1. Milwaukee Maker’s Market at the Cheer District
ALL WEEKEND | DEER DISTRICT
For the first time ever, the Milwaukee Maker’s Market will have a three-day event at the Deer District’s Beer Garden. This is an easy way to shop local for holiday gifts because the outdoor market is open all weekend and will have food trucks on site.
2. Black Nativity by Langston Hughes
ALL WEEKEND | WILSON THEATER AT VOGEL HALL
This year UWM alum, Dimonte Henning, is directing the seventh-annual production of Black Nativity. Black Nativity is a play that uses scripture, poetry, dance and music to tell the nativity from the African American perspective. This year there will be new songs, dancers, cast members, costumes and more.
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3. Santa’s Christmas Cavalcade
SUNDAY AT 5:15 P.M. | MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MARKET
Watch Mr. and Mrs. Claus leave from the Milwaukee Public Market, at 5:15 p.m., for a parade traveling downtown. The Claus’ will be riding on a fire truck with holiday jazz music following.
4. Sip and Paint Your Pup
FRIDAY FROM 5:30-8:30 P.M. | RILEY’S SANDWICH CO. AND SOCIAL HOUSE
On Friday, Riley’s Sandwich Co. and Social House is hosting a local artist that will sketch an outline of your dog and coach you through painting a pet portrait. Spots are limited so Riley’s recommends calling ahead.
5. Light the Square
FRIDAY FROM 5:30-9:30 P.M. | DREXEL TOWN SQUARE, OAK CREEK
Friday kicks off the start of the holiday sound and light shows in Oak Creek this December. This year, there will be animated lights that sync with the music and free cookies and hot chocolate.
6. Betty’s Beans and Books Literacy Event
SATURDAY FROM 10:30 A.M.-12:30 P.M. | BETTY BRINN CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
To celebrate the opening of the Betty’s Beans and Books Coffee Shop and to promote literacy, the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum will be hosting a book drive. The museum is looking for gently-used books, and each book donation comes with one free cup of coffee or apple juice.
7. A Dandy Holiday Market
SATURDAY FROM 12-5 P.M. | 5020 W. VLIET ST
This holiday market is selling vintage items from different curators and vendors. Along with vintage rugs, jewelry and clothing, vegan handmade soap and candles, and ceramic and wicker goods for sale, there will also be a photo-booth for customers to take pictures in.
8. Candlelight Walk for Kids
SATURDAY FROM 4-8:30 P.M. | URBAN ECOLOGY CENTER AT RIVERSIDE PARK
Get out the hats and mittens for a cozy candlelit walk through the Milwaukee Centennial Rotary Arboretum narrated by a winter story. Walks are 15 minutes long, and the first walk leaves at 4 p.m. If you get too cold, don’t worry, the UEC will have warm hot chocolate and a campfire. There is also a Candlelight Walk for Teens and Adults on Tuesday, Dec. 13.
9. Meet and Greet with Characters from Disney’s Frozen
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FROM 11 A.M.-1 P.M. | E. SILVER SPRING DR,
Bring the kids for a free pony ride, meet the characters of Frozen and stay to shop the sales at the local businesses of Whitefish Bay.
10. Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel Holiday Marketplace
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FROM 11 A.M.-4 P.M. | SAINT KATE – THE ARTS HOTEL
There is no such thing as too many holiday markets in December. This market has free admission and features over 100 local vendors, taking up two floors in the hotel.
11. Yours Truly Holiday Sale
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FROM 11 A.M.-4 P.M. | 833 E. CENTER ST.
If you are looking for unique handmade pieces, stop by Yours Truly ceramic studio to browse ceramic mugs, vases and more. Yours Truly will also be selling jewelry, prints and textiles made by local artists.
12. Friends of the Milwaukee Public Market Library Pop-up Sale
SUNDAY FROM 11 A.M.-4P.M. | MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MARKET
Milwaukee Public Library is having a pop-up book sale with Friends of the Public Market. All of the profit from the discounted holiday, fiction, and non-fiction books will be donated to the Milwaukee Public Library.
