By Kayla Zastrow
Boogie & the Yo-Yoz: Christmas With You
SATURDAY 12/3 | LUCILLE TACK CENTER FOR THE ARTS, SPENCER
With a rockin’ rhythm section, sizzlin’ horns and stunning lead singer, Spencer native Page Miller Baker, Boogie & the Yo-Yoz share their signature brand of humor, showmanship and love of the holidays in Christmas With You. This musical journey celebrates Christmas with performances of traditional Christmas songs, and a few brand new ones sprinkled in, and promises to be a warmly wonderful evening that will delight the entire family. 7:30 pm. $30. Tickets at lucilletackcenter.com.
The Global Language of Headwear: Cultural Identity, Rites of Passage & Spirituality
DECEMBER 3-FEBRUARY 26 | WOODSON ART MUSEUM, WAUSAU
From headdresses and helmets to turbans and crowns, explore the vital role of ceremonial headwear throughout diverse cultural customs, beliefs, and rituals. This exhibit features headwear from forty-three countries spanning Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North and South America. Most date from the mid to late 20th century and many are still worn today for revelry, ritual, and the rhythms of everyday life. Each head covering is a work of art, showcasing skill and creativity in conveying meaning. Also on view see Stormy Kromer: Evolution of a Classic. Organized by the Woodson Art Museum, the exhibition puts a local spin on global headwear by showcasing the stylish and durably designed Stormy Kromer hats and how they are interwoven into Wisconsin culture. Open Tues.-Fri. 9 am-4 pm; Sat.-Sun. noon-5 pm. Free. Details at lywam.org.
The Midtown Men: Holiday Hits Live in Concert
WEDNESDAY 12/7 | GRAND THEATER, WAUSAU
Celebrate the holidays “sixties style” as The Midtown Men deck the halls with their classic choreography, vibrant vocals, and captivating chemistry. They took Broadway by storm in Jersey Boys, one of the biggest hits of all time, and now bring their magic to audiences across America. Ring in the season with this evening of songs and stories, featuring Yuletide classics such as “Winter Wonderland,” “Let It Snow,” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” as well as The Midtown Men’s signature renditions of the greatest rock and roll hits of the 1960s. 7:30 pm. Tickets start at $53. Details at grandtheater.org.
The Nutcracker
SAT.-SUN. 12/3-4 | GRAND THEATER, WAUSAU
This lavish, eye-popping local production is not to be missed. Central Wisconsin School of Ballet has presented this annual holiday dance extravaganza for decades, always visually impressive and always to big crowds. It looks professional because it is, with professional guest dancers rounding out the cast. Tchaikovsky’s ballet follows Clara, who goes to sleep on Christmas Eve with her new doll, only to wake to find a war breaking out between the Rat King, his army, and the Nutcracker soldiers. Every scene rings a new professional-level wonder to the stage, and the lush sets and dreamy costumes make it a must-see. Shows Sat. & Sun. at 1:30 pm and Sat. at 7 pm. Tickets start at $22. Grandtheater.org.
Wausau Holiday Parade
FRIDAY 12/2 | MARATHON PARK TO 400 BLOCK, WAUSAU
This annual parade is full of twinkling lights, winter magic and heaps of holiday spirit. The route starts at Marathon Park and heads downtown to The 400 Block via Stewart Avenue, First and Jefferson streets. Stay after the parade for a tree lighting ceremony on the square with Mayor Katie Rosenberg. Also find warming festivities in the Grand Theater’s Great Hall, including hot chocolate, cookies, and a meet and greet with Santa & Mrs. Claus visiting with the kids. 6-8 pm. Free. Details at wausauevents.org.
Old Fashioned Christmas Festival
SAT.- SUN. 12/3-4 | WILLOW SPRINGS GARDEN, WAUSAU
Enjoy the holiday season vintage, country charm style. Like most events held at Willow Springs, this one is jam-packed with activities for the whole family. Make old-fashioned crafts such as wreaths, cards and ornaments, string popcorn & cranberries, and decorate cookies and a gingerbread house. Saturday features horse drawn wagon rides for $5 noon-3 pm and live music. Hear Deb Raatz at 3:30 pm, the Wausau West Master Singers at 4:30 pm and the Promise Quartet at 5:30 pm. If you get hungry from all the fun, don’t worry as Saturday features a Christmas Feast buffet and Sunday has a cozy Christmas Brunch. End the evening on Saturday with a Lantern Loft—light your own lantern balloon to lift off into the sky while singing Silent Night. Sat. 10 am-8 pm; Sun. 9:30 am-12:30 pm. Details: 715-675-1171, willowspringsgarden.com.
