*Thursday, Dec. 26, through Monday, Dec. 30, Red Arrow Park’s Slice of Ice is open for ice skating from 10 a.m. to midnight. The rink is located at 920 N. Water St. in downtown Milwaukee. Skate rentals are available at the rink for toddlers up to size 8, for women up to size 11, and for men up to size 14. Rentals cost $8 for individuals age 18 and older and $7 for individuals age 17 and under. Skate sharpening services are also offered for $6 per pair. In addition, the rink is selling s’mores kits to be made at a nearby bonfire. Kits cost $3 for a one-pack and $10 for a four-pack. For more information, click here.
*Thursday, Dec. 26, and Friday, Dec. 27, the Milwaukee Ballet will continue its 2014 holiday productions of “The Nutcracker” at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, located at 929 N. Water St. in Milwaukee. The family-friendly performances of the famous ballet run two hours. Performances are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on both Thursday and Friday. Tickets begin at $31.68. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.milwaukeeballet.org.
*Thursday, Dec. 26, through Sunday, Dec. 29, Milwaukee’s Jingle Bus will continue offering $1 rides for residents and visitors eager to see the holiday decorations that are part of the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival. The 40-minute tours, narrated by Milwaukee Downtown’s public service ambassadors, guide riders past Milwaukee landmarks and the city’s holiday-themed scenes. Tours run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with the final tour departing at 8:20 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase on a first come, first served basis beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the center court in the Shops of Grand Avenue, located at 275 W. Wisconsin Ave. in downtown Milwaukee. For more information, click here.
*Wednesday, Jan. 1, the Polar Bear Plunge will return to Milwaukee at Bradford Beach. The event, free and open to the public, features a plunge into the icy waters of Lake Michigan at noon. Participants are encouraged to bring loose-fitting clothes to change into after the plunge as well as towels, wool blankets, heating packs for hands and feet, and a sleeping bag. Registration for the event is not required, but participants should plan to arrive at the beach early as parking will be limited. Bradford Beach is located along North Lincoln Memorial Drive in Milwaukee. For more information about the plunge, visit www.polarbearplungemilwaukee.com.
*Thursday, Jan. 2, Target Free First Thursday will grant free admission to visitors at the Milwaukee Art Museum, located at 700 N. Art Museum Dr. in Milwaukee. Admission is free from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the first Thursday of each month, courtesy of Target. For more information, visit http://mam.org/calendar/events/.
*Saturday, Jan. 4, the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Zoological Society of Milwaukee will offer free zoo admission, thanks to “Family Free Day” sponsored by North Shore Bank. The zoo holds six free days throughout the year for individuals and families. Parking and concession fees are still enforced on free admission days. The Milwaukee County Zoo is located at 10001 W. Blue Mound Rd. in Milwaukee. For more information, visit www.zoosociety.org.
*Tuesday, Jan. 7, FUEL Milwaukee will hold a “Purely Social @ Camp Bar MKE.” The free social event at Camp Bar MKE will include complimentary appetizers, drink specials for FUEL members, and group activities. The event will also provide the space for more than 200 young professionals, new Milwaukee residents, and other attendees to socialize and network. The event will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Camp Bar MKE is located at 4044 N. Oakland Ave. in Shorewood. Attendees are encouraged to come alone or bring a friend. For more information or to register, visit www.fuelmilwaukee.org/events.
