The 2nd Annual Ugly Sweater and Holiday Tree Auction at the Boys & Girls Club includes complimentary food and beverages, kids games, raffle, auction of custom-created Christmas trees decorated and donated by area nonprofit organizations and local businesses.
PHOTO: SUBMITTED PHOTO

In the Loop: First weekend of December includes some festive fun in Kenosha

A good time will be had at the second annual Ugly Sweater and Holiday Tree Auction

By Laura MarranKENOSHA.COM

After two decades in journalism, Marran earned her Master’s degree in Exceptional Education from UW-Milwaukee and has served as a special education teacher with Kenosha Unified School District since 2006. A Marquette University School of Journalism alum, Marran has lived in Kenosha since 1987.

Top 5 things to do in Kenosha this weekend:

Ugly Sweater & Holiday Tree Auction

2nd Annual Ugly Sweater and Holiday Tree Auction

5-8 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 3)

Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha, 1330 52nd St.

This holiday event includes complimentary food and beverages, kids games, raffle, auction of custom-created Christmas trees decorated and donated by area nonprofit organizations and local businesses. All proceeds from the auction and raffle will be donated to the BGCK foundation that supports annual scholarships for students studying and living in the Kenosha area. Complimentary tickets are free and multiple-level donation opportunities are available.

More information

*** 

Victorian Christmas at the Civil War Museum

Victorian Christmas

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 3)

Civil War Museum, 5400 1st Ave.

This museum-wide program features an afternoon of holiday music, living history presentations, special displays, dancing, crafts, and activities exploring how Upper Midwestern soldiers and civilians celebrated the Christmas season before and during the Civil War. New this year are pop-up exhibits of antique toys, games and collectibles shared by community collectors from past eras. Free entry into the museum’s Fiery Trial Gallery, Civil War soldier and 19th century civilian living history demonstrations, Victorian crafts and games, appearance by Civil War-era Santa, apple cider press demonstrations, making dried orange, cinnamon & clove ornaments, miniatures displays. Also on display will be hand-crafted miniatures by local artists and a concert of holiday favorites performed by Ed Pierce and the Palmyra Eagle Brass Band, Nash Elementary School Choir, and Victorian dance demonstrations and instruction.

More information

*** 

After Hours at Blue House Books with Ben Mulwana & Genevieve Heyward

Ben Mulwana After Hours at Blue House Books with Genevieve Heyward

7 p.m. Friday (Dec. 2)

Blue House Books, 5915 6th Ave. A

Ben Mulwana and his band, along with singer/songwriter Genevieve Heyward will play an unplugged concert in the cozy confines of BHB. Seated tickets are $10 plus taxes and fees, standing room is $8 plus taxes and fees.

More information

*** 

International Holiday: A Cultural Christmas Celebration at the Kenosha Public Museum

International Holiday: A Cultural Christmas Celebration

10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday (Dec. 3)

Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 1st Ave.

Celebrate the holidays with an international twist, by eating, shopping, and celebrating your way around the world while supporting local crafters and cultural organizations. Enjoy festive musical performances throughout the day, as well as hot cocoa bar, kids’ craft station with Nordic-inspired ornament or Japanese Ikebana floral arrangement to take home.

More information

*** 

Carthage Christmas Festival

148th Annual Carthage Christmas Festival: Share the Wonder

7:30 Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 2-4)

A. F. Siebert Chapel, 2001 Alford Dr.

This year’s event, themed “Share in the Wonder,” will feature performances by the Carthage Choir, Wind Orchestra, Carthage Philharmonic, Carthage Treble Choir, Carthage Chorale, and Lincoln Chamber Singers. The festival will conclude with the Service of Light and the singing of “Silent Night, Holy Night” sending audience members forth with the joy and reverence of the holiday season.

Tickets $10 (holiday dinner option and live stream options available).

More information 

THE LINEUP

THURSDAY, Dec. 1 

Music 

Pick n Pull Songwriters’ Open Mic, 8 p.m., Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave. 

Cool Yule with Harmonix, 7 p.m., Wyndham Garden Hotel, 5125 6th Ave. This six-week residency runs through Dec. 30, with shows scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays, 7 p.m. Thursdays, and 1:30/7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays (no shows Dec. 24-27). Tickets $20 general public, $13 for ages 13 and under. 

Art 

Anderson Arts Center Annual Winter Juried Exhibition Opening, 1-4 p.m., Anderson Arts Center, 6603 3rd Ave. Gallery hours Tuesday-Sunday 1-4 p.m. 

“Ope, Not Ope: A Wisconsin Printmakers Exposition,” H.F. Johnson Gallery of Art, Carthage College, 2001 Alford Ave. This exhibit features a collection of works from the best printmakers in the Midwest. Regular gallery hours noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Extended hours are from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursdays and from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays. All art exhibits are free and open to the public. 

Artistree Giftable Art Show, 11-5 p.m. Lemon Street Gallery, 4601 Sheridan Rd. annual sale of original artwork that is perfect for holiday gift giving!  We have an amazing arrangement of jewelry, glass, ceramics, candles, hand-painted items, accessories, fiber art, and more. 

“Decision Height” at Bradford High School Studio Theater

Theater 

KUSD Theatre Arts presents “Decision Height” by Dayna Meredith Levy, 7:30 p.m., Bradford High School Studio Theater 150, 3900 Washington Rd. Tickets $6-13. 

Potpourri 

Gallery of Trees, 1:30-4:30 p.m., Kemper Center, 6501 3rd Ave. The annual event showcases approximately 20 fully decorated Christmas trees, mantelpieces, wreaths, and centerpieces all sponsored by generous donors and decorated by creative volunteers. Trees range in size from 6 feet to 9 feet. All the trees and holiday decorations are auctioned or raffled. Free. Through Sunday (Dec. 4).

“Top Gun Maverick” at the Northside Library

Durkee Mansion Historic Holiday, 6501 3rd Ave., This year’s theme is “Victorian Winter Elegance”. Holiday hours are 1:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The mansion will also be open special hours from 4-7 p.m., including access to the Gallery of Trees this week through Friday (Dec. 2).

Afternoon Movie @ Northside: “Top Gun Maverick,” 12:30-3:30 p.m., Northside Library, 1500 27th Ave. Registration not required, but helps the library staff set up space for the film.

Celebration of Women Artists: Emily Kame Kngwarreye, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Southwest Library, 7979 38th Ave. Emily Kame Kngwarreye is an Aboriginal Australian artist whose works related to nature in her homeland with many layers of colored paint. We will learn about the artist and use rolling pins to create Kngwarreye-style art. Registration required.

Through the Lens, 6-8 p.m., Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum School Yard Observatory, 880 Green Bay Rd. Tickets $12. 

Loyal to the Union, Ohio in the Civil War. Explore the people and events that made the Buckeye state unique and so important to the Union cause. Civil War Museum, 5400 1st Ave. Daily hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday.

Lakeshore Pedal Tours – Rides with Santa, through Dec. 11. The ride through Downtown Kenosha goes past the City of Kenosha’s Christmas Tree outside the Kenosha Public Museum and to downtown pubs. See website for booking.

Holiday Light Walk at Jerry Smith Farm

Family 

Holiday Gnome Hunt, daily during park hours 7 a.m.-10 p.m., Pringle Nature Center at Bristol Woods, 9800 160th Ave. Find all of the gnomes hiding on the trails by the end of December for a chance to win a free 2023 PNC family membership! Gnome Photo Booth will be available in the Nature Center Post a photo from your gnome hunt on Instagram or Facebook and tag Pringle, or email your photo to Pringle Nature Center by December 31st to be entered into the drawing. This program is free, self-guided, and suitable for all ages. The park is open from 7 am to 10 pm year-round. Hiking trails close at dusk. 

Preschool Storytime, 10-10:30 a.m., Northside Library, 1500 27th Ave. Designed for children ages 3-5, with 30 minutes of books, songs, fingerplays, and more during this classic storytime. 

Holiday Light Walk opening night, 5-9 p.m., Jerry Smith Pumpkin Farm, 7150 18th St. holiday treats, fire pits, Santa, reindeer exhibit, shopping in the Country Store, and more! Admission $7 per person over age 3. Daily through Dec. 18. 

Pollination Investigation, 10-5 p.m., Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 1st Ave. Explore the essential role that pollinators play in the natural world.  Nearly 90% of flowering plants rely on about 200,000 species of animal pollinators for fertilization. Through pollinator profiles, learn about different pollinators – from butterflies and hummingbirds to bats and the wind – and their favorite flowers based on floral characteristics like flower shape, color, scent and more. Through March 5, 2023. 

December Hootenanny Holiday Extravaganza at the Anderson Arts Center
Yesterday’s Children at 58 Below

FRIDAY, Dec. 2 

Music 

Ben Mulwana After Hours at Blue House Books (with Genevieve Heyward), 7 p.m. Friday, Blue House Books, 5915 6th Ave. A. Seated tickets are $10 plus taxes and fees, standing room is $8 plus taxes and fees. 

Yesterday’s Children, 8:30-11:30 p.m., 58 Below, 504 58th St. 

Triad, 9 p.m.-midnight, Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave. 

December Hootenanny Holiday Extravaganza, 7-10 p.m., Anderson Arts Center, 6603 3rd Ave. Bring an acoustic instrument and/or your voice. Books and music stands provided. In addition to the usual folk songs, the event will include some Christmas and Winter Holiday songs like ‘Hot Butter Rum’, ‘Oh Lutefisk’, ‘In the Deep Midwinter’, and ‘Santa Lucia, and  a “Jingle Bells” jam.

Cool Yule with Harmonix, 7 p.m., Wyndham Garden Hotel, 5125 6th Ave. This six-week residency runs through Dec. 30, with shows scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays, 7 p.m. Thursdays, and 1:30/7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays (no shows Dec. 24-27). Tickets $20 general public, $13 for ages 13 and under. 

Art 

Anderson Arts Center Annual Winter Juried Exhibition Opening, 1-4 p.m., Anderson Arts Center, 6603 3rd Ave. Gallery hours Tuesday-Sunday 1-4 p.m. 

“Ope, Not Ope: A Wisconsin Printmakers Exposition,” H.F. Johnson Gallery of Art, Carthage College, 2001 Alford Ave. This exhibit features a collection of works from the best printmakers in the Midwest. Regular gallery hours noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Extended hours are from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursdays and from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays. All art exhibits are free and open to the public. 

Artistree Giftable Art Show, 11-5 p.m. Lemon Street Gallery, 4601 Sheridan Rd. annual sale of original artwork that is perfect for holiday gift giving!  We have an amazing arrangement of jewelry, glass, ceramics, candles, hand-painted items, accessories, fiber art, and more. 

Theater 

KUSD Theatre Arts presents “Decision Height” by Dayna Meredith Levy, 7:30 p.m., Bradford High School Studio Theater 150, 3900 Washington Rd. Tickets $6-13. 

Lakeside Players present: A Seussified Christmas Carol, 7:30 p.m., Rhode Center for the Arts, 514 56th St. Tickets $10. 

Captain Mike’s Annual Ice Bar

Potpourri 

Gallery of Trees, 1:30-4:30 p.m., Kemper Center, 6501 3rd Ave. The annual event showcases approximately 20 fully decorated Christmas trees, mantelpieces, wreaths, and centerpieces all sponsored by generous donors and decorated by creative volunteers. Trees range in size from 6 feet to 9 feet. All the trees and holiday decorations are auctioned or raffled. Free. Through Sunday (Dec. 4)

Durkee Mansion Historic Holiday, 6501 3rd Ave., This year’s theme is “Victorian Winter Elegance”. Holiday hours are 1:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The mansion will also be open special hours from 4-7 p.m., including access to the Gallery of Trees this week through Friday (Dec. 2).

Geezer Coffee, 8 p.m., Kenosha Comedy Club, Wyndham Garden Hotel, 5125 6th Ave. Tickets $14 plus fees.  

Captain Mike’s Annual Ice Bar, start time 6 p.m., 5118 6th Ave., designed by Art Below Zero. This outdoor event in partnership with Great Lakes Brewing features seasonal beer and a food truck serving raclette sandwiches. Bring a Christmas decoration for a free pint. 

Playspace Tree Light Up

Family

Playspace Tree Light Up, 4-6 p.m., Playspace Kenosha, 2225 63rd St. Activities include making ornaments for the PlaySpace tree, photo op area, hot cocoa bar, pizza, visit from Mrs. Claus, goodie bag, and playtime. Pre-purchased tickets required: children $20 each, free for adults accompanying children. 

Holiday Gnome Hunt, daily during park hours 7 a.m.-10 p.m., Pringle Nature Center at Bristol Woods, 9800 160th Ave. Find all of the gnomes hiding on the trails by the end of December for a chance to win a free 2023 PNC family membership! Gnome Photo Booth will be available in the Nature Center Post a photo from your gnome hunt on Instagram or Facebook and tag Pringle, or email your photo to Pringle Nature Center by December 31st to be entered into the drawing. This program is free, self-guided, and suitable for all ages. The park is open from 7 am to 10 pm year-round. Hiking trails close at dusk. 

Growing with Bristol Holiday Light Parade and Tree Lighting, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Hansen Park, 19806 68th Pl. Following the parade, the tree lighting features a performance by Midwest Dance Center, fireworks, free cookies and hot cocoa (while supplies last), and food trucks. 

Preschool Storytime, 9:30-10 a.m. and 10:30-11 a.m., Southwest Library, 7979 38th Ave. Preschool Storytime is designed for three to five-year-old children. Children enjoy 30 minutes of books, songs, fingerplays, and more during this classic storytime. 

Toddler Storytime, 10:30 a.m., Northside Library, 1500 27th Ave. Approximately 20 minutes of stories, songs and fingerplays for children ages 1-2 and their caregivers. 

Friday Fun Day, 2-4 p.m. Northside Library, 1500 27th Ave. Relax and have fun with games, crafts, building toys, or tech. Each session will feature a different activity to drop in and try. 

LEGOs @ The Library, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Uptown Library, 2419 63rd St. Build with LEGOs and display creations at the library. Best for families with children ages 5 and up. 

Teen Space @ Northside,  4:30-5:30 p.m., Northside Library, 1500 27th Ave. Relax with movies, video games, snacks and crafts. This laid-back program gives teens space to just be themselves and have fun with friends. Ages 12-19. 

Holiday Light Walk, 5-9 p.m., Jerry Smith Pumpkin Farm, 7150 18th St. holiday treats, fire pits, Santa, reindeer exhibit, shopping in the Country Store, and more! Admission $7 per person over age 3. Daily through Dec. 18. 

Pollination Investigation, 10-5 p.m., Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 1st Ave. Explore the essential role that pollinators play in the natural world.  Nearly 90% of flowering plants rely on about 200,000 species of animal pollinators for fertilization. Through pollinator profiles, learn about different pollinators – from butterflies and hummingbirds to bats and the wind – and their favorite flowers based on floral characteristics like flower shape, color, scent and more. Through March 5, 2023. 

Invisible Sun at The Brat Stop

SATURDAY, Dec. 3 

Music 

UW-Parkside Music Dept. presents: Glenn Burleigh’s Nguzo Saba Suite, 7 p.m., Francis Bedford Recital Hall, 900 Wood Dr. With the Master Singers, University Chorale, and Voices of Parkside. The Nguzo Saba Suite, featuring the seven principles of Kwanzaa, was commissioned for the UW-Parkside choirs. Student choirs will also present holiday selections. Tickets, $10 for general public, and $5 for seniors 60+ and youth ages 3-17,  can be purchased online or at the box office prior to the concert. 

Roundabouts with special guest Rachel Young Sipos, 8 p.m., Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave. Featuring Roundabouts tunes and Christmas classics. 

Invisible Sun (Police tribute), 8:30 p.m. The Brat Stop, 12304 75th St. with Sunblind (Sublime tribute). 

Lenny Bains (solo), 7-10 p.m., Public Craft Brewing, 628 58th St. 

Cool Yule with Harmonix, 7 p.m., Wyndham Garden Hotel, 5125 6th Ave. This six-week residency runs through Dec. 30, with shows scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays, 7 p.m. Thursdays, and 1:30/7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays (no shows Dec. 24-27). Tickets $20 general public, $13 for ages 13 and under. 

Art 

Anderson Arts Center Annual Winter Juried Exhibition Opening, 1-4 p.m., Anderson Arts Center, 6603 3rd Ave. Gallery hours Tuesday-Sunday 1-4 p.m. 

“Ope, Not Ope: A Wisconsin Printmakers Exposition,” H.F. Johnson Gallery of Art, Carthage College, 2001 Alford Ave. This exhibit features a collection of works from the best printmakers in the Midwest. Regular gallery hours noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Extended hours are from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursdays and from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays. All art exhibits are free and open to the public. 

Artistree Giftable Art Show, 11-5 p.m. Lemon Street Gallery, 4601 Sheridan Rd. annual sale of original artwork that is perfect for holiday gift giving!  We have an amazing arrangement of jewelry, glass, ceramics, candles, hand-painted items, accessories, fiber art, and more. 

Lakeside Players present: “A Seussified Christmas Carol” at the Rhode Center for the Arts

Theater 

KUSD Theatre Arts presents “Decision Height” by Dayna Meredith Levy, 7:30 p.m., Bradford High School Studio Theater 150, 3900 Washington Rd. Tickets $6-13. 

Lakeside Players present: “A Seussified Christmas Carol”, 7:30 p.m., Rhode Center for the Arts, 514 56th St. Tickets $10. 

Holiday Gifting & Art Fair at Gateway Technical College

Potpourri 

2nd Annual Ugly Sweater and Holiday Tree Auction, 5-8 p.m., Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha, 1330 52nd St. Complimentary food and beverages, kids games, raffle, auction of custom-created Christmas trees that are decorated and donated by area non-profit organizations and local businesses All proceeds from the auction and raffle will be donated to our foundation that supports annual scholarships for students studying and living in the Kenosha area. Complimentary tickets are free and multiple-level donation opportunities are available. 

Gateway Technical College Holiday Gifting and Art Fair, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Kenosha Campus, 3530 30th Ave.including jewelry, handmade crafts and specialty retail items. With 100+ booths. Santa will be on hand as well. 

Gallery of Trees, 1:30-4:30 p.m., Kemper Center, 6501 3rd Ave. The annual event showcases approximately 20 fully decorated Christmas trees, mantelpieces, wreaths, and centerpieces all sponsored by generous donors and decorated by creative volunteers. Trees range in size from 6 feet to 9 feet. All the trees and holiday decorations are auctioned or raffled. Free. Through Sunday (Dec. 4)

Durkee Mansion Historic Holiday, 6501 3rd Ave., This year’s theme is “Victorian Winter Elegance”. Holiday hours are 1:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

KASM Holiday Market

Kenosha Awakening Spiritual Market (KASM), 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Rhode Center for the Arts, 514 56th St. Vendors, presentations, food and beverages available for purchase. 

Merry & Bright Holiday Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Kemper Center, 6501 3rd Ave., both indoors and outdoors in heated tents. More than 40 vendors as well as holiday events. Food and beverages available in upper level cafe lounge.

Geezer Coffee, 8 p.m., Kenosha Comedy Club, Wyndham Garden Hotel, 5125 6th Ave. Tickets $14 plus fees.  

Nature Hike, 10-11 a.m., Pringle Nature Center at Bristol Woods, 9800 160th Ave. Nature Hikes are free, staff-guided casual walks in Bristol Woods with a different route, length, and topic (e.g., spring wildflowers, animal tracks) each time. Please check the PNC website for updated details before each hike. No registration required.

Loyal to the Union, Ohio in the Civil War. Explore the people and events that made the Buckeye state unique and so important to the Union cause. Civil War Museum, 5400 1st Ave. Daily hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday.

Merry & Bright Holiday Market at Kemper Center

Family 

Victorian Christmas, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Civil War Museum, 5400 1st Ave. This museum-wide program features an afternoon of holiday music, living history presentations, special displays, dancing, crafts and activities that explore how Upper Midwestern soldiers and civilians celebrated the Christmas season before and during the Civil War. New this year are pop up exhibits of antique toys, games and collectibles shared by community collectors from past eras. Free entry into the museum’s Fiery Trial Gallery, civil war soldier and 19th century civilian living history demonstrations, victorian crafts and games, appearance by Civil War-era Santa, apple cider press demonstrations, making dried orange, cinnamon & clove ornaments, miniatures displays. Also on display are hand-crafted miniatures by local artists and a concert of holiday favorites performed by Ed Pierce and the Palmyra Eagle Brass Band, Nash Elementary School Choir, and Victorian dance demonstrations and instruction. 

Holiday Gnome Hunt, daily during park hours 7 a.m.-10 p.m., Pringle Nature Center at Bristol Woods, 9800 160th Ave. Find all of the gnomes hiding on the trails by the end of December for a chance to win a free 2023 PNC family membership! Gnome Photo Booth will be available in the Nature Center Post a photo from your gnome hunt on Instagram or Facebook and tag Pringle, or email your photo to Pringle Nature Center by December 31st to be entered into the drawing. This program is free, self-guided, and suitable for all ages. The park is open from 7 am to 10 pm year-round. Hiking trails close at dusk. 

Family Storytime, 10:30-11 a.m., Simmons Library, 711 59th Pl.The whole family is invited to storytime! Come read stories, sing songs, and have fun! 

Holiday Light Walk opening night, 5-9 p.m., Jerry Smith Pumpkin Farm, 7150 18th St. holiday treats, fire pits, Santa, reindeer exhibit, shopping in the Country Store, and more! Admission $7 per person over age 3. Daily through Dec. 18. 

International Holiday: A Cultural Christmas Celebration, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 1st Ave. Celebrate the holidays with an international twist, by eating, shopping, and celebrating your way around the world while supporting local crafters and cultural organizations. Enjoy festive musical performances throughout the day, as well as hot cocoa bar, kid’s craft station to make a Nordic-inspired ornament or Japanese Ikebana floral arrangement to take home. 

Pollination Investigation, 10-5 p.m., Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 1st Ave. Explore the essential role that pollinators play in the natural world.  Nearly 90% of flowering plants rely on about 200,000 species of animal pollinators for fertilization. Through pollinator profiles, learn about different pollinators – from butterflies and hummingbirds to bats and the wind – and their favorite flowers based on floral characteristics like flower shape, color, scent and more. Through March 5, 2023. 

Mickey the Fox Snake Encounter, 2-3 p.m., Richard Bong State Recreation Area, 26313 Burlington Rd. Learn all about snakes and watch as the education snake Mickey is fed, and even get the chance to hold or touch Mickey. Meet in the Visitor Center Auditorium. Vehicle admission sticker is required: $8 per day for vehicles with Wisconsin plates (seniors $3) / $11 for vehicles with out-of-state plates. Annual state park vehicle admission sticker is also available, and state park passes are also available from the Kenosha Public Library. 

Glenn Burleigh’s Nguzo Saba Suite at UW-Parkside

SUNDAY, Dec. 4 

Music 

UW-Parkside Music Dept. presents: Glenn Burleigh’s Nguzo Saba Suite, 3 p.m., Francis Bedford Recital Hall, 900 Wood Dr. With the Master Singers, University Chorale, and Voices of Parkside. The Nguzo Saba Suite, featuring the seven principles of Kwanzaa, was commissioned for the UW-Parkside choirs. Student choirs will also present holiday selections. Tickets, $10 for general public, and $5 for seniors 60+ and youth ages 3-17,  can be purchased online or at the box office prior to the concert. 

Cool Yule with Harmonix, 7 p.m., Wyndham Garden Hotel, 5125 6th Ave. This six-week residency runs through Dec. 30, with shows scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays, 7 p.m. Thursdays, and 1:30/7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays (no shows Dec. 24-27). Tickets $20 general public, $13 for ages 13 and under. 

Cy’s Piano Jams, 4-7 p.m., Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave. 

Art 

Anderson Arts Center Annual Winter Juried Exhibition Opening, 1-4 p.m., Anderson Arts Center, 6603 3rd Ave. Gallery hours Tuesday-Sunday 1-4 p.m. 

“Ope, Not Ope: A Wisconsin Printmakers Exposition,” H.F. Johnson Gallery of Art, Carthage College, 2001 Alford Ave. This exhibit features a collection of works from the best printmakers in the Midwest. Regular gallery hours noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Extended hours are from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursdays and from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays. All art exhibits are free and open to the public. 

Artistree Giftable Art Show, 11-5 p.m. Lemon Street Gallery, 4601 Sheridan Rd. annual sale of original artwork that is perfect for holiday gift giving!  We have an amazing arrangement of jewelry, glass, ceramics, candles, hand-painted items, accessories, fiber art, and more. 

Theater 

Lakeside Players present: “A Seussified Christmas Carol”, 2 p.m., Rhode Center for the Arts, 514 56th St. Tickets $10. 

Durkee Mansion Historic Holiday

Potpourri 

Gallery of Trees, 1:30-4:30 p.m., Kemper Center, 6501 3rd Ave. The annual event showcases approximately 20 fully decorated Christmas trees, mantelpieces, wreaths, and centerpieces all sponsored by generous donors and decorated by creative volunteers. Trees range in size from 6 feet to 9 feet. All the trees and holiday decorations are auctioned or raffled. Free. Through Sunday (Dec. 4)

Durkee Mansion Historic Holiday, 6501 3rd Ave., This year’s theme is “Victorian Winter Elegance.” Holiday hours are 1:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Merry & Bright Holiday Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Kemper Center, 6501 3rd Ave., both indoors and outdoors in heated tents. More than 40 vendors as well as holiday events. Food and beverages available in upper level cafe lounge.

Kenosha HarborMarket, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Kenosha Union Club, 3030 39th Ave. Local vendors include produce, eggs, meat and poultry, prepared foods, soaps, arts and crafts, dog treats. Through April 29 (Dec. 10 at Union Club, Dec. 17 Holiday Market at Stella Hotel, closed Dec. 24 and 31). 

Little Happy Dance Christmas Craft and Vendor Event, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Kenosha Moose Lodge Hall, 3003 30th Ave.

Small Business Sunday Craft and Vendor Fair, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., The Vault, 625 57th St.

Loyal to the Union, Ohio in the Civil War. Explore the people and events that made the Buckeye state unique and so important to the Union cause. Civil War Museum, 5400 1st Ave. Daily hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday.

Observe the Night Sky, 6 p.m., Richard Bong Recreation Area, 26313 Burlington Rd. Meet in Parking Lot F to observe the night sky using telescopes or binoculars! Please dress appropriately for the weather. This event is weather permitting, and will be canceled in the event of an overcast night or inclement weather. Vehicle admission sticker is required: $8 per day for vehicles with Wisconsin plates (seniors $3) / $11 for vehicles with out-of-state plates. Annual state park vehicle admission sticker is also available. (State Park passes are available to be checked out at the Kenosha Public Library).

NaNoWriMo Writers Workshop, noon-4 p.m., Northside Library Community Room A, 1500 27th Ave. Both seasoned writers and first-time authors can stop by to learn new tips and tricks and have time to write in the presence of other writers.

Family 

Sunday Storytime, 2-3 p.m., Blue House Books, 5915 6th Ave. A. Each week a special guest storyteller will read books to children and have an activity for them as well. 

Holiday Gnome Hunt, daily during park hours 7 a.m.-10 p.m., Pringle Nature Center at Bristol Woods, 9800 160th Ave. Find all of the gnomes hiding on the trails by the end of December for a chance to win a free 2023 PNC family membership! Gnome Photo Booth will be available in the Nature Center Post a photo from your gnome hunt on Instagram or Facebook and tag Pringle, or email your photo to Pringle Nature Center by December 31st to be entered into the drawing. This program is free, self-guided, and suitable for all ages. The park is open from 7 am to 10 pm year-round. Hiking trails close at dusk. 

Holiday Light Walk opening night, 5-9 p.m., Jerry Smith Pumpkin Farm, 7150 18th St. holiday treats, fire pits, Santa, reindeer exhibit, shopping in the Country Store, and more! Admission $7 per person over age 3. Daily through Dec. 18. 

To submit an event for our “In the Loop” weekend listings, email Laura@Kenosha.com. Please include event details and contact information. 

HAVE A STORY TO TELL?