A Holiday Parade, The Nutcracker, a Wausau makers market and more this weekend

Holiday Parade 

Friday 12/5 | 400 Block, Wausau 

Held the week after Thanksgiving, Wausau Events’ Holiday Parade makes its way from Marathon Park into the heart of the downtown, ending at the 400 Block every year. And every year, it’s one of the most-attended events in Wausau! Narrative by WIFC’s Dave Kallaway and Co., who narrates the festivities with ease. This year’s theme is Toyland, so expect the floats to tout that theme and appeal to the whole family. Plus, the warming party will run from 5-8 pm at the City Square Center with Mrs. and Mr. Santa Claus. The Christmas tree will be lit for the parade but there will be no formal lighting ceremony this year. Free. See wausauevents.org for the parade route and other details. 

AfterImages 

12/5-8 | UWSP Studio Theater, Stevens Point

Many might be surprised to learn that UW-Stevens Point is pretty renowned for its theater and dance departments. This annual showcase highlights that status with something of a variety show featuring short works by many of the performers in that department. They’re a delight and make for quite an evening of entertainment. 7:30 pm, 2 pm shows Dec. 7-8. $27. uwsp.edu

Boogie and the YoYoz

Saturday 12/7 | Lucille Tack Center for the Arts, Spencer 

Back by popular demand, the super team of musicians known as Boogie and the YoYo’z are returning to the Spencer for this Christmas spectacular. This eight-piece band is made up of some of the best musicians in the area, including one of its members who is originally from Spencer. They really pull out the stops for this Christmas show and you won’t want to miss it. 7:30 pm. $45. lucilletackcenter.com

Twin City Bronze 

Saturday 12/7 | Merrill High School Auditorium, Merrill 

Merrill Area Concerts Association operates a little differently than you’re probably used to. Instead of selling individual tickets, you buy a season ticket, so the more concerts you go to, the less expensive each one becomes. And, it helps keep their series sustainable. This concert, Twin City Bronze, seems perfect for the holiday season. This Twin Cities-based bell group is one of the top bell-ringing groups in the country and should be perfect for giving you the holiday spirit. 3 pm. Season tickets are $60, $20 for students, $130 per family. Part of the Merrill Area Concert Association. For more concerts in the series, see sites.google.com/merrillconcerts.org

Dear Evan Hansen 

Mon-Tues 12/9-10 | Grand Theater, Wausau 

It’s 2024 and social media dominates our social lives - and this Tony and Grammy-award winning musical tackles the conflicts and turbulence of our online lives. Dear Evan Hansen tells the tale of Evan, who always feels like he’s on the outside looking in. But when he finally gets the chance he’s been hoping for - to finally fit in - it turns out not to be exactly as he expected. Suggested age minimum for this show is 12 and up as it contains some adult themes. 7:30 pm Dec. 9; 7 pm Dec. 10. $75-$135. grandtheater.org 

Children’s Imaginarium Visit with Santa 

Wednesday 12/11 | Children’s Imaginarium, Wausau 

Hey, you know what time of year it is. It’s that time where you drag the kiddos to see Santa so they can tell them about all the toys they want for Christmas. The mall is gone, but if you missed the Shriner’s Santa breakfast a few weeks ago this is a good opportunity. Come bring the kids to meet Santa and get a photo with them and Santa’s sleigh, take in a reading of the book A World of Cookies for Santa and do a little cookie decorating. (I may have to come and eat a few just to make sure they pass inspection and all.) 5 pm. childrensimaginarium.org

The Nutcracker 

Sat.-Sun. Dec. 7-8 | Grand Theater, Wausau 

The Nutcracker, performed by the Central Wisconsin School of Ballet, is a yearly tradition, and it ought to be. Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece is a timeless classic in the canon of Christmas music. I can hear the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy right now as I’m typing this. The Central Wisconsin School of Ballet brings this wonderful creation to life every year, and it’s a part of many central Wisconsin folk’s annual Christmas traditions. 1:30 pm and 7 pm Saturday.; 1 pm Sunday. $22-$42. 

Holiday Makers Market 

Sunday 12/8 | Third Street Lifestyle Center, Wausau 

Nothing says I love you like a locally crafted gift for the holidays. Head downtown Sunday and browse the Holiday Makers Market at the Third Street Lifestyle Center (which us old timers still remember as the Washington Square building). You can purchase from local vendors featuring clothing, artwork, woodwork, food, drinks and more. 10-3 pm. wausauriverdistrict.org.