Milwaukee, Wisconsin offers some unique holiday traditions, for people looking for something out of the ordinary during the most festive season of the year. Milwaukee gets beautifully decked out for the holiday seasons, with lights decorating the streets and parks in the downtown area. You can also see a lighted whale skeleton, Rev up the Holidays at the Harley – Davidson Museum, see a Christmas Tree made up of beer kegs, go on a horse drawn carriage ride or take a Polar Bear Plunge on New Year's Day. Following is some of the fun to be found in Milwaukee during the holiday season. People who wish to take the drive up to the city to the north can find holiday fun with an unusual twist.

Lighting of the Whale at Milwaukee Public Museum

You can get a Christmas tree lighting anywhere. But the lighting of a 40-foot humpback whale skeleton? Only in Milwaukee! A must-see tradition, the Milwaukee Public Museum’s “Lighting of the Whale” signals the start of the holiday season in the city. The giant lever is flipped November 27, 2009 and this famous spectacle will illuminate over the museum’s grand staircase all holiday season. MPM is located at 800 West Wells Street in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Holidays at Harley Davidson Museum

The holidays are also kickstarted November 27 at the Harley-Davidson Museum’s “Rev up the Holidays.” Enjoy the Rockin’ Tree Lighting, including photos with Santa, a bonfire and hot drinks.
It doesn’t matter if you’re on Santa’s naughty or nice list at the Biker Claus’ Wish List Party at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Work with Harley experts to create your own motorcycle holiday wish list December10 and 17 at Motor Bar & Restaurant. Enjoy happy hour specials and enter your list in a raffle to win cool prizes.The Harley Davidson Museum is located at 600 Canal Street in Miwlaukee, Wisconsin.

Beer Tree for Christmas

The Brew City lives up to its reputation with a unique beer-themed Christmas tree. Warm up with a tasty Bavarian lager at the Milwaukee Ale House and see the unique “Beer” tree, constructed entirely of beer kegs.

Brady Street Holly Days

The centerpiece of Brady Street’s Holly Days featuring Festivus is the unadorned, unglamorous Festivus pole—by far not your typical Christmas tree. From December 11-13, participate in a Festivus for the rest of us with Seinfeld-inspired events at five Brady Street establishments. Spread holiday cheer at the ever-popular “Airing of Grievances.” Or test your physical and mental stamina with the “Feats of Strength” and “Festivus/Seinfeld Trivia.” Highly-coveted Festivus poles will be awarded as prizes!

Charles Allis Museum

A Very Vintage Chrismas is a season of festive decorations and holiday events at this mansion museum, from November 21, 2009 to January 10, 2010. Dreaming of a “White Christmas?” The song debuted in the movie, “Holiday Inn,” and a rare screening of the 1942 film will be presented at the Charles Allis Museum on December 9. Bundle up and take a horse-drawn carriage ride between the Charles Allis Museum and Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum on December 18. Enjoy the music of carolers, hors de’ oeuvres and a cash bar at their “A Very Vintage Holiday Open House” celebration. The Charles Allis Museum in located at 1801 N. Prospect Avenue in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Paradise Landing Waterpark

Sliding down a chimney, or a waterslide? Santa won’t only be in the typical places this season. It may be chilly outside, but grab your swimsuit and come to Paradise Landing Waterpark at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center to “Swim with Santa.” Don’t splash the jolly fellow in red or you’ll be on his naughty list!

Polar Bear Plunge on New Year's Day

Call it fun or call it crazy—Milwaukee’s annual Polar Bear Plunge is an unusual New Year’s Day tradition. Cuddle up in a blanket and watch, or bring your swimsuit and jump right into the icy waters of Lake Michigan. A refreshing way to start 2010!

Milwaukee, Wisconsin is about a 90 minute to two hour drive from much of the Chicago, Illinois area.

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