Celebrate the holidays in the Historic Third Ward

GALA SPECIAL EVENTS on Friday, Dec. 3, and a holiday shopping extravaganza on Saturday, Dec. 4 are highlights of the 16th Annual Christmas in the Ward, 5-8 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.

The Historic Third Ward is a picturesque area located just south of the heart of downtown. Shops, salons and spas, art galleries, theaters, restaurants and night spots are a part of this neighborhood. “The Ward” was once home to the city’s Irish and Italian communities, warehouse district and commission row.

Catalano Square (N. Broadway and E. Menomonee St.) is the place to be when the event kicks off on Friday, Dec. 3. The Tree Lighting Ceremony begins at 5 p.m. with music by the Milwaukee Police Band. A lively performance by St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy Herald Trumpets and the Trinity Irish Dancers is followed by a fireworks display at 6 p.m. Carriage rides will be available on Friday from 5-8 p.m. for $3/adult and $1/child (12 and under) and there will be entertainment for the kids.

On Friday and Saturday, a Silent Auction and Cookie Sale in the firehouse, 176 N. Broadway, benefits Toys for Tots. In addition, a holiday raffle with a top prize from Midwest Airlines is part of the fun.

On Saturday, incredible sales, in-store promotions and demonstrations are planned. Shoppers purchasing $20 or more from participating merchants receive free schooner holiday cards and are entered in a drawing for gift certificates.

Children can visit Santa in Jolly’s outdoor Gingerbread House 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 3, noon-3 p.m. & 6-9 p.m. Dec. 4, 5-9 p.m. Dec. 10 & 11.

Jolly’s Secret Gift Shop, located in Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design’s Strange Brew Café & Gallery, 143 N. Broadway, is open 5-8 p.m. Dec. 3, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 6-9 p.m. Dec. 4, and 5-9 p.m. Dec. 10 & 11.

Free parking is available in the Third Ward parking structures after 4 p.m. on Friday and all day Saturday at 212 N. Milwaukee St. and 225 E. Chicago St. The Holiday Lights Jingle Bus stops at Catalano Square during Jolly’s evening hours.

Jingle Bus rides are $1, boarding at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center, 6th St. and Wisconsin Ave., 6-9 p.m. Thursday to Sunday through Jan. 2. Phone 220-4700 for info.

For more information, phone the Historic Third Ward Association office at 273-1173 or visit www.historicthirdward.org.

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