Holiday season is parade season in Racine County. Catch a parade, enjoy some music, do some shopping and take in an outdoor light display. Real Racine has lots of great ideas for you and your family!
Love a parade. The 20th Annual Waterford Winter Wonderland Parade is going to be something special! The march, starting at 5:30 p.m. Saturday along Waterford’s Main Street, will include bands, marchers, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus and a special appearance by the Racine Fourth Fest calliope. You’ll want to arrive early though for hot chocolate, s’mores and ice skating at Milwaukee and Main streets. The Community Christmas Tree lighting immediately follows the parade and carolers with Santa will be on hand at the public library. Families are also invited to stick around for free cookie and ornament decorating at Marty’s Fiesta Hall on West Main. If that’s not enough, a fireworks show is planned for 6:30 p.m. from the municipal lot on Second Street. The evening is coordinated by Absolutely Waterford. Details at www.absolutelywaterford.org
Shopping for history. Christmas in the Cabin and the Depot is a weekend shopping event at the Caledonia Historical Village, 5 Mile Road and Highway 38 in Caledonia. The 1840 log cabin will become a Christmas Boutique. The 1902 railroad depot will be home to a craft and bake sale benefiting the Caledonia Historical Society. Sale hours are 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, 12 to 7 p.m. Saturday and 12 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Visit www.caledoniahistoricalsociety.org
Artists and art. One of the area’s biggest one-day artist events is coming this Saturday. The 23rd Annual Sixteenth Street Studios Open House runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1405 16th St., Racine. The Racine Business Center complex features more than 60 artists showing and selling a huge variety of works including prints, paintings, photography, sculpture and much more. Live music will be going on all day on the fourth-floor common area. Food and beverages available for purchase. Free parking and admission.
Music for the season. The 65-voice Choral Arts Society of Southeastern Wisconsin (CAS) presents two weekend performances of “Lessons and Carols.” This inspirational program, commemorating its 100th anniversary, tells the Christmas story through readings and music. Friday’s performance is at 7 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 305 S. First St., Waterford. CAS will be joined by the St. Thomas choirs. On Sunday, the performance is at 3 p.m. at the Siena Center, 5635 Erie St., Caledonia. The Choral Arts Brass will perform with the chorus. Advance tickets – $15 for adults and $12 for seniors – are available at Personal Touch Florists, 5445 Spring St., Mount Pleasant or online at www.choralartsonline.org Tickets at the door are an additional $2. Students admission is $5 in advance and at the door.
See the lights. The 2018 edition of the Wisconsin Christmas Carnival of Lights is now open at Jellystone Park Camp-Resort, 8425 Hwy. 38, Caledonia. You’ll see more 1.5 million twinkling lights and holiday scenes along a one-mile trail from the comfort of your vehicle. Visitors may also take the tour on Santa’s giant motorized sleigh with advance reservations. Admission (cash only) is $20 per car (up to eight passengers), $30 for limos, mini-buses and large passenger vans and $35 for large buses (Greyhound-type) and large motor homes. The light display hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Open daily except Christmas Day (Dec. 25). Call 262-835-2565 or visit http://wichristmascarnival.com
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