1. Black Nativity
ALL WEEKEND | VOGEL HALL
This 1961 Langston Hughes musical tells the story of Jesus’ birth with scripture, poetry, music and dance performed by an all-Black cast. Black Arts MKE’s eighth annual production has been reimagined this year with new directors.
2. Design and Visual Communication Showcase
FRIDAY FROM 5-8 P.M. | KENILWORTH SQUARE EAST, THIRD FLOOR GALLERY
This showcase of speculation, campaign and exhibition design features works from the UW-Milwaukee Peck School of the Arts. These projects from graduating seniors focus on what the future might look like and what it’ll take to get there.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Santa’s Christmas Cavalcade
FRIDAY AT 5:15 P.M. | DOWNTOWN MILWAUKEE
Santa and Mrs. Claus will ride the streets of Downtown Milwaukee atop a vintage firetruck, starting at the Milwaukee Public Market and driving by the parks with holiday lights. Local singer-songwriter Sarah Fierek will also ride along and sing festive tunes from the truck.
4. Deck The Hall Ball
FRIDAY AT 7:30 P.M. | MILLER HIGH LIFE THEATRE
This all-acoustic evening from 99.1 The Mix features pop rock band Train, Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls and Phillip Phillips, the season 11 winner of “American Idol.”
5. Kill ‘Em With Kindness Comedy Show
FRIDAY FROM 7:30-9:30 P.M. | INTERCHANGE THEATER CO-OP
Comedians Jamie Campbell and Shawn Shelnutt will bring their joint comedy tour to Milwaukee. Campbell has topped comedy album charts, and Milwaukee native Shelnutt has brought his interactive, improvisational humor to audiences across the country.
6. Saint Kate’s Holiday Marketplace
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FROM 11 A.M.-4 P.M. | SAINT KATE ARTS HOTEL
This market – curated by local artist Renee Bebeau – showcases over 80 Milwaukee artists and live music amid the hotel’s holiday decorations.
Want more great Milwaukee events? Check out our calendar!
7. Friko, She’s Green and Interlay
SATURDAY AT 6:30 P.M. | CACTUS CLUB
This Bay View venue will host Chicago power-pop trio Friko, who played packed showcases at SXSW 2023. Minneapolis band She’s Green will slow it down with shoegaze-influenced indie rock, and Madison band Interlay will close out the show with heavy post-punk influenced by Sonic Youth and Slint.
8. Solstice VI
SATURDAY FROM 7-8 P.M. AND SUNDAY FROM 3-4 P.M. | WATER STREET DANCE MILWAUKEE
This dance concert from the rising contemporary studio will feature works from Princess Grace Award-winner Kam N. Saunders, Juilliard alum Madison Hicks and the premiere of a piece by artistic director Morgan Williams.
9. HYFIN Samples and Samples
SATURDAY FROM 7:30-9:30 P.M. | RADIO MILWAUKEE
Acclaimed sommelier Derrick C. Westbrook will lead guests through a combined wine sampling and music-listening experience. Wines will be paired with a set by DJ Odd Couple that will draw on the tendencies in both wine and music to mix old with new.
10. Kellner’s Greenhouse Art & Craft Fair
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY | KELLNER’S GREENHOUSE
Along with an eclectic selection of arts and crafts from local vendors, this small Riverwest garden center will be selling fresh trees, wreaths, garlands and other plants.
11. Merry and Bright Market
SUNDAY FROM 10 A.M.-2 P.M. | ANODYNE COFFEE, WALKER’S POINT
The coffee shop will hold its third annual market featuring handmade, vintage and curated goods for holiday gifting. Music from WMSE will accompany the market, which will serve food from Hot Box Pizza, beer from Indeed Brewing Company and Anodyne Coffee.
12. Casserole Call
SUNDAY FROM NOON-5 P.M. | CENTRAL WATERS BREWING CO.
Who can make Milwaukee’s best casserole? Local restaurants will vie for the title with their spin on the Midwestern staple. Attendees can sample three dishes each, and a portion of ticket proceeds will go to Kinship Community Food Center.
