1. John Wilde: “Love and Death”
DEC. 2-31 | TORY FOLLIARD GALLERY
John Wilde (1919-2006) was a famed Wisconsin artist and major influence in surrealistic painting. His work was part of the magical realism movement. This exhibition showcases his paintings and drawings from 1940-2006.
2. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in Concert
DEC. 2-4 | THE RIVERSIDE THEATER
Hear Hogwarts come to life at the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s next concert. The world-class musicians perform the score live as the movie plays, bringing both the music and the movie to life. Read our review of the MSO’s movie nights, here.
3. The Nutcracker
DEC. 10-24 | MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
It’s your last chance to see this version of Milwaukee Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Next year, the ballet’s artistic director Michael Pink will be introducing new choreography to the show – so catch this iteration of the stunning holiday tradition while you still can.
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4. phil kline’s Unsilent Night
DEC. 14 | SAINT KATE – THE ARTS HOTEL
This is Present Music’s second annual post-modern holiday “caroling” event. Join Present Music as they take boomboxes and smartphones around the city to create a “sound sculpture” by Phil Kline. Every participant is given an audio track to play while roaming Milwaukee’s streets. This one’s free, and you can grab hot chocolate or a cocktail at Saint Kate afterward.
5. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
THROUGH DEC. 24 | TODD WEHR THEATER
Every year, First Stage brings a holiday production to life for families. This year’s show is Rudolph, and it tells the tale of everyone’s favorite red-nosed reindeer. With fun costumes, nostalgic songs and beloved characters, the show brings holiday magic to children and adults alike.
6. Horseshoes & Hand Grenades
DEC. 31 | TURNER HALL BALLROOM
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a little Americana. This traditional “hootenanny” is back for the first time since 2018, and the band is also celebrating its 10-year anniversary. Horseshoes & Hand Grenades is fresh off of the release of Midnights in Blue and they’ll be performing songs from the new album.
