Holiday Happenings in Downtown Waukesha

Mark Your Calendars as there are some great events coming up in downtown Waukesha for the holidays. I highlighted a few of the bigger events but I see that OurDowntown.com & Waukesha Silver Bells have rather extensive calendar with great events each night of the week in Waukesha. Live music, trivia nights, poker, karaoke, open mic, dance lessons and so much more fill each night of the week in Waukesha. There is always something going on.

11/21 - TREE LIGHTING - 8 PM - 9:30 PM
I have actually never attended this but I enjoy taking pictures of the gorgeous tree every year. I might just have the opportunity to be downtown during the tree lighting and might sing a song or too with the crowd. Listen for the tone deaf girl - that's me! 

11/23 - HOLIDAY STROLL - 12 PM -4 PM
Enjoy the wonderful shops that will be all decorated for the season and take advantage of some great sales and discounts.

11/23 - PHOTOS WITH SANTA - 12 PM - 3PM
Leticia Guzman American Family Insurance Agency on South & Grand.

11/23 - OPEN HOUSE AT THE WAUKESHA COUNTY MUSEUM - 1PM - 4PM
Enjoy a FREE afternoon at the museum before the Parade! 

11/23 - 52nd ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARADE - 4 PM - 7PM
I have made it a tradition with my friends to watch the parade every year. For the last few years we have watched the parade from the warmth of a local business on Main Street but I want to keep that a secret for fear of the place getting overcrowded. And the Packers game is at noon so no interference there. Maybe we will have to make it a day-long event with my friends again.

11/28 - BLACK FRIDAY
I'm sure the shops in downtown Waukesha will have some sort of specials for the day after Turkey Day but I haven't heard of anything specific.

11/28 - 12/20 - HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES - $5 per person or $12 for a family of 3 or more.
Fridays - 6 - 9 PM
Saturdays - 1 - 5 PM

11/29 - SANTA'S BREAKFAST - 8 AM - 10 AM
Martha Merrill's Bookshop - Advanced Reservations Required - 262-547-1060


11/29 - SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
You better believe I will be in downtown Waukesha on Saturday supporting our local shops and buying my holiday presents. I cannot think of a better way to personalize gifts than buying local. And you truly can find something for everyone. I urge all of you to Shop Local for at least some of your gifts this year. The more money you spend locally, the more stays locally to benefit the local communities.

11/29 - FREE PHOTOS WITH SANTA - 1 PM - 3 PM
Waukesha Wireless Store - They are offering this every Saturday until Christmas

12/6 - GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS CELEBRATION - 4 - 5 PM
Last year, Downtown Waukesha broke the record for the most carolers in one area singing together and we are celebrating that amazing feat this year. 


12/6 - ROCKIN' KRINGLE ART CRAWL - 4 - 10 PM
The downtown shops stay open extra late and offer great deals and discounts to get that one of a kind, unique gift for that special someone in your life. 

12/7 - SANTA RUN/WALK - 10:30 AM
I participated in this a few times and both times there was a snowfall. Last year, it was even snowing during the run and I truly had snowflakes that stayed on my nose and eyelashes. I plan to participate again this year with friends.

12/13 - UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER SATURDAY- ALL DAY
If you are wearing an ugly Christmas sweater, local establishments in downtown will offer you a special discount. If you have ever needed a reason to wear an ugly sweater more than just to the office party or friend's holiday party - this is it.

Holiday Happenings in Waukesha

The holidays are going to be here before we know it (and before we are ready!) Waukesha has so many great things going on for the holidays and I want to share that information with you. I have participated in some of these events in the past and they are really fun.

This website has great Waukesha holiday information all in one great place. I don't see that the actual Silver Bells shopping event is happening, but I see the holiday stroll before the parade is back!!!

November 22nd - Tree Lighting - 6 pm
I haven't attended this actual event, but I definitely make it a point to check out the tree every year. If you don't know where this is - it's the large pine tree in front of the Rotunda, covered in beautiful lights every year.

November 24th - Holiday Stroll - noon - 4 pm
Definitely head out to the shops on Sunday before the parade. Special deals will be available at the stores and you have the chance at getting a closer parking spot for the parade the earlier you get there!

November 24th - Holiday Parade - 4 pm
I have attended the parade for the last few years with my friends. It's a fun event! One year we brought cocoa from my condo and walked downtown. We had to cuddle close to stay warm by the end. Last year we had a plan in place. We stood outside Bernie's Tap Room for our spot and when we got cold, we went inside and watched the rest from the big windows eating Duck Pizza and drinking a little bit. (I risk the chance of giving up my spot this year by sharing this vital info, but I want people to come to Waukesha for this great parade, so I won't mind too much!)

November 30th - Small Business Saturday
Yes this falls after Black Friday, but I really urge you all to consider shopping local this year and supporting our great local artists and shops this year. So if you weren't trampled on Black Friday - come to downtown Saturday and finish your shopping :)

December 6th - Art Crawl - 4 - 10 pm
Shops stay open later and have many great specials. This is your chance to SHOP LOCAL at any of the great shops in downtown and get great gifts for all your loved ones.

December 8th - Santa Run - 10:30 am
I only participated the first year and it was a blast. My friends and I didn't realize that people were really going to run it in the snowy-icy conditions so we had boots on that made running difficult. I believe we are going to be true competitors this year and run it - with a nice beer and pizza after I'm sure!

Fridays & Saturdays in December - Carriage Rides
Check the link for details on times