There’s something special about the holiday season in Kenosha — the lights glow a little brighter, the lakefront feels a little cozier, and our small businesses shine in a way only locals understand. From festive storefronts and family traditions to community events that bring everyone together, the people behind our shops, cafés, studios, and boutiques play a huge part in what makes this time of year feel magical.
In this series of holiday interviews, we sat down with a handful of Kenosha’s small business owners to hear how they celebrate the season — from their favorite local traditions to the ways they spread joy through their work. Their stories show exactly why supporting local isn’t just a purchase… it’s being part of something bigger.
Let’s spread some holiday cheer and get to know Rex Kelly, the general manager of Public Brewing Company in Downtown Kenosha!
What are your favorite local holiday traditions or events in Kenosha?
We love the Lightin’ Up Downtown (on Black Friday) and the Ice Sculptures (Snow Daze Festival in January).
How does your business collaborate with other Kenosha businesses during the holidays?
We try to get involved in as many events and activities as we can. We enjoy sponsoring elves, participating in Rowdy Rudolph, window decorating contests, etc. We also have a winter indoor maker’s market where we invite other business owners to set up a booth for FREE!
What role does your business play in making Kenosha a festive destination?
We believe beer brings people together and what better time of year to do that than the holiday season!
Can you share a story about how your business has positively impacted someone’s holiday or a favorite holiday memory connected to your business?
We always strive to be a family friendly place for customers and to make them feel like they are at home when they are here. We hope our efforts are recognized and people make good memories while they are here.
What do you love most about interacting with the community during the holidays?
We are just proud to have laid roots in our downtown community. Good people, good businesses, great customers. We want to be part of their holiday memories every year. We also strive to host drives to help people in our community who need it most.
What do your customers seem to love most about your business during the Holidays?
Our fried cheese curds and Public Indecency (bourbon barrel-aged stout). We also have great seating options for large groups and families. And, great beer.
How do you thank your customers for their support during the holiday season?
We show our appreciation in our customer service and host events for them where they can win fun prizes to keep coming back to Public.
What do you think surprises out-of-towners most about Kenosha during the holidays? How can the community support Kenosha businesses like yours this holiday season?
We have something really special here in Downtown Kenosha; it is a hidden treasure that you have to actively search for; you don’t just happen upon our neighborhood in your travels. I think what surprises tourists most is how many cool businesses are here, and how amazing the owners and staff are. If any locals or tourists alike weren’t impressed by this year’s Lightin’ Up Downtown, they weren’t paying enough attention!
What’s the best holiday gift you’ve ever received?
Personally, a Blackstone grill. As a business? Lakefront Brewery helping us keep Public in business.
Do you have a favorite childhood holiday memory?
My dad would take me and my little sister “Christmas light lookin’ at” on Christmas Eve while my mom and my older sister stayed behind to wrap our presents. At our house, Santa came on Christmas Eve because my mom would have to work at 4am on Christmas Day at the nursing home. It was their way of managing to give us a good holiday.
Is there a holiday tradition from your childhood you still celebrate today?
It’s kind of a hybrid of old and new traditions. Since we had our son we have our own Christmas Eve tradition with a little of my childhood mixed in. We wear matching pajamas, make hot cocoa, and go to Candy Cane lane in West Allis to go “Christmas light lookin’ at”.
What’s your favorite holiday treat or dessert?
I love a solid charcuterie board on Christmas Eve.
What’s your favorite holiday movie or TV special?
HOME ALONE! Only the first and second ones; the other ones are trash. We also love watching ELF as a family.
Real tree or artificial tree — which do you prefer and why?
Ooooh…tough one. My wife prefers a real tree; I prefer an artificial tree because I don’t love cutting down trees just to decorate and toss after 30 days. However, picking out a real tree as a family and having that smell in our living room is wonderful. We also had artificial trees when we lived in Florida because palm trees don’t fit in the house, and Frasier firs are hard to find down south.
Ugly sweater fan or avoid them at all costs?
LOVE.
Eggnog, yes or no and why?
Mixed with rum I could choke it down, but overall, nope. It’s too thick.
Naughty or nice?
You’ve met me Donny. You know.
Visit Public Brewing Company this holiday season and year-round!
Address: 628 58th Street, Kenosha, WI 53140
Website: publicbrewingcompany.com
Getting to know the people behind Kenosha’s small businesses reminds us why this community is so special. Each owner brings their own story, passion, and personality to what they do — and that’s a big part of what makes visiting Kenosha such a meaningful experience.
As you enjoy the holiday season, we invite you to stop in, say hello, learn their stories, and support the work they pour their hearts into. Every conversation, every visit, and every purchase helps these business owners continue doing what they love while keeping Kenosha vibrant and welcoming.
This is what makes exploring Kenosha unique: you don’t just shop here — you connect here.
Happy Holidays, and thanks for supporting the people who make Kenosha truly worth visiting.
