Westown Wonderland
This holiday season, Westown Association encourages residents and visitors to support local. Below is a comprehensive guide of where you can shop, dine and celebrate the holidays in Westown. Thank you for supporting our neighborhood’s businesses!
Be sure to check back- this page will be frequently updated as more deals and events are announced
GIFT 🎁
Purchase gift cards, merchandise, hotel stays & gift boxes from these Westown businesses:
3rd St. Market Hall – Gift Cards | Also visit 3SMH to shop at their pop-up Christmas Market for a one-stop-shop for stocking stuffers & tasty confections.
Aloft Milwaukee – Gift Cards
Best Place at Historic Pabst Brewery – Apparel, Accessories, Barware & Other Merchandise | Gift Cards – Open for in-person shopping Sunday, Monday, Thursday & Friday 11:30AM-5:30PM; Saturday 11AM-6PM | Also stop by on Saturday, December 21 from 11AM-4PM for the Brewery District Locally Made Holiday Pop-Up for festive and unique locally made gifts.
Brewhouse Inn & Suites – Gift Cards
Calderone Club – Gift Cards (in-store only)
The Capital Grille – Gift Cards | Butcher Boxes | Purchase $500 in gift cards and receive a set of signature steak knives. Receive an additional 10% bonus on any gift card purchases of $1,000+ in addition to the signature steak knives.
DoubleTree Milwaukee Downtown – Gift Cards
Edelweiss Cruises & Boat Tours – Gift Cards
Hilton Milwaukee City Center – Gift Cards | Through Dec. 31, if you buy a $100 Marcus Hotels gift card, you’ll get a free $25 promotional bonus card. Gift cards can be used at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center as well as its outlets Milwaukee ChopHouse and Miller Time Pub & Grill.
Hyatt Regency – Gift Cards
Mader’s German Restaurant – Gift Cards
Marquette University Spirit Shop – Apparel & Accessories | NIL Store | Gift Cards | Tickets – Holiday hours for the Spirit Shop & shipping guide can be found here.
MIAD Gallery at The Ave – Artwork – You can also shop in-person at Gallery at The Ave Tuesdays-Saturdays from 11AM-5PM & Sundays Noon-4PM.
Miller Time Pub – Gift Cards
Milwaukee Admirals – Apparel, Accessories & Novelties | Tickets
Milwaukee Brat House – Gift Cards (in-store only)
Milwaukee Bucks Pro Shop – Apparel & Accessories | Gift Cards | Tickets – In-person shopping hours can be found here.
Milwaukee County Historical Society – Membership | Books & Merchandise – Open for in-store shopping 9:30AM-5PM Monday, Wednesday-Saturday
Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 – Holiday Ornament – The 2024 edition is the Baird Center. Previous editions of the downtown ornament collection are also available including Westown landmarks such as Fiserv Forum, Warner Marquee, the Wisconsin Club and others.
Milwaukee Public Museum – Apparel & Souvenirs | Gift Membership
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra – Tickets | Gift cards
Mo’s Irish Pub – Gift Cards
Oak Barrel Public House – Gift Cards, Apparel & Accessories | Now through 12/24, spend $25 on gift cards, get $5 back. Spend $50, get $15. Splurge $100, and enjoy an extra $30 on us.
Old German Beer Hall – Gift Cards (in-store only)
Saz’s Hospitality Group – Gift cards (in-person only) & Saz’s Signature Products
SpringHill Suites – Gift Cards
State Street Pizza Pub – Gift Cards (in-person only)
Third Street Tavern – Gift Cards, Apparel & Accessories | Now through 12/24, spend $25 on gift cards, get $5 back. Spend $50, get $15. Splurge $100, and enjoy an extra $30 on us.
Ticket King – Event Tickets
The Trade – Gift Cards
Uncle Bucks on Third – Gift Cards (in-store only)
Usinger’s Famous Sausage – Gift Certificates | Gift Boxes | 2024 Holiday Catalog– The Usinger Family has called Milwaukee home since 1880 & honored to help Milwaukeeans celebrate the holidays with family and friends, located both near and far! The Gift Annex & deli are open 9AM-4PM Monday-Saturday.
VISIT Milwaukee – Apparel & Home goods
We Energies Cookie Book – The We Energies cookie book has been released for this holiday season. The smell and taste of your favorite cookie can send you back in time, and this year’s recipes are a celebration of your childhood memories. You can start baking today by viewing the online recipe book here.
Who’s on Third – Gift Cards, Apparel & Accessories | Now through 12/24, spend $25 on gift cards, get $5 back. Spend $50, get $15. Splurge $100, and enjoy an extra $30 on us.
Wisconsin Center District – Tickets
Wisconsin Cheese Mart – Gift Cards | Gift Boxes
DINE 🥂
Enjoy holiday specials, have your gathering catered or host a private party at the following businesses:
3rd St. Market Hall – Private Parties
Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery – Private Parties
The Capital Grille – Private Dining | Reservations
Edith Cocktail Bar – Private Parties
Hyatt Regency – Private Parties – Vue is Hyatt’s top-floor event space with amazing panoramic views of the city and a perfect backdrop for a holiday party. The Hyatt has a full on-site catering menu and can customize events from 20-150 in the Vue room. For inquiries please contact: rindelle.hart@hyatt.com
Mader’s German Restaurant – Private Dining | Reservations
Miller Time Pub – Private Parties
Milwaukee Brat House – Private Parties | Catering
Milwaukee ChopHouse – Private Dining | Reservations
Mo’s Irish Pub – Private Parties
Oak Barrel Public House – Private Parties | Catering
Old German Beer Hall – Private Parties
OnTap – Igloo Experience Reservations
Saz’s Hospitality Group – Catering
The Society – Private Parties
State Street Pizza Pub – Private Parties
Third Street Tavern – Private Parties | Catering
The Trade – Reservations
Uncle Bucks on Third – Private Parties | Catering
Who’s on Third – Private Parties | Catering
GIVE 💛
Spread cheer in the neighborhood by volunteering or donating to these causes:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee – BBBS helps children by creating one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. You can support their efforts by donating or volunteering as a Big.
Capuchin Community Services – There are a number of ways to support Capuchin Community Services such as donating to their Christmas Toy Drive, volunteering at the St. Ben’s Community Meal site and donating winter-wear items.
Community Advocates – Your generosity enables Community Advocates to serve more than 68,000 individuals each year. Consider volunteering, donating monetarily or purchasing items from their wishlist, which helps their clients including the Milwaukee Women’s Shelter, Nevermore Program and Bottomless Closet.
Guest House of Milwaukee – Guest House provides shelter, housing, education and services to Milwaukee’s homeless who seek to transform their lives. Donate items from their wish list or host a donation drive of your own. Find more information on the opportunities here.
BE MERRY 🎉
Have a merry time in Westown at these holiday events:
Holiday Lights Festival – now through January 1, 2025 | Downtown’s parks and streets will shine bright with more than half a million lights for the 26th Annual Holiday Lights Festival! Click here for the complete guide to the festival. Be sure to see the wonderous displays in Westown including “Santa’s Celebration Square” at Zeidler Union Square, “Felices Fiestas!” at Pere Marquette Park, the twinkling chandeliers along West Wisconsin Avenue and explore the Ornament Trail with 15 larger-than-life holiday ornaments along Wisconsin Ave. You can also visit these locations on your own, or take a 40-minute narrated tour on the Jingle Bus which departs from Courtyard Milwaukee Downtown.
Milwaukee Public Museum’s Deck the Streets and Village – now through January 26, 2025 | Two of MPM’s beloved exhibits, the Streets of Old Milwaukee and the European Village, have been transformed into a winter wonderland. Take photos, make memories and experience the magic of the holiday season.
Third Street Tavern Packers Holiday Party – December 5 at 6PM | Join Third Street Tavern for their annual holiday party! Watch the Packers take on the Lions while you enjoy free appetizers, festive drinks and raffle prizes.
Very Merry Milwaukee – December 8 from 10AM – 1PM | Bring the whole family to MCHS to experience the magic of the season at Very Merry! Kids and parents alike can take photos with Santa, make festive holiday crafts, and sip on delicious hot chocolate while enjoying cookies straight from Mrs. Claus’ kitchen.
Who’sville Holiday Party – December 10 at 6PM | Head to Who’s on Third for an unforgettable night of holiday cheer! Enjoy free appetizers, Whoville themed drinks, win raffle prizes and photos with The Grinch.
12 Bars of Christmas – December 14 from 12–5 p.m. | Join this festive bar crawl and help raise money for Toys for Tots! Tickets are available here. Participating bars in the Old World Third Street Entertainment District include Who’s on Third, Oak Barrel Public House, Third Street Tavern, Milwaukee Brat House, Lucky Clover, RWB, Uncle Bucks, Old German Beer Hall and more!
Hometown Holiday Pops – December 14-22 | Bring the entire family to the Bradley Symphony Center for Milwaukee’s favorite holiday tradition! Celebrate the season with a musical jubilee of cherished classics, yuletide carols, and festive sing-alongs with your one and only orchestra. See show times & get tickets here.
A Flurry of Friends – December 15 from 10:30-11:15AM | It’s Snowtime at Milwaukee Public Library Central! Can you make a showstopper of a snowperson using a flurry of everyday materials like yarn, fabric, paper, and paint? When you’re done, give your creation a name and tell us their story.
Old German Beer Hall Anniversary Party & Holiday Celebration – December 15 from 2-6PM | 19-Years ago on a cold and snowy December night, a feeling of warmth and camaraderie arrived on Old World Third Street. Celebrate OGBH’s anniversary with Hofbräu Munich Beer, gourmet German specialties and live music. Purchase tickets here.
Holiday Party at 90s2K Cafe – December 19 at 4PM | At 90s2K’s holiday party, enjoy free apps, $4 taps and $7 double call mixers between 4-7PM. Then at 7PM, stick around for trivia night!
Holiday Party at Oak Barrel Public House – December 19 from 6-10PM | Oak Barrel Public House invites you to their holiday celebration! Enjoy complimentary appetizers and hot chocolate bar, drink specials and a chance to win raffle prizes.
Milwaukee Brat House Holiday Party – December 19 at 5PM | Head to the Brat House for Thursday Night Football, and enjoy complimentary food and a DJ set starting at 7PM.
Candlelight Concerts: Holiday Special – December 19-23 | Candlelight Concerts brings their holiday musical performance featuring “The Nutcracker” and other holiday favorites to the St. James 1868. Enjoy Holiday classics performed by a string quartet as you are surrounded by the glow of hundreds of candles. A perfect way to get in the Christmas spirit! See show times and purchase tickets here.
Various Holiday Performances – Make the performing arts a part of your holiday plans! From cherished classics to fresh, innovative entertainment, holiday fun awaits at every turn with UPAF Members & Affiliates! See a list of holiday performances here.
NEW YEAR'S EVE 🌟
Here are some ways to celebrate a new year in Westown:
NYEMKE – Ring in the new year with Events By Design at their 3rd Annual NYEMKE Party at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center! Get ready to cash your bets, this year’s theme is Casino Royale. The night will feature casino games, fabulous drinks and live entertainment. Tickets are now on sale! Visit nyemke.com for more details.
Diamonds are Forever New Years Eve Bash – Celebrate the New Year at 90s2K Cafe! Check out the different ticket packages that include special benefits. Plus, each ticket purchased is entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $500 gift card to Kessler’s Diamonds. Learn more here.
Glitter & Grove NYE Disco Party – Come out to Third Street Tavern and ring in 2025 with some Disco tunes and dance moves! Live DJ dropping dance vibes from Disco, to 90’s& 2000’s and all the top songs of today! Disco and retro outfits are encouraged while you boogie the night away with an open bar from 9pm-1am. Learn more & get tickets here.
Gatsby New Year at The Trade Hotel – Get ready to step back in time to the roaring twenties, with two tickets to Gatsby MKE. Immerse yourself in the glitz and glamour of the jazz age, where the champagne flows freely and the music never stops. Learn more & book your special evening at The Trade here.
An Irish New Year at Mo’s Irish Pub – Get a head start on your celebrations at Mo’s Irish Pub by ringing in the New Year at 6PM which is midnight in Ireland. Learn more about the event here.
Throwback NYE in Venue 3 – Spend the night with live entertainment featuring 80s cardio jams, 90s hip hop & today’s hits at Venue 3 at the 3rd St. Market Hall! Get your tickets here.
Adult Prom NYE at OnTap – Dance the night away to the beats of DJ King James, while enjoying complimentary beverages and appetizers before raising a toast at midnight. This celebration includes an overnight stay at The Brewhouse Inn & Suites. Learn more & book your package here.
Black Masquerade New Years Bash – Spend the new year at RWB Milwaukee. First 400 people will receive a complimentary Masquerade Mask! And stick around for the after party starting at 2AM. Get tickets here.
Winter Wonderland New Year’s Eve – Get tickets today for Oak Barrel Public House’s Winter Wonderland NYE. The celebration will have drink specials, appetizers, photo booth and party favors all night long. Get tickets here.
Who’sVille NYE Party – Who’s on Third is decked out to bring all the fun of The Grinch, and Who’sVille to life! Bring all your besties and your favorite ugly sweater to ring in the new year with festive themed drinks, great music, photo ops, and a midnight champagne toast! Get tickets here.
NYE Fireworks in the Cheer District – This holiday season, the Deer District transforms into the “Cheer District”. On New Year’s Eve, following the Harlem Globetrotters show at Fiserv Forum, see a spectacular fireworks display! The plaza will be open for the community to set up their own chairs and blankets, with fireworks beginning at approximately 8:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Miller Lite NYE Free Rides with MCTS – Every New Year’s Eve, Miller Lite and MCTS team up to help Milwaukee residents and visitors celebrate safely through the Miller Lite Free Rides program. Learn more about the program at ridemcts.com and see which routes will have free service on New Year’s Eve.
Be sure to check back as this page will be frequently updated with new promotions, offerings and events! Westown members can submit their information to be featured in the guide by emailing megan@westown.org Please include your business name, relevant information and links.
