The holiday season ramps up this weekend, and we couldn’t be more grateful for all the family-friendly events going on in the area. Here are our top picks:
Pere Marquette Park, 900 N. Old World Third St., Milwaukee, WI 53203
Thursday, November 16, 2023, 5:30 p.m.
Admission: FREE
For the 25th year, Downtown Milwaukee will kick off its Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival (and illuminate more than a half-million brilliant bulbs) with a party in Pere Marquette Park.
Pre-show fun begins at 5:30 p.m. with Kid Boogie Down, followed by an assortment of holiday acts. The main show gets underway at 6:30 p.m. with a star-studded cast, including DJ LoLo, Kinsella Irish Dance, UWM’s a cappella group Public Hearing, Jenny Thiel, Christopher’s Project, Donna Woodall, Nate Ramos & Friends, plus – of course – Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Fireworks will top off the night shortly before 7 p.m. Free Jingle Bus rides will be available after the show, with limited capacity between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
“Cheer District” (Deer District), 1134 Vel R. Phillips Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53203
Friday, November 17, 2023, 5-7 p.m.
Admission: FREE
The Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place in the “Cheer District.” From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., there will be live entertainment and holiday activities for all to enjoy.
The Yard at BAYSHORE, 5800 N. Bayshore Dr., Glendale, WI 53217
Friday, November 17, 2023, 5-7 p.m.
Admission: FREE
BAYSHORE’s 4th Annual Season to Sparkle Holiday Celebration will feature entertainment from Kid Boogie Down, Reindeer Games, Live Reindeer, Fairytale Princesses, food trucks and pop-up vendors, a giant 32-foot Christmas tree and new festive décor!
Presented by Welcome to Glendale and North Shore Chamber of Commerce, the event will benefit Make-A-Wish Wisconsin.
Riverside Theater, 116 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53203
Saturday, November 18, 2023, 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Admission: $24-$50
Wild Kratts Live is a theatrical stage show based on the #1 animated television series Wild Kratts. Martin and Chris Kratt, stars of the Emmy-nominated Wild Kratts, step out on stage to engage the audience in a classic Wild Kratts story.
Mitchell Park Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53215
November 18, 2023-January 7, 2024
Admission: Adults/Seniors $9; Juniors (3-12)/Students/Adults With Disabilities $6; Children 2 & Under FREE (Milwaukee County Residents receive $1 off admission; resident seniors (60+) receive $3 off admission. ID Required.)
The holiday show at the Mitchell Park Domes opens this Saturday, and this year’s theme is “A Holiday Snow Globe.” Enjoy the warmth of the Domes amid a field of hundreds of poinsettias, grouped with decorated spruce trees and other seasonal favorites. Bring your loved ones into a polar paradise of playful animals enjoying the winter season.
TIP: Mark your calendars for Story Teller Santa on November 25, and December 3, 10 and 16.
6. Trolls Band Together Events
The new movie “Trolls: Band Together” premieres this weekend, and there are a few related events going on at Marcus Theatres:
Super Fan Event
Saturday, November 18, 2023, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: $20
For the ultimate Trolls experience, don’t miss the Super Fan Event! Tickets include admission to the movie, one Junior ICEE, a Trolls mini blind bag figure, a Trolls mini poster, and family games and activities.
The Concert Experience
Saturday, November 18, 2023, 2-4 p.m.
Admission: $15-20
Tickets for this jam session at the Marcus Majestic Cinema of Brookfield include admission to the movie, plus a special LED glow bracelet that changes colors to the rhythm of the music in the film.
State Fair Park Exposition Center, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis, WI 53214
November 17-19, 2023
Admission: $13-$16
Travel around the world at the 80th Annual Holiday Folk Fair International, America’s premier multicultural festival and a program of the International Institute of Wisconsin.
Celebrate the cultural heritage of the people living in southeastern Wisconsin by exploring the ways music, food, dance, and art weave together a message of welcome.
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There’s so much more happening this weekend! Our Events Calendar is packed with daily events for kids and families. And it can be sorted by location!
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