2023 Program Schedule; 2024 Program Coming Soon!

 

5:30-8:30 p.m.: 

• Cookie sale benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin

• Food trucks line the west side of the 100 block of North Broadway: Press Waffles, Hot Box Pizza, Tots on the Street, Twisted Plants, Pig Tails & Flip's Mini Donuts

• S’mores roasting in Catalano Square with Friends of Lakeshore Park

• Live reindeer and costumed characters in Catalano Square

 

5:30 p.m.:

• Performance by Milwaukee Police Band

 

6-7 p.m.:

• Tree lighting ceremony with Santa Claus, Mayor Johnson and Milwaukee dignitaries

• Performances by Bach Chamber Choir and Renewed Spiritual Gospel

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6:30-8:30 p.m.:

• Visit Santa in Jolly’s Gingerbread House. Kids of all ages can visit with Santa and have their picture taken for a suggested $5 donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin. 

 

7 p.m.:

• Fireworks display over the river, presented by TerraSol, with accompanying Hoan Bridge Light Show

 

7-8:30 p.m.: 

• Complimentary pictures at the Hoan Bridge by AboveMKE 

 

7:15-8 p.m.:

• Performances by Skylight Music Theatre and Donna Woodall Trio
   

8 p.m.: 

• 10-minute Light the Hoan Holiday Show, sponsored by UW Credit Union

 

8:30 p.m.: 

• After Party at Santa Camp (Camp Bar), 525 E. Menomonee St., Third Ward

 

All times and entertainment subject to change.

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The best way to navigate our Christmas in the Ward celebration? Click here to view or download our Merry Map!

 

Tree Lighting Ceremony

Join “Milwaukee’s Christmas Station” 95.7FM WRIT’s afternoon drive personality Hannah as she emcees the tree lighting and leads you in celebration.

 

Santa Visits Jolly's Gingerbread House

Kids of all ages can visit with Santa and let him know what's on their Christmas list. A $5 donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities is suggested.

 

Cookie Sale

Yum! Holiday Cookies! Buy one or buy a dozen! All proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities. A special thanks to our cookie sponsors: Brazen Standard Hospitality, Tre Rivali, C. Adams Bakery, Colectivo Coffee and Homewood Suites. Cash or card accepted!

 

Refreshments

Hot chocolate will be available to warm you up. Plus, adults can choose to indulge in our famous Cocoa Cocktails and mulled wine, courtesy of Cafe Benelux. Cash or card accepted!

 

We're offering a selection of local brews from The Explorium Brewpub, Wizard Works Brewing and Copper Turtle Brewery & Taverne to serve you local brews, crafted right here in the Historic Third Ward! Cash or credit accepted!

 

Third Ward restaurants will be serving festive fare and kid-friendly food trucks Hot Box Pizza, Press Waffles, Twisted Plants, Tots on the Street and Pig Tailz will be on-site at Catalano Square. See all the neighborhood dining options.

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We've also got T. Best Kettle Corn Company serving up fragrant kettle corn, and s'mores roasting — over an open fire — with Friends of Lakeshore State Park in Catalano Square!

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Live Reindeer

Join us as we welcome Mrs. Claus and her reindeer back to Catalano Square. Santa's elves will be on hand to answer questions like "do reindeer really fly?" And "is Rudolph's nose really red?" You'll BELIEVE when you see them.

 

Winter Fireworks Display

A rare winter fireworks display will dazzle your senses as the rockets' red glare bursts into life over the Milwaukee River. Plus, don't miss the accompanying Light the Hoan lights show on the Hoan Bridge during the fireworks!

 

Entertainment

Sing and dance along while you enjoy performances by plenty of local entertainers. New this year: See your favorite holiday movies projected on the south side of the Broadway Theatre Center, created by Milwaukee Airwaves.

 

Costumed Characters

Kids will squeal with delight when they see Jolly & Ginger Gingerbread, and their friend, Frosty the Snowman!

 

Event Parking

Park your vehicle for just $10 in either of the Historic Third Ward parking structures on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, after 5 p.m. Structures are located at 212 N. Milwaukee Street and 225 E. Chicago Street. Cash or card accepted!

 

Shop the Ward

Don’t forget to Shop the Ward this holiday season! Follow us on Instagram, as we’ll be giving away gift cards to local retailers EVERYDAY Dec. 7-22. See all the neighborhood retailers.

 

Arts and Culture

Looking for more ways to celebrate the season? Take in a holiday performance or shop for art at neighborhood art galleries and studios. See all the Third Ward performing arts groups and galleries.