DECEMBER 2004 - Special Events

Complete address of sites is listed with first mention. Area codes of phone numbers are 414 unless shown otherwise. Please confirm events when possible; listings are subject to change.

POTAWATOMI BINGO CASINO, 1721 W. Canal St. Located minutes from downtown, this two-story entertainment complex offers high-stakes bingo; craps, roulette, blackjack table games, and video and reel slot machines. 500-seat cabaret-style theater and 1,800-seat concert hall host some of the nation’s top performers. Dining options include international buffet, sports bar & grill, fine dining restaurant and snack bars. Open 24 hours a day. Call toll-free, 1-800-PAYS-BIG or visit www.paysbig.com

FIRST FRIDAY, Dec. 3; Milwaukee Art Museum, 700 N. Art Museum Dr. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free appetizers, cash bar. Sponsored by KEY Milwaukee. 224-3200.

CEDARBURG FESTIVE FRIDAY EVES, through Dec. 17; Cedar Creek Settlement, Washington Ave. & Bridge Rd. Historic Cedarburg. Each Friday evening features a different theme. All in the historic setting of the 1864 Cedar Creek Settlement, a three-story wooden mill filled with specialty shops, artist studios, a winery and restaurant. 5-9 p.m. 866-626-7005.

SEASON OF WONDER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES, through Dec. 24; Milwaukee Public Museum, 800 W. Wells St. See KEY Cover Feature.

COUNTRY CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW, through Dec. 31; Country Inn Hotel, Waukesha, exit I-94 at Hwy. T. north & left at Golf Rd. Displays with over a million lights to drive through, carload admission. 262-970-5000.

LEONARD BEARSTEIN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, through Jan. 1; Shops of Grand Avenue atrium, W. Wisconsin Ave. at Old World 3rd St. Conductor “Bearstein” and his 18-piece orchestra of animated bears perform on the hour. 224-0655.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS FESTIVAL, through Jan. 2; See KEY Attractions for more Holiday Lights info. 220-4700.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY, Dec. 2-4; Cedar Creek Settlement, Washington Ave. & Bridge Rd. Historic Cedarburg. Featuring 75 artisans in the Cedar Creek Winery. 800-237-2874.

GIFT WRAP, STAMPERS AND MORE, Dec. 2; Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, 929 E. Wisconsin Ave. Workshop. Preregistration requested, payment due at desk. 390-5437.

WAREHOUSE SALE, Dec. 2-4; ; 204 W. Washington St. Canvasbacks sells fashions, fabrics, and fabulous coats. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Thurs., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat. 384-4484, ext. 224.

SILVERBELL MARKETPLACE, Dec. 2-4; Cedarburg Community Center, Cedarburg, W63 N641 Washington Ave., Over 40 artisans and café. 800-237-2874.

CHRISTMAS IN THE WARD, Dec. 3-4; Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward. 273-1173.

TEN CHIMNEYS LECTURE SERIES, Dec. 3; Ten Chimneys , Genesee Depot. Aaron Frankel discusses the Golden Age of Theater. 262-968-4161.

HOLIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W. Bluemound Rd. Light displays, holiday activities and musical performances. 6-9 p.m. 256-5414.

FAMILY FREE DAY, Dec. 4; Milwaukee County Zoo. Bank One sponsors free admission 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 256-5412.

CHRISTMAS ON THE CORNER, Dec. 4; Downtown Port Washington. Sales promotions, Santa, St. Nick, live nativity, live reindeer, carolers and more. Noon-8 p.m. 1-800-719-4881.

MARCHE DE NOEL, Dec. 4; Alliance Fraincaise, 1800 E. Capitol Dr. Annual fundraiser for group that helps students learn French language includes designer jewelry, handbags, shawls and other items from Heidi Calaway of Vieux et Nouveau. Noon- 4 p.m. 964-3855.

LIGHT STATION HISTORIC CHRISTMAS SHOWCASE, Dec. 4, 11, 18; Light Station, Port Washington. This historic site decorated for Christmas and cookies and cider. Photos with Santa Dec. 4 (bring your own camera.) 1-800-719-4881.

SATURDAYS WITH SANTA, Dec. 4, 11, 18; Shops of Grand Avenue, Wisconsin Ave. and Old World 3rd St. Special activirties and Radio Disney “Street Jam.” For kids 14 and under. Noon-2 p.m. 224-0384.

TWELVE DAYS OF GINGER, Dec. 4-6 & Dec. 11-19; Boerner Botanical Gardens, 9400 Boerner Dr. in Whitnall Park, Hales Corners. Higlights include Sunday Gingerbread Brunch, gingerbread house workshops and Secret Gift Shop on 12/5, 12/12 and 12/19. Other days offer cooking demonstrations, craft workshops, family activities and gift shop specials. Call 525-5663 or visist www.BoernerBotanicalGardens.org

HOLIDAY BAZAAR, Dec. 5; Polish Center of Wisconsin, 6941 South 68th St., (between Rawson and Loomis). Items reflecting Polish culture for sale, visit from St. Nicholas at noon, champagne brunch. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 529-2140.

HOLIDAY GLOW DINE WITH WINE EVENING, Dec. 14; Weissgerber’s Seven Seas, 1807 Nagawicka Rd., Hartland. Festive food and wines. 262-367-3903.

NEIGHBORHOOD NIGHT, Dec. 16; Betty Brinn Children’s Museum. Free admission by Jewel-Osco 5-8 p.m. 390-5437.

DICKENS DINNERS, Dec. 16, 17, 20, 21, 22; Pabst Mansion, 2000 W. Wisconsin Ave. Bartolotta’s catering. Reservations 258-7885.

NEIGHBORHOOD NIGHT, Dec. 16: Betty Brinn Children’s Museum. Free admission 5-8 p.m. 390-5437.

WINTER WONDER WORKSHOPS, Dec. 20-23, 27-29; Betty Brinn Children’s Museum. 1 p.m. 390-5437.