The Picks: Downtown Art Walk, Local Theatre, A Holly Jazzy Christmas, and More Event Picks!
December 1 – December 8, 2022
New local picks every Thursday evening to get your weekend started! Check back each week to see La Crosse Local’s picks and to make sure not to miss out on events throughout the year.
Event Submission
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Thank you,
La Crosse Local
Photo by Grey Area Productions
All Weekend 12/2 – 12/4
UWL Theatre Department Presents A Christmas Carol – The UWL Theatre Department presents the Guthrie Theatre’s version of A Christmas Carol adapted by Barbara Field. There will be performances on December 2-3 & 8-10, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. and December 4 & 11, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Be sure to purchase tickets in advance for this holiday classic.
A Viterbo Christmas: Earth Shall Ring – Celebrate the holiday season at the Viterbo University Fine Arts Center as the choirs present A Viterbo Christmas: The Earth Shall Ring! This combination of music and storytelling will be a unique experience for audiences of all ages. The show will run from 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm on Saturday and 2 pm – 5 pm on Sunday.
La Crosse Community Theatre Presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast – Support local theater and come see the La Crosse Community Theatre present a classic Disney tale as old as time, Beauty and the Beast. There are available showings on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm, and on Sunday at 2:00 pm. Purchase your tickets now!
The Long Christmas Dinner – Grey Area Productions presents an original play by Thorton Wilder, The Long Christmas Dinner, at the Pump House Regional Arts Center on December 2-4 and 8-11. Tickets are available, and the shows start at 7:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2:00 pm on Sundays.
Photo by Georgina Kingsley
Friday 12/2
First Friday Downtown Art Walk – Held at various locations in downtown La Crosse on the first Friday of every month, come down for this month’s First Friday Downtown Art Walk on December 2nd! Artists, exhibitions, and new collections can be found at River City Gallery, Pump House Regional Art Center, by James Galleries, and more from 4pm to 7pm.
First Friday OPEN House: Fannin Counseling & Art Therapy – Join Fannin Counseling & Art Therapy for their First Friday open house, celebrating a new location and look. Come for snacks, refreshments, and painter Georgina Kingsley who will be displaying and selling her paintings. The event starts at 4 pm and goes until 7 pm, and is open to the public.
Artist Reception at the Pump House – Join the Pump House Regional Arts Center in supporting their currently featured exhibition with their Artist Reception on December 2 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The current exhibition will be on display from November 9, 2022 – January 7, 2022. The exhibition features work by Mark Weller, Connor Johanson, and Phil Murray.
Pat McCurdy LIVE! – Catch Pat McCurdy live again at the Alpine Inn for their highly anticipated holiday party on Friday night at 7:00 pm. Dress in your ugliest Christmas Sweater for the annual Ugly Xmas Party and bring a gift if you would like to participate in the white-elephant gift exchange ($20 max).
Photo by The Motherhood Collective
Saturday 12/3
A Holly Jazzy Christmas with the La Crosse Jazz Orchestra – Prepare for A Holly Jazzy Christmas at the Cappella Performing Arts Center with the La Crosse Jazz Orchestra. The La Crosse Jazz Orchestra is Western Wisconsin’s premier big band, directed by Greg Balfany. The show starts at 7:00 pm and runs until 9:00 pm on December 3rd. Purchase tickets soon!
Between the Bluffs Frothbite Beer & Bites Festival – Get your fill of winter cocktails, craft beverages and holiday treats from around the La Crosse Region, Wisconsin, and the Midwest at the Between the Bluffs Frothbite Beer and Bites Festival. The event starts at 2:00 pm and runs until 6:00 pm, with food, drinks, games, entertainment, and more.
Festive Family Yoga – What could be better than holiday yoga with your family dressed in your favorite holiday PJs paired with holiday music? Join Emily at The Motherhood Collective for Festive Family Yoga on Saturday morning from 10:30-11:30 am. Pairing the music of the Nutcracker with poses and music from the ballet, the class will be enjoyable for participants of all ages and a great morning of connection. Register today!
Photo by The Muse Theatre
Thursday 12/8
One Flew Over the Christmas Tree – Enjoy a holiday drag show at The Muse Theatre with Matthew Scott Lucas starting at 7:30 pm. One Flew Over the Christmas Tree is a Christmas drag show for adults, so grab your friends and an adult beverage for this extra special holiday experience!
Photo by Home Free
Coming Up (12/8 – 12/15)
Home Free Family Christmas – Get ready for the Home Free Family Christmas Tour at the La Crosse Center on December 13th by grabbing your tickets today! The tour features the nationally renowned band, Home Free, and special supporting acts Texas Hill and Abby Anderson.
Amahl And The Night Visitors – Join the Cappella Performing Arts Center in experiencing Gian-Carlo Menotti’s beautiful Christmas story, Amahl And The Night Visitors. Showing on Friday, December 9th and Saturday, December 10th from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm, this unique holiday show is a great way to ring in the season.
Photo by Pump House Regional Arts Center
String Ties Holiday Concert at the Pump House – Experience a holiday concert by The String Ties Band at the Pump House Regional Arts Center on December 15th and 16th at 7:30 pm. Together for over 25 years, The String Ties present their popular YULE show for a heart-warming take on melodies of the holiday season in their Bluegrass and Acoustic String Music style. Purchase your tickets early!
La Crosse Dance Centre’s 33rd Annual “Nutcracker Ballet” – See the timeless holiday classic, the Nutcracker Ballet presented by the La Crosse Dance Centre at the Viterbo Fine Arts Center. Going on their 33rd Annual performance, come experience the joy of the season with La Crosse’s original Nutcracker Ballet.
On the Road (12/1 – 12/8)
Book Signing with Artist Kami Mendlik – Head to Winona on Saturday, December 3rd from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm to join Kami Mendlik at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum Shoppe. Author, sought-after impressionist painter, and painting instructor, Mendlik will be holding a book signing and short presentation of her recently published book, Color Relativity – Creating the Illusion of Light with Paint.
About La Crosse Local
La Crosse Local is an arts, food, and entertainment podcast and publication for La Crosse County and its surrounding communities.
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