Christmas break is almost here! While kids are excited for their much-needed break from school, parents are scrambling to find family-friendly activities to fill the void.

Luckily, Kenosha offers so many gems when it comes to fun, family-friendly holiday activities. Whether you want to enjoy the outdoors, get crafty, or sprinkle in some education, there are events for everyone. Here are some events to add to your Christmas break calendar!

 

Kenosha Public Museum’s Holiday Treasures

The Kenosha Public Museum features holiday events for every age group throughout December!

First up: Museum Munchkins. Every Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., you and your preschooler can join Mr. Nick for songs, stories, and learning about an exciting new animal!

Or, if your older kiddos join the fun, you can craft your dream gingerbread house on December 16th with the Candy House Family Workshop.

And last but certainly not least, you can sign up the kids for a New Year’s Kids Camp on December 28th! They learn about New Year’s traditions, make crafts, and get ready to ring in the new year!

If you can’t make it to the events above - don’t fret! You can celebrate the holidays all day every day by visiting the Holiday Train Display in the lobby and completing their Holiday Train Scavenger hunt. Or visit one of the other four museums available downtown!

Holiday Train Display at Kenosha Public Museum

Kenosha Public Museum Scavenger Hunt

Kenosha's
Five Museums

Climb the Historic Lighthouse (and Visit with Santa!)

While the historic Southport Light Station Museum is typically closed for the season, the lighthouse tower and maritime museum will be open for an event on Saturday, December 16th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visitors can climb the Southport Lighthouse tower’s 72-step spiral staircase up to the lantern room for a beautiful view of the Chicago skyline (on a clear day; must be 8 or older). Also hear a presentation on the Rouse Simmons Christmas Tree Ship at noon! 

Additionally, families can visit with the one and only Santa Claus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the nearby Kenosha History Center!

Southport Lighthouse

Santa at Kenosha History Center

Movies, Crafts, & More at Kenosha Public Library

You've hit the jackpot if you're looking for events to keep the kiddos busy! Every day, the Library runs events featuring everything from chess nights to afternoon movies to a knitting craft session. Here are some of the fun activities you can find through the end of December at one of the locations:

Toddler Storytime: Toddler storytime is for walking one and two-year-old children and their caregivers. Early listening and literacy skills are developed during 20 minutes of books, fingerplays, and songs.

Brown Bag Movie: Bring your lunch or some movie snacks to eat and watch a fun family film on the big screen.

Mega Wreaths: Show the magnitude of your holiday spirit by creating gigantic decorative wreaths!

Fantasy/Sci-Fi Book Club: Come talk with people who love fantasy and science fiction as much as you do! No specific books are designated to read.

There’s all this and more! Find more events here.

Grab N’ Go Pottery at Alpaca Art

Painting pottery is a way to create cherished family keep-sakes, heartwarming presents, and memories that last a lifetime!

Paint in person – or Alpaca Art allows you to purchase grab n’ go pottery you can paint at home! They have everything from ornaments to a “cookies for Santa” plate. This activity is perfect for creating a new holiday tradition.

Visit AlpacaPottery.com to find your next project!

Alpaca Art

Lemon Street Gallery & Artspace’s Artistree Giftable Art Show

Let your inner artist shine at Lemon Street Gallery! They have everything an artist can dream of - art classes, a Creatives Club to work on art in a community setting, and the Artistree Giftable Art Show!

Through December 24th, visit Lemon Street Gallery to purchase original artwork perfect for holiday gift giving! Whether you’re looking for jewelry, candles, or even fiber art, you will find it at Lemon Street Gallery.

Lemon Street Gallery & ArtSpace

An Artist’s Dream: Hot Mess Studios

Do you have an artist at home that loves to go rogue with crayons and markers? Hot Mess Studios is the perfect solution for a chaotic crafter.

Don a poncho and shoe protection, and use a fun assortment of tools (I like to go for the water guns) to splatter paint across a canvas! After your canvas dries, you’ll leave with a bright Jackson Pollock-inspired piece.

Hot Mess Studios

 

The fun doesn’t end here! There are SO many things you can add to your Christmas break plans! Check out VisitKenosha.com/Holidays for all things holidays or the FUN 101 list: 101 Things to See & Do for $10 & Under (Many are FREE!)! Happy Holidays, Kenosha!

More Ideas:

 

Through December 17
Holiday Light Walk

Through December 30 (select dates)
Magic at Muni

Through December 31
Holiday Gnome Hunt

In Kenosha
Merry & Bright

Activities in
Winter