireworks. Don’t miss the cocoa cocktails, mulled wine, tasty s’mores and food trucks. Hannah, 95.7 BIG FM’s afternoon drive host, kicks off the evening just after 5pm. See more at historicthirdward.org
Cedarburg Artists Guild Holiday Art Fair
Cedarburg Community Center, Dec. 2-4
More than 40 artists from the Cedarburg Artist Guild bring their shoppable creations to this highly anticipated show at the Cedarburg Community Center. Look for jewelry, fiber and wearable art, felted wool, fabric sculptures, handcrafted furniture, paintings, ceramics, and more. Admission is free. See details at: cedarburgartistsguild.com
Cocoa with the Clauses
Cathedral Square Park, Dec. 10, 11am to 2pm
Straight from the North Pole, Santa and Mrs. Claus return for this annual cocoa klatch. The free outdoor event is a chance for kids to share their wish lists, and for moms and dads to snap a keepsake photo. Just remember to bring your camera! Elves and other holiday characters will also be there, plus complimentary cookies and hot cocoa sponsored by Taste of Home will be provided.
Streets of Old Milwaukee
Milwaukee Public Museum, Through Jan. 2023
The Streets’ homes and shops, including a replica of the Pfister Hotel, are adorned with Victorian-era garlands, lights and traditional European decorations, and hear classic yuletide carols as they stroll through the exhibits. Purchase a sweet treat or nostalgic gift from the Haymarket Square candy store. mpm.edu
Waukesha Silver Bells
Downtown Waukesha, Through Dec. 23
Weekend festivities include horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa Run/Walk, art crawl, caroling and more. waukeshasilverbells.com
Festive Friday Eves
Cedar Creek Settlement Shops, Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 5-8pm
Experience holiday magic at Cedarburg’s historic Cedar Creek Settlement. Sip wine and cider, snack on cookies, enjoy live music, make crafts, and purchase holiday gifts at 18 settlement shops. cedarburgchristmas.com
Calm & Bright Floral Show
Mitchell Park Domes, Through Jan. 1
The Show Dome is be decked out in festive, twinkling lights as it showcases nearly 1,000 poinsettias in several colors, including pinks, reds and greens. mitchellparkdomes.com
Milwaukee Repertory Theater: A Christmas Carol
Pabst Theater, Through Dec. 24
Make up for lost time with family and friends this holiday season as a full ensemble production joyfully returns to the historic Pabst Theater. During the course of one memorable Christmas Eve the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future help Scrooge discover it is never too late to change his miserly ways.