This holiday season, Westown Association encourages residents and visitors to support local. Below is a comprehensive guide of where you can shop, dine and celebrate the holidays in Westown. Thank you for supporting our neighborhood’s businesses!

Be sure to check back- this page will be updated throughout the season!

Westown Members: If you’d like a resource to be added to this list, please email abbey@westown.org with your business’s name, relevant information, photos and links.

GIFT

Purchase gift cards, merchandise, hotel stays & gift boxes from these Westown businesses:

DINE

Enjoy holiday specials, have your gathering catered or host a private party at the following businesses:

GIVE

Spread cheer in the neighborhood by volunteering or donating to these causes:

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee – BBBS supports their mentoring matchers with items and opportunities to help support their time together. Help the Littles get ready for the second semester by donating a “Back to Class” kit or consider volunteering as a Big.

  • Capuchin Community Services – There are a number of ways to support Capuchin Community Services such as donating winter clothes, volunteering to pass out holiday meals, and more!

  • Community Advocates – Your generosity enables Community Advocates to serve more than 68,000 individuals each year. Consider volunteering, donating monetarily or purchasing items from their wish list, which helps their clients including the Milwaukee Women’s Shelter, Nevermore Program and Bottomless Closet.

  • Guest House of Milwaukee – Guest House provides shelter, housing, education and services to Milwaukee’s homeless who seek to transform their lives. Donate items from their wish list or host a donation drive of your own. Find more information on the opportunities here.

  • Holiday Drive - The City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County are holding a Holiday Drive through December 8. Community donations are greatly encouraged and will support local families affected by recent fires, in partnership with the American Red Cross. Learn more about the initiative and recommended donation items here.

BE MERRY

Have a merry time in Westown at these holiday events:

  • Holiday Lights Festival – check out the amazing light displays at Pere Marquette Park and Zeidler Union Square now through January 1, 2026! Learn more here.

  • Holiday Pops at MSO - Celebrate with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra as Allen-Bradley Hall is filled with festive cheer. Enjoy the shimmering sounds of the Milwaukee Handbell Ensemble, watch for a visit from the Jolly Old Elf himself and lift your voice in an audience sing-along accompanied by the full orchestra and the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus. Get tickets here.

  • NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet - December 6 | Check out a holiday classic at Miller High Life Theater. Get tickets here.

  • A Very Merry Milwaukee at MCHS - December 7 from 10am - 1 pm | Bring the whole family to share in the magic of the season at Very Merry! It’s the perfect way to start the holiday season, full of fun, treats and memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t miss this cheerful, cozy gathering. Learn more here.

  • 12 Bars of Christmas – December 13 from 12 - 5pm | Join this festive bar crawl and help raise money for Toys for Tots. Participating Westown bars include Who’s on Third, Oak Barrel Public House, Milwaukee Brat House, Lucky Clover, State Street Pizza Pub, Uncle Bucks and more! Tickets are available here.

  • Who’s on Third Holiday Party - December 16 at 6p.m. | In Who’sville, you’ll find themed holiday cocktails, cheerful drink specials, a complimentary appetizer spread, a photo op with The Grinch, and raffle prizes and giveaways throughout the night. This year, we’re also hosting a Feeding America Holiday Food Drive. Bring a non-perishable food item to donate and help us support their mission to provide for local families in need.