In the Loop: ’Tis the season, Kenosha! Nutcrackers, holiday markets and more!

Plenty of local events to help put you in a festive frame of mind

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:

Sing-Along Messiah at First United Methodist Church

Sing-Along Messiah

6 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 18)

First Church – United Methodist, 919 60th St.

Gregory Berg directs the Festival Arts Chamber Orchestra and soloists in the popular annual sing-along.

More information

*** 

Kenosha Academy of Performing Arts presents “The Nutcracker” at Bradford High School.

Two presentations of The Nutcracker:

The Story of The Nutcracker

1:30 and 7 p.m. Saturday, 1:30 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 17-18)

The Rita, UW-Parkside, 900 Wood Rd.

The Studio of Classical Dance Arts presents “The Story of the Nutcracker” set to Tchaikovsky’s classic score. Tickets $10-18. 

More information

The Nutcracker

7 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 16 and 18)

Bradford High School, 3700 Washington Rd.

Kenosha Academy of Performing Arts presents “The Nutcracker,” their 9th annual performance of the holiday classic, featuring 50 Kenosha Ballet students and a small cast of local adults. Tickets $16.80

More information

*** 

Two holiday markets:

Kenosha’s Holiday Winter HarborMarket

9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday (Dec. 17)

The Stella Hotel & Ballroom, 5706 8th Ave.

Live music by Indigo Canyon, Santa Claus and the Snow Prince, gifts, food, beverages, vendors, and more.

More information

Kenosha Public Market Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 17)

Kemper Center, 6501 3rd Ave.

Enjoy holiday drinks, delicious food, handmade gifts and kids get to roast their own s’mores! Come in your ugliest, fluffiest, itchiest Christmas sweater and receive a 4 pack of hand painted ornaments (while supplies last).

More information

*** 

The Lineup

THURSDAY, December 15

Music 

Rhythm Dogs Blues Jam, 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. 

Acrylic Pours and More with Katy Wallner at Kenosha Creative Space

Art 

Acrylic Pours and More with Katy Wallner, 7:30 p.m., Kenosha Creative Space. Tickets include four ornaments or two tile pieces and one beverage. Tickets and more info HERE

Creatives Club, 5-8 p.m., Lemon Street Gallery, 4601 Sheridan Rd. Bring in your current art project, whether it’s a painting, drawing, mixed media, poetry, or lyrics for a song and work on it. Two different environments for writing and creating are available. It’s not necessary to have a project prepared, there will be art supplies, materials to make collages, and painting/drawing supplies so participants can start a new project. 

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. 

“Elf” at the Northside Library

Potpourri 

1LT Edna Gray: WWII Army Nurse,  Kenosha History Center, 220 51st Pl. Edna Gray was 35 years old when she became the first Kenoshan to become a Red Cross volunteer to be an Army nurse in 1943. After a short familiarization training at Camp (now Fort) McCoy, she was sent to Europe. Supporting the Normandy landings and the campaign into Germany, The new exhibit at the Kenosha History Center is drawn from 1LT Gray’s scrapbook, researched and compiled by Royanne Moon. Through Dec. 31. History Center hours: Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday noon-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. 

Afternoon Movie @ Northside: “Elf,” 12:30-3:30, Northside Library, 1500 27th Ave. 

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.

Wild Ones – Native Plants and Natural Landscapes, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 1st Ave. Photos by youth, adults, and professionals from around the country show Native species in their natural environments, from urban backyards to the American wilderness.

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 a.m.-10 p.m. year-round. Hiking trails close at dusk. 

Once Upon a Cuento Bilingual Storytime, 9:30-10 a.m., Southwest Library, 7979 38th Ave.¡Bienvenidos! Welcome to our storytime bilingüe. We will read libros and sing canciones. 

Preschool Storytime, 10-10:30 p.m., Northside Library 1500 27th Ave. Designed for three to five-year-old children. Children enjoy 30 minutes of books, songs, fingerplays, and more during this classic storytime. 

Frozen Fortresses, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Uptown Neighborhood Library, 2419 63rd St. Engineering has never looked so “cool!” If the weather permits, we’ll build frozen fortresses outside on the lawn. If not, we’ll use marshmallows, colorful ice, and other indoor-friendly building materials. Registration required. 

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. (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. 

Lucky Pickers at Public Craft Brewing
Tipsy Town at Union Park Tavern

FRIDAY, Dec. 16 

Music 

Gold Label Christmas, 7:30-10 p.m., Kenosha Creative Space, 624 57th St. Gold Label, a local indie-rock group consists of four high schoolers, Aleks Jankovic (vocals, rhythm guitar), Jack Salisbury (drums, percussion), Evan Arneson (bass), and Ian Valdez (lead guitar) playing original songs and well-known covers. $5 donation.

Lucky Pickers (Americana/bluegrass), 7 p.m., Public Craft Brewing, 628 58th St. Despina Pafralides of Fox Crossing Stringband & Tiny Country, & Caleb Peters from Miles Over Mountains. 

Tipsy Town, 9 p.m., Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave. Americana and folk rock music featuring guitar, ukelele, bass and violin. No cover charge. 

3D- The De Braal Brothers (Acoustic rock), 6-9 p.m., 24’s Rumor’s Lounge, 1402 52nd St. 

Advent Organ Concert with organist Brian Schoettler, 11:30 a.m., St. Paul Lutheran Church, 8760 37th Ave. Free. 

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 

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

“Don’t Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle” in downtown Kenosha

Potpourri 

“Don’t Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle” downtown specialty shops event, 6-9 p.m., Lulu Birds, 5716 6th Ave. Tickets will include a tote bag, refreshments, drawings and offers at each of the 5 shops, including Blue House Books, To & From, and more. Tickets $20. 

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

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.

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

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. 

Wild Ones – Native Plants and Natural Landscapes, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 1st Ave. Photos by youth, adults, and professionals from around the country show Native species in their natural environments, from urban backyards to the American wilderness. 

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. 

Brown Bag Movies: The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, noon-2 p.m., Southwest Library, 7979 38th Ave. Bring your lunch or some movie snacks to eat and watch a fun family film on the big screen.

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. 

Teen Dungeons and Dragons, noon-1:30 p.m., Southwest Library, 7979 38th Ave. Beginners welcome at this short D&D adventure. Ages 12-19. Registration required. 

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. 

Small Eyes Under the Skies, 5-6:30 p.m.  Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum School Yard Observatory, 880 Green Bay Rd. Take turns looking through our 16-inch telescope at binary stars, dim planets, distant galaxies, and other sky objects. Learn about these objects, their distances, sizes, and orbits and take a tour of the night sky. Tickets $12. 

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. (Through Dec. 18) 

Southern Jack at The Brat Stop
Boys and Toys at 58 Below

SATURDAY, Dec 17 

Music 

Spirit Shakers Christmas with special guests Lockwood and Morrow, 7-10 pm., Kenosha Creative Space, 624 57th St. $10 donation. 

Jill Plaisted Band (Americana), 8 p.m., Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave. 

Twang Shui (jazz), 8:30 p.m., Sazzy B, 5623 6th St. 

Southern Jack, 10 p.m.-midnight, The Brat Stop, 12304 75th St. 

Pat McCurdy, 7:30 p.m., Wyndham Garden Hotel, 5125 6th Ave. Tickets $10 plus fees. 

Mac Dralle, 7-10 p.m., Public Craft Brewing, 628 58th St.

Boys and Toys, 7 p.m., 58 Below, 504 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. 

“A Doublewide, Texas Christmas” at the Rhode Center for the Arts

Theater/Dance 

The Story of The Nutcracker, 1:30 and 7 p.m., The Rita, UW-Parkside, 900 Wood Rd. The Studio of Classical Dance Arts presents this holiday classic set to Tchaikovsky’s beautiful score. Tickets $10-18.  

The Nutcracker, 7 p.m. Bradford High School, 3700 Washington Rd. Kenosha Academy of Performing Arts presents “The Nutcracker,” their 9th annual performance of the holiday classic, featuring 50 Kenosha Ballet students and a small cast of local adults. Tickets $16.80. 

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

Observe the Night Sky at Richard Bong Recreation Area

Potpourri 

Kenosha’s Holiday Winter HarborMarket, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., The Stella Hotel & Ballroom, 5706 8th Ave. Live music by Indigo Canyon, Santa Claus and the Snow Prince, gifts, food, beverages, vendors, and more.

Kenosha Public Market Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Kemper Center, 6501 3rd Ave. Enjoy holiday drinks, delicious food, handmade gifts and kids get to roast their own s’mores! Come in your ugliest, fluffiest, itchiest Christmas sweater and receive a 4 pack of hand painted ornaments (while supplies last). 

Winter Solstice Night Hike, 5:30-7 p.m., Pringle Nature Center at Bristol Woods, 9800 160th Ave. Take in the beauty of the woods! Participants will check in at Pringle Nature Center during one of three 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. $6 per person, free for members and volunteers. Pre-registration required by Friday, Dec. 16 (no walk-ins).

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).

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

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. 

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.

Wild Ones – Native Plants and Natural Landscapes, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 1st Ave. Photos by youth, adults, and professionals from around the country show Native species in their natural environments, from urban backyards to the American wilderness.

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

Pictures with Santa at the Kenosha History Center

Family

Holidays at the History Center, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Kenosha History Center, 220 51st Pl. Santa will visit the Kenosha History Center for photos and to talk to the youngsters. Other attractions include a holiday coloring station, Bob the Organ Grinder will provide a mix of holiday favorites and other tunes, Kenosha History Center Gift Shop, tours of Southport Lighthouse will be open for tours and climbs on all three Saturdays from 10 am until 4 p.m. and a lecture on the “Rouse Simmons Christmas Tree Ship” will be held at noon. Free. 

2nd Annual Stuffed Animal Pet Show, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Southwest Library, 7979 38th Ave. he Pet Show is back! Enter your stuffed animal into our pet show. Complete a quick check-up at the vet station, fill out your animal’s stat sheet, take a photo and make a picture frame, and compete in a series of challenges with your pet. At the end, we will have a parade, awards ceremony, and declare a “best in show” winner! (Please bring only one stuffed animal per child.) For ages 3-5. 

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., Uptown Neighborhood Library, 2419 63rd St.  The whole family is invited to storytime! Come read stories, sing songs, and have fun.

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. (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.

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.

SUNDAY, Dec. 18 

Music 

KCC Presents: Carol of Joy, 3 p.m., St. Matthew Episcopal Church, 5900 7th Ave. Join the Kenosha Chamber Choir for their annual holiday concert. Tickets are $5 per person and flat rate of $20 for a family of 4 or more. 

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/Dance 

The Story of The Nutcracker, 1:30 p.m., The Rita, UW-Parkside, 900 Wood Rd. The Studio of Classical Dance Arts presents this holiday classic set to Tchaikovsky’s beautiful score. Tickets $10-18.  

The Nutcracker, 1 p.m. Bradford High School, 3700 Washington Rd. Kenosha Academy of Performing Arts presents “The Nutcracker,” their 9th annual performance of the holiday classic, featuring 50 Kenosha Ballet students and a small cast of local adults. Tickets $16.80. 

Lakeside Players present “A Doublewide Texas Christmas,” 2  p.m., Rhode Center for the Arts, 514 56th St. Tickets $10 plus fee. 

Model Railroad Train Show at the Kenosha Union Club

Potpourri 

Model Railroad Train Show, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Kenosha Union Club, 3030 39th Ave. Buy and sell model trains, all sizes, N-HO-S-027-0-G scales. Many dealers and buyers. Donation at door $5. Women and children under 12 admitted free. 

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. 

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.

Wild Ones – Native Plants and Natural Landscapes, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 1st Ave. Photos by youth, adults, and professionals from around the country show Native species in their natural environments, from urban backyards to the American wilderness. 

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

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, 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. (Final day) 

Brunch with Santa, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., The 1844 Table and Mash, 5706 8th Ave. Tickets and more info HERE

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. 

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

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