1. Black Nativity
MULTIPLE SHOWTIMES | MARCUS CENTER -VOGEL HALL
Langston Hughes’ production is only available for enjoyment and reflection this weekend. This is an enriching story brought to full perspective with dance, song and poetry from the African-American perspective. Celebrating faith and community through art is a cathartic method of relinquishing the trials of the past year and offers new hope by sharing an uplifting performance this Christmas.
2. Holiday Pops presented by the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
MULTIPLE SHOWTIMES | BRADLEY SYMPHONY CENTER
Looking for more classic holiday sing-alongs? This is a Milwaukee tradition performing this weekend only. Attendees are required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test for entry into the Bradley Symphony Center on Wisconsin Avenue.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Kids’ Night Out
FRIDAY FROM 5 P.M.-7:30 P.M. | WISCONSIN HUMANE SOCIETY – MILWAUKEE
Kids can do crafts, play with animals and connect with animal lovers in this caring setting. Kids in first through sixth grade are eligible for this activity.
4. Milwaukee Ballet’s The Nutcracker
OPENS FRIDAY AT 7:30 P.M., MULTIPLE SHOWTIMES |
Friday is the opening night of the performance, which continues until the day after Christmas. This showing is expressed by dancers from around the world in elaborate costumes, conducting amazing stunts. The included music score is by Tchaikovsky.
5. Christmas in the Basilica’s Holiday Lights Festival
FRIDAY AT 7:30 P.M. | 601 W. LINCOLN AVE.
This is a traditional holiday celebration showcasing a choir and carols, backed by organs and brass instruments. The score is Fredrik Sixten’s Magnificat and tunes include modern sing-along carols as well. This event is expected to sell out, but there are also two showings on Saturday and one on Sunday.
6. The Milwaukee Winter Farmers Market
SATURDAY FROM 8 A.M.-11:30 A.M. | DEER DISTRICT
As some of you may know, the local farmer’s market goes on most Saturdays downtown. But, supporting local business and gathering fresh produce never goes out of style! This is a 13- year- old market that supports local farmers and their sustainability practices.
7. The Fourth Annual Holiday Art and Craft Fair at Serb Hall
SATURDAY FROM 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. | SERB HALL
This is a huge arts and crafts display perfect to wander around in this holiday season. There are 140 booths displaying a majority of handmade gifts. Display categories include bath and body or scented items, pottery and glass work, food and home goods, jewelry, metal and woodwork, pet products, prints, photography, paintings and more. With so many options, it could be a great way to check off some holiday gift lists and maybe pick up some goodies for yourself or your home, too.
8. Jacob Marley’s A Christmas Carol
SATURDAY AT 4 P.M. AND SUNDAY AT 3 P.M. | ACACIA THEATRE
Tom Mulas’ shows his unique take on A Christmas Carol in this one-man act depicting an illusory turn of events. Marley, Scrooge’s business partner, has to save Ebeneezer in order to save himself. This is the second time the play has been brought to Milwaukee, and last time it received praise for taking on a classic in a thought-provoking yet enjoyable way. Tickets can be bought in advance only and use pay-what-you-can ticketing.
9. From Milwaukee, To the World: A Celtic Music Holiday Celebration
SUNDAY AT 2 P.M. | VIRTUAL
This unique virtual concert features 18 local Irish and Celtic bands and is a safe way for everyone to enjoy live music and share the holiday spirit. The tradition hopes to strengthen the community and provide joy this season. Attendance is free but donations are accepted which support the performing artists.
