It’s the weekend before Christmas and all through the town, plenty of venues are stirring, downtown and beyond.
Best Bet
Kenosha HarborMarket is pulling out all the stops for the 2021 finale, moving its indoor location for one day only to the Stella Hotel & Ballroom, 5706 8th Ave., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 18).
“I’m really excited about the entire atmosphere in the beautiful Stella Ballroom with the huge windows, the decor and amazing things to purchase to celebrate the holiday,” said HarborMarket Executive Director Andrea Forgianni.
“It will be a festive atmosphere and a treat for all of your senses,” she said.
The market features more than 30 specialty vendors including arts and crafts, handcrafted goods, soaps and body care, dog treats, home decor and more. Food to take home or enjoy at the Stella will be available for purchase, including holiday specialty fare and other offerings.
This special version of the Holiday HarborMarket features live music by Indigo Canyon, raffle baskets benefiting the Shalom Center, food, adult beverages and hot chocolate. Santa Claus will be on hand from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Kenosha Public Market continues its double holiday run with two downtown locations, The Vault Banquet Hall, 625 57th St. and Public Craft Brewing Co., 628 58th St., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mrs. Claus will help the kids write letters to Santa and send them in a magic mailbox. There will also be facepainting for kids and other holiday treats.
Both the HarborMarket and Kenosha Public Market will be closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day. The markets resume Jan. 8 in their regular indoor locations; HarborMarket returns to the Union Club, 3030 39th Ave., while KPM will be back to one location at The Vault.
Top picks
The Kenosha Academy of Performing Arts’ Ballet Kenosha will present the 8th annual production of “The Nutcracker” 7 p.m. Friday (Dec. 17) and 1 p.m. Sunday (Dec.19) at Bradford High School Auditorium, 3700 Washington Rd.
Ballet Kenosha’s adaptation of the classic tale recalling a magical Christmas Eve celebration set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score features local dancers age 5 and up. Tickets are $15.
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A jam-packed lineup highlights “Out in Public,” a standup comedy show with special guest band Earthmother (presented by Crimson Jester Productions) beginning at 8 p.m. Friday (Dec. 17) at Public Craft Brewing, 628 58th St.
The lineup of comedians includes Aaron Clark, Drew Flagge, Jose Montero, Seth Davis and headliner Mike Hover, with Jordan Pauley hosting the night. Hover has opened for Carlos Alazaraqui, Dino Archie, Greg Hahn, and Laurie Kilmartin.
There are no presale tickets or online sales; Admission is $15 at the door only.
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Embodying the holiday spirit, KUSD Theater Arts found a way to bring “Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley” to the stage in spite of obstacles. Students will perform two shows, 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday (Dec. 16-17), in the Bradford High School Studio Theater, 3700 Washington Rd.
A sequel to Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” set two years after the novel ends, “Miss Bennet” continues the story during the holidays with middle-sister Mary as the unlikely heroine. Tickets are $6 for students, $11 for senior citizens and $13 for the general public.
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Take in the beauty of the woods during the longest night of the year at the Winter Solstice Night Hike, presented by Pringle Nature Center from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 18) at Bristol Woods Park.
“Let’s send off 2021 and ring in the new year with a night hike celebrating the cultural and natural history of the winter solstice,” organizers said on the event website.
Participants should check in at Pringle Nature Center during one of four time slots before embarking on a self-guided, interactive night hike through the trails of Bristol Woods and finishing with hopes for the new year at the yule log.
Cost is $6 for the general public, free for Friends of Pringle members and volunteers. Pre-registration is required, no walk-ins.
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Santa is a busy man this weekend. Here is a sampling of the many places here can be seen ‘round town:
- Ice Cream with Santa at Scoops, 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 18), 5711 8th Ave.
- Cookies With Santa presented by: Lou Perrine’s Gas & Groceries, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 18), 5145 Sheridan Rd.
- Uptown Holiday Celebration, 5:30 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 19), 6300 22nd Ave. The event features gifts for children ages 2-14, hot cocoa, music and a gathering around the Uptown tree.
- Santa at The Stella, 9 a.m. to noon Sunday (Dec. 19). Presented by Cafe at The Stella, 5706 8th Ave. Free.
- Santa will be on hand Friday and Saturday (Dec. 17-18) only during this final weekend of Holiday LIghts at the Farm, a walkable holiday light display, 3-8 p.m. at Jerry Smith Farm, 7150 18th St. General admission is $5 for guests 3+ years old. The display is open daily 3-8 p.m through Sunday (Dec. 19).
Day Tripper
Whether it’s a holiday favorite or a guilty pleasure, Hallmark movies are everywhere leading up to the holiday. The Yard at Bayshore Mall , 5800 N. Bayshore Dr. Glendale, just north of Milwaukee is hosting a Hallmark Christmas Marathon from 1 to 7 p.m. Friday (Dec. 17) with the following selections: “Christmas in Tahoe,” “A Timeless Christmas,” and “Good Morning Christmas.” Admission is free, food and drinks available for purchase.
Spoiler alert: The movies all have happy holiday endings.
The Lineup
FRIDAY, Dec. 17
Music
The Roundabouts (Americana) 9 p.m., Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave.
Oscar Wilde, 9 p.m., 58 Below, 504 58th St.
89 Mojo and Wisconsin native/Nashville recording artist Michael Scott, 7 p.m. Coins Sports Bar, $10 cover.
Art
Annual Winter Juried Exhibition, 1-4 p.m. Anderson Arts Center, 6603 3rd Ave, through Jan. 9, 2022. Admission is free; donations appreciated.
Theater/Dance
KUSD Theater Arts presents “Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley,” 7:30 p.m., Bradford High School Studio Theater, 3700 Washington Rd. Tickets $6 students/staff, $11 senior citizens and $13 general public.
KAPA/Ballet Kenosha presents “The Nutcracker,” 7 p.m., Bradford Auditorium, 3700 Washington Rd. Tickets $15.
Potpourri
“Out in Public” Comedy show with live music by Earthmother. 8-11 p.m. Public Craft Brewing, 628 58th St. Tickets $15 available only at the door.
Historic Durkee Mansion featuring “Starry Woodland Nights” holiday decor, 1:30-4:30 p.m. at Kemper Center, 6501 3rd Ave.
Family
Preschool Story Time, 9:30-10 a.m. and 10:30-11 a.m., Southwest Library, 7979 38th Ave.
Fun Fridays for families with children, 1-3 p.m. Southwest Library, 7979 38th Ave.
Open Skate, City Ice Rink at Veterans Memorial Park, 625 52nd St. Daily 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (weather permitting). Free skate rental (first-come, first-served) available 4 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays, and noon to 8 p.m. Sundays. Photo ID required for skate rental. Free.
SATURDAY, Dec. 18
Music
Lunde Christmas Show with Teenage Diplomat, 9 p.m. (doors open 8 p.m.), Kenosha Creative Space, 624 57th St. $10
Revival, 8 p.m. Public Craft Brewing, 628 58th St. No cover charge.
Spirit Shakers/Ugly Sweater Contest, Fusion, 5014 7th Ave.
Empty Bottle Boys & 1 Shot Jane (Blue Grass) 8-11 p.m. Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave.
Would You Kindly? 8 p.m., tg’s Restaurant & Pub, 4120 7th Ave. Free.
Unusual Mojo (members of the Unusual Suspects and 89 Mojo) Ugly Sweater Party, 8 p.m. The band will also be spinning Christmas songs before and after the show, 58 Below, 504 58th St.
Kenosha Pops Concert Band Holiday Concert, 7 p.m., A. F. Siebert Chapel on the Carthage College campus, 2001 Alford Dr. Free tickets required, available online or through Fine Arts Box Office (262) 551-6661.
Aces High, 9 p.m. The Brat Stop, 12304 75th St.
Art
Anderson Arts Center holiday shopping event, 1-4 p.m., featuring art, jewelry, ceramics and more. 6603 Third Ave.
Annual Winter Juried Exhibition, 1-4 p.m. Anderson Arts Center, 6603 3rd Ave, through Jan. 9, 2022. Admission is free, donations appreciated.
Potpourri
My Animix Jingle & Mingle Christmas Party, 5 -8 p.m. 5700 75th St. DJ, holiday grab bags, wishing tree, games, food.
Historic Durkee Mansion featuring “Starry Woodland Nights” holiday decor, 1:30-4:30 p.m. at Kemper Center, 6501 3rd Ave.
Kenosha HarborMarket, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Stella Ballroom, 5706 8th Ave.
Kenosha Public Market, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., two locations: The Vault Banquet Hall, 625 57th St. and Public Craft Brewing Co., 628 58th St.
Family
Family Game Night To-Go Box pickup, 9-11 a.m., all Kenosha Public Library branches. Free. Quantities are limited.
Open Skate, City Ice Rink at Veterans Memorial Park, 625 52nd St. Daily 9 a.m. -10 p.m. (weather permitting). Free skate rental (first-come, first-served) available 4-9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays, and noon-8 p.m. Sundays. Photo ID required for skate rental. Free.
SUNDAY, Dec. 19
Music
Cy’s Piano Jams, 4-7 p.m., Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave.
Open Mic with Daniel Thompson and His 3 AM Saints, 4-8 p.m., Fusion, 5014 7th Ave.
Theater/Dance
KAPA/Ballet Kenosha presents “The Nutcracker,” 1p.m., Bradford Auditorium, 3700 Washington Rd. Tickets $15.
Art
Annual Winter Juried Exhibition, 1-4 p.m. Anderson Arts Center, 6603 3rd Ave, through Jan. 9, 2022. Admission is free; donations appreciated.
Potpourri
Studio Moonfall special guest artist, Inthreadable Designs featuring handcrafted ornaments (see link), as well as books, masks and superhero ornaments.
Ornament painting with local artist Jill Zgorzelski, 3-6 p.m. Fusion, 5014 Seventh Ave.
Historic Durkee Mansion featuring “Starry Woodland Nights” holiday decor, 1:30-4:30 p.m. at Kemper Center, 6501 3rd Ave.
Last-Minute Holiday Shopping event featuring the merchants of 6th Avenue/Friendship Park and neighboring shops. The event includes Mrs. Claus, cookies and also gift wrapping provided at Em’s Dance Center, 5913 6th Ave. A.
Family
Santa at The Stella, 9 a.m.-noon, Presented by Cafe at The Stella, 5706 8th Ave. Free.
Open Skate, City Ice Rink at Veterans Memorial Park, 625 52nd St. Daily 9 a.m. -10 p.m. (weather permitting). Free skate rental (first-come, first-served) available 4-9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays, and noon-8 p.m. Sundays. Photo ID required for skate rental. Free.
To submit an event for Kenosha.com’s Calendar, please email Laura@Kenosha.com and be sure to include contact information.
