Historic Third Ward Celebrates the 35th Anniversary of “Christmas in the Ward”

Hundreds gathered, geared up in winter-ready outfits, in Catalano Square in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward as the crowd kicked-off holiday celebrations for the 35th Anniversary of “Christmas in the Ward” on Dec. 6.

“I saw a lot of smiles in the crowd,” Kerissa Karnopp, a UW-Milwaukee student, said. “It looks like everyone is having a good time”.

Families, friends, and many showed up to “Christmas in the Ward” geared up for winter weather with hats, coats, and gloves excited to celebrate the holiday season together on Friday night at 5:30 pm. The square was transformed into a winter-wonderland with lights hanging everywhere, huts selling warm drinks, and the tree standing tall in the middle of it all. 

The event started with performances by the Milwaukee Police Band followed by Skylight Muic Theatre and Chris Crain. People of all ages sang “Here Comes Santa Claus” all around the Square while the crowd eagerly waited for Santa to make his appearance to light the towering tree.

When Santa appeared in the square, the crowd began to countdown from 10. The counting got louder with each number going until one. When the crowd was finished with the countdown, the tree was lit and cheering was heard all around.

After the tree lighting, the crowd gathered to watch performances by Bach Chamber Choir and Sarah Fierek sing in front of the freshly lit tree while others went to visit Santa and take pictures with him for free. However, a suggested $5 donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin was encouraged.

Along with Santa, live reindeer and Mrs. Claus made an appearance during the event. People also had many choices when it came to food as vendors lined the streets selling warm food and drinks. 

To close out the celebration, there was a firework display over the river presented by Terrasol. After the event, there was an after party held at “Santa Camp” Camp Bar in the Third Ward to keep the celebrations going. 

This event was also a fundraiser for the Ronald Mcdonald House. The Third Ward Association got local bakeries to donate cookies for a cookie sale and all of the proceeds from these sales went to the Ronald Mcdonald House.

“It’s really important for the city to put on events like this,” Zoe Rachum, an event-goer, said. “It’s the season of joy and I think it’s a good time to reconnect with people and spend time together”. 

The Third Ward Association also is stressing the importance of this and community events. Down in the Ward, they have been having a “shop the ward promotion” on Instagram. From Nov. 30 to Dec. 23, if you follow the Third Ward on Instagram, they will be offering gift cards for many different shops and small businesses in the Third Ward. They will be giving away over $2500 in gifts and gift cards.