December Holiday Events - Milwaukee is always a busy city, but things really get crazy during the holiday season. From skating at Red Arrow Park to catching one of the great holiday shows, there a tons of events to keep everyone busy straight through until 2009.
When: November 20 - January 4
What: festive light displays downtown
Where: various downtown parks
Cost: free
When: November 21 - January 11
What: renaissance mansion fully decked out for Christmas
Where: Pabst Mansion, 2000 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Cost: $9, $8 students and seniors, $5 children, free for children 6 and under
Contact: (414) 931-0808
When: November 26 - ? (weather dependent)
What: a Milwaukee winter tradition
Where: Red Arrow Park, 920 N. Water St.
Cost: $6 for skate rental, free with your own skates
Contact: (414) 289-8791
When: Friday, November 28
What: the biggest shopping day of the year
Where: everywhere
When: Friday, November 28
What: an unusual holiday kick-off
Where: Milwaukee Public Museum, 800 W. Wells St.
Cost: Free with admission
Contact: (414) 278-2728
When: November 28 - December 24
What: a special First Stage Children's Theater performance
Where: Marcus Center, 929 N. Water St.
Cost: $15.50 - $36.50
Contact: (414) 273-7206
When: November 28 - December 28
What: a beloved holiday classic
Where: Milwaukee Repertory Theater, 108 E. Wells St.
Cost: $10 - $45
Contact: (414) 224-9490
When: Friday and Saturday, December 5 and 6
What: a neighborhood shopping and holiday celebration
Where: throughout the Third Ward
Cost: free
When: Saturday, December 6
What: shopping fair featuring local artisans
Where: Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin, 500 N. Harbor Dr.
Cost: free
Contact: (414) 765-9966
When: Saturdays and Sundays, December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21
What: a chance to dine with the jolly red elf
Where: Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W. Blue Mound Rd.
Cost: $13, $5 children 2 and under
Contact: (414) 256-5466
When: 3 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, December 14
What: holiday musical favorite
Where: Bradley Center, 1001 N. 4th St.
Cost: $38 - $48
Contact: (414) 276-4545
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday, December 16
What: an Irish musical extravaganza
Where: Milwaukee Theater, 500 W. Kilbourn Ave.
Cost: $37.50 - $57.50
Contact: (414) 908-6001
