1. “Wright Before the ‘Lloyd’”
THROUGH DEC. 30 | RACINE HERITAGE MUSEUM
Key into the humble origins of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright as a child and young man.
2. “Art, Life, Legacy”
THROUGH JAN. 24 | MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM
Works by Rembrandt are among those in this exhibition of Isabel and Alfred Bader’s collection. It’s a rare opportunity to see some of the Baders’ world-class art.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. “Not Pictured”
THROUGH APRIL 21 | CHARLES ALLIS ART MUSEUM
See lumen prints, chemigrams and other “camaraless photography” from Milwaukee-based artist Michael Lagerman.
4. The Mousetrap
DEC. 1-17 | NEXT ACT THEATRE
A murderer lurks at Monkswell Manor in this twisting Agatha Christie-penned mystery.
5. Wild Lights
DEC. 1-31 (CLOSED DEC. 4-5, 11-12, 24-25) | MILWAUKEE COUNTY ZOO
Hundreds of thousands of lights sparkle in this animal-themed display at the Milwaukee County Zoo.
6. Santa Cycle Rampage
DEC. 2 | BAY VIEW AND EAST SIDE
Claiming to be the world’s largest holiday-themed-costume group bike ride, this zany slow-roll style ride is a fundraiser for the Wisconsin Bike Fed.
7. Drink and Draw
DEC. 4, 11, 18 | VAR GALLERY
Make some art and sip a cocktail at these Monday-night figure-drawing sessions. A model poses, and you can purchase drinks at the bar.
8. Gabriel Bump
DEC. 5 | BOSWELL BOOK CO.
Author Gabriel Bump discusses his second book, The New Naturals, in which a grieving young Black woman creates a place to start over.
9. Handel’s Messiah
DEC. 8-10 | BRADLEY SYMPHONY CENTER
The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus deliver Handel’s Messiah, a classic made glorious by its iconic “Hallelujah” chorus.
10. Henry IV, Part 1
DEC. 8-17 | FIRST STAGE
Will Prince Hal clean up his act to be a worthy heir? Find out in this pared-down, performance-driven First Stage production of this Shakespeare classic with young actors and a nearly bare stage.
11. Pokémon and Board Game Club
DEC. 9 | DELAFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Join the fun at this monthly event of tabletop gaming including the Pokémon trading card game.
12. Ask a Genealogist
DEC. 9 | BAY VIEW LIBRARY
Curious about your weird great-uncle? Wondering if you might secretly be a descendent of royalty? Experts from the Milwaukee County Genealogical Society will be on site to help you answer questions on researching your family history.
13. Historic Milwaukee Holiday Party
DEC. 9 | WISCONSIN CLUB
Amidst the holiday-decorated Wisconsin Club, Historic Milwaukee’s annual party centers on a lively talk about women’s history in Milwaukee led by Cyndi Kramer.
14. Latkes Con Salsa
DEC. 14-17 | BEST PLACE AT THE HISTORIC PABST BREWERY
The Mitchell Shiner Latin Vibes quintet works a new groove into Hanukkah songs at this Latin Jazz Hannukah celebration.
15. Holiday Pops
DEC. 14-19 | BRADLEY SYMPHONY CENTER
Trumpeter and conductor Byron Stripling returns for this classic Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra concert featuring special guests, beloved carols and sing-alongs.
16. Voctave
DEC. 15 | SHARON LYNNE WILSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Florida-based a cappella ensemble Voctave performs holiday tunes from their 2021 album The Spirit of the Season.
17. The Moth’s GrandSlam
DEC. 15 | TURNER HALL BALLROOM
The Moth has turned live storytelling into not just an artform, but a competitive event. On this night, winners from prior StorySlams compete to tell the best story, as determined by a panel of judges.
18. Jerry Seinfeld
DEC. 16 | MILLER HIGH LIFE THEATRE
Jerry Seinfeld brings his new stand-up act to town for the first time since 2020. The comedy legend is going on nearly 50 years of performing.
19. Winterlude
DEC. 17 | VILLA TERRACE MUSEUM
Enjoy a performance by MSO musicians at this beautiful museum’s Winterlude concert, geared toward people of all ages. The ticket includes museum admission for the day.
20. Horseshoes & Hand Grenades
DEC. 31 | TURNER HALL BALLROOM
Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, a Wisconsin band rooted in bluegrass and folk, host this New Year’s party every year. Kiss goodbye to 2023 with a hootenanny.
21. Harlem Globetrotters
DEC. 31 | FISERV FORUM
Expect wacky basketball antics as the Harlem Globetrotters once again battle the hapless Washington Generals at this local New Year’s tradition.
