Milwaukee is always a busy city, but things really get crazy during the holidays. From skating at Red Arrow Park to catching one of the great holiday shows, there are tons of events to keep everyone busy until 2013.
Looking for Santa? Read my Santa Sighting Guide for details on where to find him.
- Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival
When: November 15 - December 31
What: festive light displays downtown
Where: various downtown parks
Cost: free
- A Grand Avenue Christmas at the Pabst Mansion
When: November 16 - January 13
What: renaissance mansion fully decked out for Christmas
Where: Pabst Mansion, 2000 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Cost: $10, $9 students and seniors, $6 children, free for children 6 and under
Contact: (414) 931-0808
- Milwaukee Repertory Theater: A Christmas Carol
When: November 29 - December 24
What: a beloved holiday classic
Where: Pabst Theater, 144 E. Wells St.
Cost: $15 - $65
Contact: (414) 224-9490
- Christmas in the Ward
When: November 30 & December 1
What: a neighborhood shopping and holiday celebration
Where: throughout the Third Ward
Cost: free
- Artisans and Entrepreneurs Holiday Market
When: December 1 & 2
What: shopping fair featuring local artisans
Where: Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin, 500 N. Harbor Dr.
Cost: free
Contact: (414) 765-9966
- Slice of Ice - Skating Season Opens at Red Arrow Park
When: December 6 (weather permitting)
What: a Milwaukee winter tradition
Where: Red Arrow Park, 920 N. Water St.
Cost: $8 for skate rental, free with your own skates
Contact: (414) 289-8791
- A Kick in the Dickens
When: December 6 - 22
What: audience suggestions help create a new improv holiday play every night
Where: The Alchemist Theatre, 2569 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
Cost: $17
Contact: (414) 426-4169
- Dickens Dinner at the Pabst Mansion
When: December 7 - 9, 14 - 16, 19, 20 & 22
What: A special holiday dinner in the decorated Pabst Mansion
Where: Pabst Mansion, 2000 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Cost: Call for prices and seating times
Contact: (414) 727-6980
- Milwaukee Ballet: The Nutcracker
When: December 8 - 26
What: with the Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra and the Milwaukee Children’s Choir
Where: Marcus Center, 929 N. Water St.
Cost: $29 - $74
Contact: (414) 273-7206
- Real Pirates exhibit opening
When: December 14 (runs through May 27)
What: new special exhibition exploring the lives of the real pirates of the Whydah
Where: Milwaukee Public Museum, 800 W. Wells St.
Cost: $20 - $26
Contact: (414) 223 - 4676
- Milwaukee Winterfest
When: December 26 - 31
What: a winter extravaganza including activities like rollerskating, movies, carnival rides and more
Where: Delta Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Cost: $12 children 3 - 17; $8 ages 18+
Contact: (414) 908-6000
- New Year's Eve
When: December 31
What: Ring in the New Year on the town
