KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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Mon, Dec 1: East Troy Lights
Wed, Dec 3: “Jingle Bell Jamboree” Holiday Pajama Jamboree
Fri, Dec 5: Cookie Crawl in Menomonee Falls Downtown
Sun, Dec 7: Santa Hustle Milwaukee
Fri, Dec 12: Oak Creek Christmas Market
Sat, Dec 13: Santa's Dash Away 5K
Sun, Dec 14:
Candy Cane Course - Milwaukee
Fri, Dec 19: The Little Matchstick Girl Ballet
Sat, Dec 20: Champions Of Magic: Holiday Spectacular
Sun, Dec 21: Country Christmas - Brunch with Santa
Wed, Dec 31: Wild Lights Zoo Year’s Eve at Milwaukee County Zoo |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers,
It's often said that parenting is a "thankless" job. In one sense, that's undeniably true, because it will likely be many years before the young humans you're raising—the ones who actually have a stake in the outcome of the excellent job you're doing—are in a position to thank you. So you don't hear that phrase often during the first couple of decades of parenthood.
My fervent wish
for the future is to live in a world filled with engaged, culturally literate, productive, happy people. This means that what I said above isn't precisely accurate: It's not only your kids who have a stake in your parenting success, we ALL do, because the path to that future starts NOW for the young people in your orbit. So I'm grateful that you care about getting them "out and about" to the wide variety of experiences available in your community: It will make all
the difference.
Our job here at KidsOutAndAbout.com is to help you do that as easily as possible. In 2001, I created the original version of this web platform that now connects 15 million people each year with their area's activities and resources. My team gets to see it all up-close and personal as local businesses post to KidsOutAndAbout through their free listings, and then we get to turn around and shout about them to y'all, bringing your community closer to you.
So I want to
step in for the rest of the world that's not (yet) thanking you, and say it to you today: Thank you so much for what you're doing. Raising kids is hard in any era, but no one could have anticipated all the roadblocks that a pandemic would toss onto our path.
As anyone who knows me knows, I'm endlessly looking for reasons to celebrate. So today, I'm celebrating YOU with my digital megaphone and pom-poms. You're doing a great job. Future Deb sends her thanks,
too.
—Debra Ross, publisher
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KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site. |
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Just a minute of your time could make a big impact. KidsOutAndAbout.com is conducting a short survey to better understand how families are navigating the fast-changing world of AI. We're asking all parents, grandparents, and caregivers-whether you're
tech-savvy or not-to weigh in.
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Learning on his 11th birthday that he is a wizard destined for greatness, Harry leaves for wizarding school for the first time in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone™. This concert presents the first movie of the unforgettable series while a live orchestra performs John Williams’ enchanting score. Join us for an evening of music and magic All characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR.
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Terrapin Station Entertainment and TEG Life Like Touring, in association with Universal Destinations and Experiences, present Gabby's Dollhouse Live! Presented by Walmart, a brand-new stage show inspired by the magical world of the global preschool sensation from DreamWorks Animation. In this a-MEOW-zing musical show, Gabby unboxes a special acorn that needs the magical touch of a rainbow to grow. But when CatRat causes a color cat-astrophe and breaks the rainbow, Gabby and the Gabby Cats must find the colors again to set things right. Gabby, Pandy Paws and friends travel to the Cat-O-Sphere, Mermaid-Lantis and some favorite Dollhouse locations in search of the colors that will make rebuilding the rainbow, possible. Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! Presented by Walmart brings to life an exciting original story featuring incredible puppets, dynamic staging, a talented live show cast of singer-actor- puppeteers and songs from the beloved series, including “Hey Gabby”, “You Can’t Spell…
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- One Bird. One Big Holiday. Zero Chill. Be one of the first to experience the next holiday classic at First Stage, November 22 – December 28! When Mo Willems’ characters get together for the holidays, it’s bound to be the biggest extravaganza ever! The Unlimited Squirrels deck the halls and Elephant and Piggie come ready to celebrate! But will The Pigeon join in the festivities, or will he run all the way to the North Pole in the search of the greatest gift ever? Catchy tunes, silly stories, goofy gifts, audience antics: it’s all in this brand-new musical party that sleighs!
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Discover Winter Glow, now open at the Brown Deer Park in Milwaukee through January 2026—a festive drive-through experience that brings the holiday season to life! Families, friends, and couples can enjoy sparkling lights, colorful holiday displays, and cheerful music from the comfort of their car. Follow the illuminated route as classic holiday songs play through your car radio, perfectly synced to the twinkling lights and glowing scenes. Share hot cocoa, point out favorite displays, or cozy up under blankets as each turn reveals something new. It’s a joyful, family-friendly celebration full of festive magic. Tickets are available at winterglowexperience.com and on the Fever app.
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KidsOutAndAbout's 2025 holiday events list for Milwaukee: Christmas concerts, lights, trees, holiday races, and more. . . plus activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve.
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'Twas the Night Before… is Cirque du Soleil’s first holiday show, based on the classic poem “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore. Memorable lines from this cherished classic inspired Cirque’s story about a jaded young girl who rediscovers the magic of the holidays. A festive flurry of love and cheer created especially for families, ‘Twas the Night Before… features thrilling acrobatics, lovable characters - and a soundtrack including holiday classics re-invented by Cirque du Soleil. The show was conceived and is directed by Cirque du Soleil Senior Artistic Director James Hadley, a 25-year veteran of circus productions and live theater.
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Experience the outlandish holiday adventures of Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) as he finds himself alone in New York City, thwarting the plans of bumbling Wet Bandits (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) with a series of ingenious traps. This beloved film features the full spectrum of John Williams’ delightful score – from the whimsical and playful themes to the dramatic, action-packed pieces that perfectly complement Kevin’s clever escapades.
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Washington County’s Premier Holiday Lights Event! Enchantment in the Park’s mission is to create a holiday adventure for one and all, where wonder and excitement are experienced through enchanting holiday light displays, music and other performing arts. Enchantment in the Park brings together many community groups and individuals in a spirit of service to design, set up, operate and take down the event every year through sponsorship and donations. Any excess funds are returned to community organizations, such as Family Promise of Washington County through donations or are used to help further growth of Enchantment in the Park.
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What do you get when you combine Black Friday, Shop Small Saturday, and Museum Store Sunday? The perfect Museum Store shopping experience. All weekend long, enjoy special savings: Members receive 20% off non-Member prices and non-Members receive 10% off. Shop an expanded selection of merchandise in the two-level store, full of artful, one-of-a-kind gifts. From jewelry and apparel to books, toys, and fair-trade finds, you’ll discover something for everyone on your list.
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Join Festival City Symphony for a heartwarming evening of holiday cheer at our “Jingle Bell Jamboree” Holiday Pajama Jamboree on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 7:00–8:00 PM in the Bradley Pavilion of the Marcus Performing Arts Center (929 N Water St, Milwaukee). This free, family-friendly concert is part of our beloved Pajama Jamboree series—lively, one-hour pops concerts designed especially for children and families. Snuggle up in your coziest pajamas, bring your teddy bears and blankets, and enjoy festive favorites like Sleigh Ride, Frosty the Snowman, and a joyful sing-along featuring A Christmas Festival! No tickets or reservations are required, and doors open at 6:30 PM.
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Private Schools in and around Milwaukee: Try it before you buy it... and even before you visit! This is KidsOutAndAbout.com's video sneak peek into local private school experiences. If your school should have a video on this page, please send a link to the school's video on YouTube or Vimeo to ross@kidsoutandabout.com.
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The private, alternative, and charter schools in the Milwaukee area cater to every educational need and parent philosophy. This is KidsOutAndAbout's education highlight page, containing specially featured schools and also our master list of local schools.
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Milwaukee offers a delightful selection of Christmas tree farms that bring the magic of the holiday season to life. Families can enjoy the cherished tradition of selecting the perfect tree while exploring picturesque landscapes and engaging in festive
activities. From charming local farms to larger operations, each location provides a unique experience, complete with hayrides, hot cocoa, and seasonal treats.
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- Santa Claus visit at Mall of Monroe - Mall of Monroe - 2121 N Monroe St, Monroe, MI 48162, November 28, 2025 to November 30, 2025, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tannenbaum Trail - Firemen's Park, Park Avenue, Germantown, WI, November 28, 2025 to November 30, 2025, See website for details
- Milwaukee Makers Market 2025 - 500 North Harbor Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53202, November 29, 2025, 10:00am - 4:00pm
- Milwaukee Makers Market 2025 Season - Multiple Locations Throughout Milwaukee, WI 53203, November 29, 2025, See Website
- Free Trolley Rides in
Downtown Historic Cedarburg - Washington Ave, Cedarburg, WI 53012, November 28, 2025, 5 pm - 8 pm
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Dallas area. From Arcades to Ziplines our Big List will help you think outside the box and plan the party of your kids' dreams! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens of ideas!
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2025's Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Milwaukee Area, as voted by thousands of parents! Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories like Top Arts Educator, Top Sports Educator, and Top STEM
Educator!
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Here's to seizing opportunities to learn wherever they appear!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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