1. ‘Paradise’
THROUGH DEC. 14 | THE GREEN GALLERY
It’s your last chance to see this exhibition of paintings by Chicago artist Paul Heyer. Holes resembling broken glass invite a shift in perspective. Viewing through the gallery windows adds another dimension.
2. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
THROUGH DEC. 29 | MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Every year, the most famous reindeer of all finds his shining moment and teaches that differences are what make us great. First Stage artistic director Jeff Frank is the mind behind this musical spin on the broadcast TV mainstay.
Tell us who you’d pick to be a Betty this year!
3. ‘Missed Connections’
DEC. 3 | NEXT ACT THEATER
Whether it’s losing out on a job, ending a relationship or missing a flight, everyone has had blown chances and what-ifs. Share yours with others or just sit and listen to theirs at one of Ex Fabula’s Story Slams, where people of all walks of life get up on stage to tell their stories. And who knows – perhaps you’ll make a new connection.
4. Phil Kline’s ‘Unsilent Night’
DEC. 4 | BRADY STREET
Break out the boombox – Present Music brings back composer Phil Kline’s public performance piece, in which the bells, chimes and other shimmering sounds are played as audio tracks by people roaming Brady Street.
5. Wauwatosa Holiday Market
DEC. 4-22 | WAUWATOSA VILLAGE
Take in a German-style Christkindlmarkt offering roasted nuts, hot pretzels and plenty of holiday polka. Sip your beverage of choice – beer, hot mulled wine and hot chocolate – while shopping rows of local vendors.
6. Legally Blonde: The Musical
DEC. 6-22 | WAUKESHA CIVIC THEATER
When fashionista Elle Woods makes her way into Harvard Law School, she’s determined to prove her legal prowess when others are quick to dismiss her. The empowering, feminist character was first played by Reese Witherspoon but now carries a life of her own.
7. Home Alone with Macaulay Culkin
DEC. 7 | MILLER HIGH LIFE THEATER
For ya filthy animals who consider Kevin McCallister’s creative antics a Christmas classic, catch a screening of the 1990 film followed by a Q&A with the Wet Bandit vanquisher himself Macaulay Culkin, who will share his experiences on set.
8. The Nutcracker
DEC. 7-24 | MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Last year, Milwaukee Ballet’s artistic director Michael Pink premiered The Nutcracker: Drosselmeyer’s Imaginarium, his reimagined take on the holiday favorite, to rave reviews. The rendition returns this season, along with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra performing the Tchaikovsky score.
9. ‘NOWISWHENWEARE’
DEC. 11-14 | JOHN MICHAEL KOHLER ARTS CENTER
This immersive art installation by Andrew Schneider beckons viewers into a nearly 5,000-light display with narration and surrounding sounds. The experience is meant to be both outward-looking and introspective.
10. Milwaukee Roast Championship
DEC. 12 | MILWAUKEE IMPROV
Creative insults and derisive comebacks are the weapons of choice for these local comedians. See them dish it out during the second round of this tournament of taunts.
11. Alex Beringer
DEC. 13 | BOSWELL BOOK CO.
What were comics like before the advent of the Sunday funnies? Wisconsin native Alex Beringer wrote about the history of experimental strips in Lost Literacies, and he returns to his home state to discuss early cartoonists’ innovative approaches to storytelling.
12. Holiday Pops
DEC. 14-15, 20-22 | BRADLEY SYMPHONY CENTER
Nothing makes Christmas feel grander than grandiose strings and a full-blown choir. The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s seasonal concert promises sing-alongs and yuletide classics.
13. JoyFest
DEC. 15 | X-RAY ARCADE
This arts festival raises money for Girls and Ladies Rock MKE – music camps that teach and empower marginalized musicians. Expect raucous performances from camp alumni, workshops and a silent auction.
14. MKE History Trivia Night
DEC. 17 | CACTUS CLUB
Are you a scholar of the 414? Do you blurt out random facts to friends when spotting an old building? Consider competing in the Milwaukee County Historical Society’s trivia contest to show yourself as the cream of the Cream City crop.
15. Holiday Face-Off
DEC. 28 | FISERV FORUM
Ice the year with a doubleheader of collegiate hockey. The UConn Huskies take on the Alaska Nanooks, followed by the marquee matchup of the Ferris State Bulldogs vs. our Wisconsin Badgers.
16. Chanukah Festival and Gelt Drop
DEC. 29 | BAYSHORE
The lighting of a massive menorah and a gelt drop are the highlights of Wisconsin’s largest Chanukah festival. Attendees can also expect crafts, music and traditional Chanukah food.
17. NYEMKE
DEC. 31 | HILTON MILWAUKEE
It’s go big or go home at this annual glamorous New Year’s Eve celebration. The theme is Casino Royale, so dress classy for the red carpet, roll the dice with some games, and ring in the new year with a set from DJ Shawna.
