Last-Minute Holiday Activities in Milwaukee

Key Takeaways

• The city of Milwaukee is offering a variety of holiday-themed events this weekend, including haunted tours, light displays, and charitable galas.
• The Rave is hosting Haunted Holidays tours, which will feature spooky and festive decor, self-guided tours, and access to normally closed-off areas.
• The MKE Christmas Lights Tour will take attendees on a journey through the city’s downtown decorations and popular light displays.
• The Milwaukee Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker is a beloved holiday tradition, featuring nearly 200 dancers and record-breaking audience attendance.
• Charitable events, such as the Feed Milwaukee Holiday Gala and the Milwaukee Hardcore Toy Drive, offer opportunities to give back to the community during the holiday season.

Introduction to Holiday Events in Milwaukee
The holiday season is in full swing, and the city of Milwaukee is offering a wide range of events and activities to get people in the spirit. From haunted tours to charitable galas, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The Rave, a historic Milwaukee venue, is hosting Haunted Holidays tours, which will feature spooky and festive decor, self-guided tours, and access to normally closed-off areas. This unique event is a great way to experience the city’s haunted history while also getting into the holiday spirit.

Haunted Holidays at The Rave
The Haunted Holidays tours at The Rave will run from December 18 to 21, with varying hours each day. Guests will be able to take photos on stage, explore the green room areas where their favorite artists get ready to perform, and enjoy the venue’s spooky and festive decor. The Rave has a history of ghost sightings, and this event is a great way to experience the venue’s paranormal activity while also enjoying the holiday atmosphere. Tickets for the event can be purchased on The Rave’s website, and attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their best holiday attire.

MKE Christmas Lights Tour
For those looking to experience the city’s holiday lights, the MKE Christmas Lights Tour is a great option. The tour will take attendees on a journey through the city’s downtown decorations, including Catalano Square, Zeidler Union Square, Pere Marquette Park, and Cathedral Square Park. The tour will also stop at several destinations for photo opportunities, and tickets start at $35. This event is a great way to see the city’s holiday lights without having to worry about driving or parking. Attendees can purchase tickets on the City Tours MKE website and enjoy a fun and festive evening out.

The Nutcracker and Other Holiday Performances
The Milwaukee Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker is a beloved holiday tradition, featuring nearly 200 dancers and record-breaking audience attendance. The production will run from December 19 to 26 at the Marcus Performing Arts Center, and tickets can be purchased on the Milwaukee Ballet website. Other holiday performances and events, such as the Feed Milwaukee Holiday Gala and the Milwaukee Hardcore Toy Drive, offer opportunities to give back to the community while also enjoying live music and entertainment.

Charitable Events and Toy Drives
The Feed Milwaukee Holiday Gala is a charitable event that will raise funds for the Hunger Task Force while giving guests the chance to dress up fancy and enjoy live music and beverages. The gala will feature performances by Indigo Dog and DJ Seoul K, and admission is a suggested donation of $20 or more. The Milwaukee Hardcore Toy Drive, on the other hand, is a toy drive that will benefit Children’s Hospital, featuring nine bands, including Milwaukee favorites Enervate and See No Evil. Admission to the event is $20 without a toy donation and $10 with a toy donation, and attendees can visit the X-Ray Arcade website for more information.

Family-Friendly Events and Activities
For families with young children, the Cocoa + Claus event at the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. The event will feature hot chocolate, story time, and the opportunity to take family portraits with Santa Claus. Admission is $8, and portraits will be emailed to participating families on December 22. Other family-friendly events and activities, such as the MKE Christmas Lights Tour, offer a fun and festive way to enjoy the holiday season with loved ones.