7 things to do around Wausau this week

With the holiday season entering a fever pitch, there are countless things to do around town this week. Here are a few highlights:

1. Grand Opening: No Name Bar
   Friday 12/12 to 12/14 │ Best Western Tower Hotel, Wausau
   
   Come celebrate the grand opening of the No Name Bar, located inside the Best Western Tower Hotel on North 17th Street in Wausau. There will be three nights of fun and entertainment, starting with drink and food specials on Friday, Dec. 12 from 8 p.m. to midnight. DJ Semper Fi will provide music and there will be an ugly sweater contest, so dress appropriately for a chance to win! On Saturday, there will be an ugly sweater party and brunch with Santa from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (kids $3, adults 12 and older $5). There will also be a chance to meet Billy the Elf and the Grinch! At 8 p.m., there will be a neon glow party with DJ Semper Fi. The grand opening celebration ends on Sunday with pet photos with Santa, Billy the Elf and the Grinch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring a pet food item ($5 or more, no generic brands) and receive a free mimosa or Bloody Mary!
   
   
   
2. John Altenburgh’s Christmas Extravaganza
   Friday 12/12 │The Grand Theater, Wausau
   
   
   Johnny’s back for the holidays to fill The Grand’s stage with some of the finest and most fun musicians around the state. Nothing says Christmas in Wausau like John Altenburgh’s Christmas Extravaganza. With years of sold-out shows, this true Wisconsin tradition has long been the hottest holiday ticket in town. And with an all-star lineup, it’s a night of powerful jazz, blues, rock, gospel, and holiday standards, all performed with a local flair that leaves audiences filled with Christmas spirit.
   
   
3. Holiday at the Houses: Honoring Heritage
   Saturday 12/13 │ Yawkey House Museum
   
   
   The Marathon County Historical Society presents Holidays at the Houses: Honoring Heritage on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Woodson History Center and Yawkey House Museum will be decorated for the holidays and visitors will experience the season with live entertainment, a visit from Santa, children’s activities and displays that celebrate our heritage. Heritage is all the things passed along from the past. They can be favorite family heirlooms and keepsakes. They can be traditions and customs brought to Wisconsin from elsewhere, as well as new ones invented here. They can even be the physical places like the Yawkey House itself, preserved as a community treasure. This year’s theme of “Honoring Heritage” explores the stories of the many types of heritage within our communities during the winter holidays. Free admission.
   
   
4. Live Music at Intermission Bar
   
   Saturday 12/13 │ Intermission Bar, Wausau
   
   Jason & the Old Truckers Band is a Stevens Point-based group that performs with a traditional county music sound. Their set kicks off at 8 p.m.
   
   
5. Learn to Curl
   Wednesday 12/17 │ Wausau Curling Club, Wausau
   
   You’ve watched it on TV during the winter Olympics, now try it with your friends, family, or co-workers. The Wausau Curling Club is holding a public Learn-to-Curl event to introduce “Chess On Ice” to people of all ages. Whether you are a skilled athlete or someone who wants to give it a try, this event will ensure that you have a great time learning the game of curling. It’s also a great team-building activity for your business or organization. Learn all about the game through on-ice instruction. Wear loose clothes and clean shoes. Starts at 6 p.m. Free admission. To register, visit wausaucurling.org.
   
   
6. Wabi-sabi Inspired Studio Art Session
   Saturday 12/20 │ Marathon County Public Library, Wausau
   
   This afternoon session of the Marathon County Public Library’s Studio Art series will focus on imperfection in art. Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic that appreciates beauty that is imperfect, impermanent and incomplete. Participants will use Kintsugi, the art of visible mending, to craft one-of-a-kind art that highlights and celebrates imperfections in art rather than disguising it. Registration is required to secure your spot, but walk-ins are also welcome in case there are extra supplies. Starts at 2:30 p.m. at the Wausau branch. Registration is free. Visit mcpl.us or call 715-261-7230 to register.
   
   
   
7. Snow Much Fun Sensory Sensitive Night
   Tuesday 12/16 │ Children’s Imaginarium, Wausau
   
   
   Enjoy a free night of play for families with children who have special sensory needs. Children’s Imaginarium will be dimming the lights and sounds to accommodate sensory needs and ensure a welcoming space for hands-on fun at your own pace. Sponsored by Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin, this event will provide an inclusive holiday experience with a a special visit from Santa. Starts at 5 p.m. Free admission. For more information, visit childrensimaginarium.org.