Feeling the Holiday Spirit?
1.
Cheer District Tree Lighting Ceremony
Saturday at 5 p.m. outside Mecca Sports Bar and Grill (1134 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave.)
There sure are a lot of words that rhyme with deer. The Deer District will light 31 trees, including a 25-foot tall Bucks-themed tree with 10,000 clear lights and 300 cream. There will be a choir there and a collection for non-perishable food items to benefit Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin. If you miss the ceremony on Saturday, don’t worry, they won’t tear down the holiday fun. The Cheer District will be up until Jan. 15.
2.
Pabst Mansion Twilight Tours
Friday and Saturday at the Pabst Mansion (2000 W. Wisconsin Ave.)
There’s something really special about this beautiful old Milwaukee building lit up for the holidays. We checked out Pabst Mansion’s Light-Up Night last week and can confirm that the decorations are beautiful. It’s not every day you get to visit the mansion after dark, and this is a festive opportunity to see it.
Want to See a Show?
3.
A Christmas Carol
Multiple showtimes at the Pabst Theater (144 E. Wells St.)
It’s the sweet holiday story we all know and love. The Rep brings it back to Milwaukee year after year, and it’s always a popular choice for families and critics. It’s also a great way to kick start the holiday spirit in your family.
4.
Elf: The Musical
Multiple Showtimes at the Todd Wehr Theater (121 E. State St.)
This show is a ton of fun, and definitely worth checking out if you have children to entertain over the long weekend. It’s full of musical numbers, witty comedy and, of course, Christmas magic.
Do You Love Beer?
5.
Black Friday Beer Release at Lakefront Brewery
Friday at 8 a.m. at Lakefront Brewery (1872 N. Commerce St.),
This is the ninth annual Black Friday beer release by the beloved Milwaukee brewery. This year, the talk of the town is the Black Friday V, an imperial stout that has been aged for more than five years in bourbon barrels. Each bottle costs $100, but they only have 250 available. Milwaukee Mag’s resident beer experts have opinions if you’re wondering if the bottle’s worth it.
6.
Black Friday Brunch
Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Stubby’s Gastrogrub & Beer Bar (2060 N. Humboldt Ave.)
Stubby’s — conveniently located within stumbling distance of Lakefront Brewery — is serving up brunch with some rare beers on tap. This year, the bar will feature Central Waters Black Gold Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout, Great Lakes Barrel-Aged Christmas Ale and Eagle Park Melt: Rugoso, an imperial stout made with Rugoso cacao nibs.
READ MORE BLACK FRIDAY BEER EVENTS
Interested in Holiday Markets?
7.
German Christmas Market
Friday through Sunday at 100 E. Wisconsin Ave., Oconomowoc
Live polka music, bavarian pretzels and old world spirit make this German Christmas Market worth the drive west. There will be rows of shops, holiday lights and heated tents over the course of the weekend.
8.
Holiday Art Fair
Friday through Sunday at the Cedarburg Community Center (W63 N643 Washington Ave., Cedarburg)
This event is all about supporting local artists, and it’s a good place to get some creative holiday shopping done. There will be beaded glass, custom furniture, paintings, sculptures and more.
FIND MORE HOLIDAY MARKETS
Itching to Go Shopping?
8.
Historic Third Ward Small Business Saturday
In the Historic Third Ward
Sure you’ve heard of Black Friday shopping, but there’s a lot of deals to be found on Small Business Saturday here in Milwaukee too. The Third Ward is calling on shoppers to check out these deals and support local businesses.
10.
Bay View Small Business Saturday Shop Hop
In Bay View
Bay View is also taking part in the SBS festivities. Eight small businesses teamed up and promised to have extended hours, swag bags and significant discounts.
