Christmas in the Ward

‘Tis the season to celebrate! On Friday, Dec. 4, the Historic Third Ward ushers in the holiday season with its 37th annual Christmas in the Ward event in Catalano Square, 147 N. Broadway. Christmas in the Ward is a community event that welcomes thousands of visitors every year to celebrate the holiday season.

The festive, family-friendly event — which is free and open to the public — is held 5:30-8:30 p.m. and features a tree lighting ceremony, fireworks over the river, a visit from Santa and his reindeer, and much more. Activities include:

5:30-8:30 p.m.:

• Cookie sale benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin

• Food trucks line the 100 block of North Broadway

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

• Cocoa, cocoa cocktails, wine, mulled wine and beer available in Catalano Square

• Live reindeer and costumed characters in Catalano Square

6:15-8:30 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.

5:30-6 p.m.: Live music

6-7 p.m.: Tree lighting ceremony with Santa Claus and Milwaukee dignitaries, emceed by Molly Snyder of OnMilwaukee.com, with live music

6:45 p.m.: Fireworks display over the Milwaukee River, followed by holiday music