1. Rivoli Holiday Film Festival
ALL WEEKEND | RIVOLI THEATRE, CEDARBURG
Each weekend in December, this historic movie theatre will screen a lineup of holiday classics. Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life, White Christmas, Polar Express and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation kick off the month.
2. Christkindlmarkt
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY | WEST ALLIS FARMERS MARKET
This European-style holiday market will include over 50 Wisconsin food vendors and artisans selling their crafts. There will also be live music and local beer.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Mistletoe Market Craft and Art Fair
FRIDAY AT 10 A.M. | WAUKESHA COUNTY EXPO CENTER
Over 100 Midwest vendors will bring their holiday creations – including candles, yard decor, jewelry, soaps, Wisconsin-made cheese and more – to this Waukesha market. Tickets are $5.
4. All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914
FRIDAY AT 5 P.M. | CALVARY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
The arrival of Christmas during WWI inspires a truce between sides in this musical about peace and hope during the holiday season.
5. Day Without Art: “Everyone I Know Is Sick”
FRIDAY AT 5 P.M. | CACTUS CLUB
On World AIDS Day, Cactus Club will screen five short films by queer filmmakers about HIV and other forms of illness and disability in an effort to raise awareness and combat societal prejudices.
6. Shorewood Winterfest
SATURDAY AT 3:30 P.M. | OAKLAND AVENUE, SHOREWOOD
This family-friendly festival includes a ride-by visit from Santa on a vintage firetruck, a tree and menorah lighting, food and drink specials and more activities.
7. West Allis Christmas Parade
SATURDAY AT 4:45 P.M. | DOWNTOWN WEST ALLIS
Creative floats, vintage vehicles, marching bands, elves and Santa Claus will stroll down Greenfield Avenue during this annual nighttime holiday parade.
8. Girls Like Us: “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”
SATURDAY AT 7 P.M. | OCONOMOWOC ARTS CENTER
This group of Chicago cabaret favorites performs holiday standards – from “Silent Night” to the Grinch – in a celebration of the Christmas season.
Want more great Milwaukee events? Check out our calendar!
9. Elevator Jazz Quartet
SATURDAY AT 8 P.M. | BAR CENTRO
This unplugged jazz four-piece features guitar, mandolin, accordion and bass playing styles from Latin to swing at this Riverwest bar.
10. Bluey’s Big Play
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY | MILLER HIGH LIFE THEATRE
Based on the hit children’s cartoon, this daytime theatrical show featuring life-size puppets is about Bluey and her family navigating playtime and more.
11. HoverCraft
SUNDAY AT NOON | THE PRITZLAFF BUILDING
Over 120 local and national vendors will take the floor at this 14th annual market. Shoppers can grab coffee from Colectivo Coffee and drinks from the building’s bar. Tickets are $5.
12. Waukesha Christmas Parade
SUNDAY AT 4 P.M. | DOWNTOWN WAUKESHA
Dancers, performers, candy canes for the kids and colorful light-up floats will kick off the holiday season with the 60th year of this downtown parade.
13. 10th Annual Larry Penn Tribute Concert
SUNDAY AT 5 P.M. | ANODYNE COFFEE
Local, regional and national musicians will gather to pay tribute to the late folk singer Larry Penn, described as “Milwaukee’s dean of folk music.” CDs of his music will be sold at the concert.
