365ink Events

Holiday Bazaar & Bake Sale
Saturday, December 7 @ 7:30–11:30 AM
Rockdale United Methodist Church
Cookies, breads, candies, crafts, florals, wreaths, knitted items and more! Your one stop shop for holiday goods. RSVP if you would like to donate anything. Free. 1500 Old Mill Rd. 563-590-5598. rockdaleum.org.

Hotel Julien Dubuque 12 Days of Christmas
Various Dates: December 7–31
Breakfast With Santa: Saturday, December 7 @ 8–11 AM
Hotel Julien Dubuque (200 Main St)
Celebrate the holiday season at Hotel Julien Dubuque during the 12 Days of Christmas. Now in its seventh year, this holiday series features events for all ages designed to spread seasonal cheer throughout the Dubuque community. The series kicks off on Dec. 2 with the hotel’s annual Cyber Monday Gift Card Sale. The Tree Lighting Ceremony, a yearly favorite, will take place on Dec. 4. The event includes the unveiling of the hotel’s 18 ft. live lobby Christmas tree, caroling, and a special visit from Santa Claus. Other family favorite events include Breakfast with Santa scheduled for Dec. 7, Old Fashion Christmas Eve Dinner on Dec. 24, and Christmas Day Brunch at Caroline’s on Dec. 25. The celebrations continue in Riverboat Lounge as well. From the newly added Craft Cocktails with Bryan on Dec. 5 and Holiday Wine Tasting on Dec. 18. to the yearly favorite Jazz It Up with Jingle Barry on the 12th, Riverboat Lounge will be brimming with holiday cheer! Plus, the Seinfeld inspired Festivus Celebration returns on Dec. 23. Returning this year are Shopping with PJ Chapin’s Boutique and Potosa Spa on Dec. 11, World’s Largest Office Party on Dec. 17, and back by popular demand, the return of New Year’s Eve at Hotel Julien Dubquue on Dec. 31. This year’s theme is Boogie ’Til The Ball Drops with entertainment from local funk and soul band Boogie Monster. 563-556-4200. HotelJulienDubuque.com.

Stuff the Truck for Toys For Tots
Saturday, December 7 @ 8 AM–4 PM
Theisen’s Home • Farm • Auto (2900 Dodge St)
The 10th Annual Theisen’s Stuff the Truck event to benefit Marine Corps Toys For Tots returns Saturday, Dec. 7 to Theisen’s in Dubuque. Radio Dubuque will supercast live at the Dubuque Theisen’s while shoppers take advantage of the annual toy sale. Bag your own great deals or donate a new toy to Toys For Tots. You can also bring in a new toy or cash and donate it at the event. Santa will pop-in during the day for photos with kids from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and free cookies as well. Local Marines and Marine Corps and Marine Corps League are scheduled to join the fun. The largest single-day fundraiser for the Dubuque Toys For Tots, the event regularly brings in about $10,000 in toys and cash for local youngsters. The goal is to fully support the needs of nearly 5,000 children in Dubuque County, IA; Clayton County, IA; Grant County, WI; and Jo Daviess County, IL.

The Territory Holiday Market
Saturday, December 7 @ 8:30 AM–1:30 PM
Galena Territory Owners’ Club Social Hall (Galena, IL)
Welcome the holiday season with decorations, gift items, art, baked goods, and much more. 2000 Territory Dr, Galena, IL. 815-777-2000. TheGalenaTerritory.com.

Winter Farmers’ Market
Saturdays: December 7–April 25 @ 9 AM–Noon
Roshek Building Lobby
An all-volunteer driven market, focusing on supporting our regional food system, eating from our food shed year-round and providing annual funding to farmers through our grant program. Homemade and baked goods, plus meat, cheese, eggs and, yes, vegetables! WinterMarketDBQ.com.

A Merry Millwork Market
Saturday, December 7 @ 9 am–2 PM
Schmid Innovation Center Courtyard (955 Washington St)
Shop local for the holidays! Don’t miss your chance to attend this incredibly unique outdoor shopping experience in the heart of Dubuque’s Historic Millwork District on Friday, Dec. 6 from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Warm up under the tents and shop the best of local crafts, sips, and bites. The event will feature several vendors ranging from local artists to unique gifts and clothing. Local food vendors will be on-site selling delicious fare. Swing by the Millwork Collective Booth and take advantage of the complimentary gift wrapping. Santa Claus will arrive at 6 p.m. on Friday evening for a tree lighting ceremony with carols from the Dubuque Music Men. Horse and carriage rides will be available on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $5 per person or $25 for the entire carriage. For more information, visit merrymillworkmarket.com.

Grief Retreat: Journey toward Wholeness
Saturday, December 7 @ 9 AM–4 PM
Sinsinawa Mound (Sinsinawa, WI)
Throughout life, we experience the loss of people, places, and things. Retreatants will reflect on loss to discover how it can lead to greater wholeness and holiness. Reflection questions include, “What have been the losses in my life?” “How have I dealt with the grief of the loss?” “Do the people who have died live on in my life?” “How do I find hope in the midst of the pain of the loss?” Sister Mary Hopkins, OP, a certified grief specialist, will lead the day. RSVP one week prior to the event start date. 585 County Rd Z, Sinsinawa, WI. 608-748-4411. sinsinawa.org/moundcenter.

Shopping with Santa
Saturday, December 7 @ 10 AM–2 PM
Peosta Community Centre (Peosta, IA)
Come do some Christmas shopping and let your kids see Santa, get a picture taken with him, and get a small present from him that day! 7896 Burds Rd, Peosta, IA.

Santa Day
Saturday, December 7 @ 10 AM–2 PM
Shake Rag Alley (Mineral Point, WI)
Photos with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus are a holiday tradition at Shake Rag. They’ve promised to return for a photo-op appearance from 10 a.m. to noon. At Santa’s Workshops, find everything you need to decorate a one-of-a-kind gingerbread cottage. Christmas crafts and decoration supplies will be provided. Decorate a cookie with frosting and sprinkles. Prices vary per activity. 608-987-3292. shakeragalley.com.

Toddler Time
December 7, January 11, February 8, March 7, April 11 @ 10:30–11:30 AM
January 7, February 4, March 3, April 7 @ 9–10 AM or 10:30–11:30 AM
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Toddler Time is open to children ages 2-4, and a parent or caregiver. Sessions are held monthly from September to April. Programs include a variety of hands-on and active activities, including a craft and a game. RSVP suggested. $8 Member toddler; $10 non-member toddler; parent/caregiver free. 350 E. 3rd St. 563-557-9545 x213. RiverMuseum.com/toddler-time.

Home for the Holidays
Saturdays: December 7, 14, and 21 @ 11 AM–4 PM
Sundays: December 8, 15, and 22 @ 11 AM–4 PM
Mathias Ham Historic Site
Celebrate an old-fashioned holiday at the Mathias Ham Historic Site through a series of special events leading up to Christmas. Home for the Holidays will feature specially curated tours highlighting holiday traditions of the Victorian Era with weekly crafts, entertainment, and specialty activities. Sleigh rides, caroling, and a visit from Santa are included in the family fun. $7.50 Adults; $4 children 3-17; free for National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium members. 2241 Lincoln Ave. 563-557-9545. RiverMuseum.com.

Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Holiday Family Concert
Saturday, December 7 @ 1 PM
Five Flags Theater
This is a shorter program with holiday music and sing-alongs, approximately one hour in length. Children are invited to get a free photo taken with Santa following the concert. The Dubuque Symphony Orchestra’s (DSO’s) 61st season continues the orchestra’s proud tradition of unforgettable live performances and acclaimed guest artists. This season, the DSO celebrates it’s 50th anniversary. Season tickets are available now and give you exclusive benefits. To order, please call 563-557-1677 or stop in the DSO office, 2728 Asbury Rd. (lower level of the Atrium building in Fountain Park). Visit DubuqueSymphony.org for full concert information and dates or call 563-557-1677 for more information.

Ebenezer Duke and Tree Lighting Ceremony
Saturday, December 7 @ 1 PM
Carnegie-Stout Public Library
The Carnegie-Stout Public Library presents Ebenezer Duke, an original musical re-telling of A Christmas Carol on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 1 p.m. in the third floor Aigler Auditorium. “Ebenezer Duke” is performed by Duke Otherwise, a playful wordsmith, spirited performer, skilled guitarist, and captivating tap dancer. He will share his version of “A Christmas Carol” through song, storytelling, dance, and audience participation. The show is great for all ages, especially families looking for something fun and festive to do during the holiday season. After the program, attendees are invited to the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in the library rotunda. RSVP required for Ebenezer Duke. dubuque.lib.ia.us.

Catch the Train in Galena
Show: December 7–15
East Dubuque Module Presentation by Phil Jackman: Saturday, December 7 @ 4 PM
Galena CFA (Galena, IL)
Railway enthusiast Philip Jackman will share his N Scale operating trains on a 32’ by 16’ display featuring a variety of topography, including cities, deserts, canyons, and more. The walls will be covered with railroad themed artwork and historic regional photos of trains and depots. Also view modules from East Dubuque and from other train enthusiasts in the region. Reception on Nov. 29 at 5–7 p.m., Phil Jackman presentations on Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. and Dec. 12 at 7 p.m.; kids run the trains (with UnPosed Photography taking pictures) on Dec. 8 at 1–4 p.m.; and live reading of The Polar Express on Sundays at 2 p.m. $5 Adults; free for 12 and under. 219 Summit St, Galena, IL. 779-214-0261. galenacenterforthearts.org.

Katie’s Garden Winter Wonderland
Saturday, December 7 @ 5–7 PM
Katie’s Garden (Platteville, WI)
Enjoy a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus in Katie’s Garden Winter Wonderland. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be arriving via Fire Truck at 5:15 p.m. on Friday, followed by a “Grand Lighting.” Enjoy cocoa and cookies with Santa and Mrs. Claus in their Christmas Cabin both evenings. Children’s activities, music of the season and luminaries will make the evenings merry and bright. Free. 275 W Business Hwy 151, Platteville, WI. platteville.com.

25th Annual Reflections in the Park
December 7–January 4, 2020 @ 5–10 PM
Louis Murphy Park (1700 S Grandview Ave)
Join Hillcrest Family Services for the 25th annual Reflections in the Park, a Hillcrest Lights Festival! Drive through the park and enjoy the beauty of the twinkling lights this holiday. Each night the 25th car will receive a $25 Hy-Vee gift card. Santa will visit every Monday. You can pick up advanced tickets for $8 at any Hillcrest or DB&T location or pay $10 per car at the gate. For more information, visit hillcrest-fs.org or call 563-845-0378.

Holiday Fire In The Sky
Saturday, December 7 @ 6:30 PM
Downtown Galena, IL
Enjoy fireworks over the Galena River. Pre-party at Galena Elks Lodge. ARC kids activities and hot cocoa plus Christmas music on the levee with DJ Doug Collins.

Famous Dead Artists Series: Georgia O’Keeffe & Alfred Stieglitz
Saturday, December 7 @ 7 PM
Sunday, December 8 @ 1 PM
Dubuque Museum of Art (701 Locust St)
One of the Museum’s most anticipated annual events, the Famous Dead Artist series brings legendary artists to life through portrayals by local actors at DuMA on Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. or Dec. 8 at 1 p.m. Iconic artist of the Southwest, Georgia O’Keeffe, played by Lenore Howard, and American photographer and modern art promoter, Alfred Stieglitz, played by Doug Donald, will be the first couple in the 30th Famous Dead Artist program. The event is free, but registration is required. To learn more or to register, call DuMA at 563-588-1851 x115 or visit dbqart.org.

Candlelight Tours
Saturdays: December 7 and 14 @ 7 and 8 PM
Mathias Ham Historic Site
Visitors have a rare opportunity to tour the Ham House by candlelight, while learning about the architectural and historical significance of the home. Registration is limited to 20 per tour and tickets are required in advance. $10 adults; $7 children. 2241 Lincoln Ave. 563-557-9545. RiverMuseum.com.

Dubuque Fighting Saints Hockey vs Muskegon
Saturday, December 7 @ 7:05 PM
Mystique Community Ice Center (1800 Admiral Sheehy Dr)
The Dubuque Fighting Saints celebrate their 10th season since they returned to the USHL. Head to Our House to cheer on the Saints onto another Clark Cup championship. 563-583-6880. DubuqueFightingSaints.com.

A Christmas Story
December 7 @ 7:30 PM
December 8 @ 2 PM
Grand Opera House (135 W 8th St)
After a nearly sold out run in 2016, Grand Opera House Director Frank McClain is restaging this Christmas Classic. Enjoy A Christmas Story on Nov. 29–30 and Dec. 6–7 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 1 and 8 at 2 p.m. A treat for the whole family, A Christmas Story is a stage version of the 1983 classic film based on the memoirs of humorist Jean Shepard. All the elements from the beloved motion picture are here, including the family’s temperamental exploding furnace; Scut Farkas, the school bully; the boys’ experiment with a wet tongue on a cold lamppost; the Little Orphan Annie decoder pin; Ralphie’s father winning a lamp shaped like a woman’s leg in a net stocking; and more. Tickets are $23 for adults and $15 for children under 18. Tickets can be purchased in person at the box office, by calling 563-588-1305, or at TheGrandOperaHouse.com.

A Nice Family Christmas
December 7, 11–14, and 18–21 @ 7:30 PM
December 8, 15, and 22 @ 2 PM
Bell Tower Theater (2728 Asbury Rd)
The Bell Tower Theater’s final comedy of 2019, A Nice Family Christmas, takes the stage Dec. 6–22. It’s Christmas Eve, and a reporter on the brink of being fired has been assigned a story about a typical family Christmas—his family’s Christmas. He goes home to his widowed mother, crazy uncle, eccentric grandmother, battling siblings, and their neurotic spouses—no shortage of material. But when they learn that he’s writing an article about them, the fruitcake hits the fan. Will the magic of Christmas bring this family back together? Dec. 6 and 7 are the Early Bird Special performances when tickets are just $10.50. Tickets for all other performances are $21. Thursdays are Girls’ Night Out; all audience members get a free glass of wine. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 563-588-3377 or visit BellTowerTheater.net. 

Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Traditional Holiday Concert
Saturday, December 7 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, December 8 @ 2 PM
Five Flags Theater
The Dubuque Chorale, members of the Heartland Ballet Company, and a guest performer join the DSO in an enchanting combination of familiar holiday favorites and exciting new music.
The Dubuque Symphony Orchestra’s (DSO’s) 61st season continues the orchestra’s proud tradition of unforgettable live performances and acclaimed guest artists. This season, the DSO celebrates it’s 50th anniversary. Season tickets are available now and give you exclusive benefits. To order, please call 563-557-1677 or stop in the DSO office, 2728 Asbury Rd. (lower level of the Atrium building in Fountain Park). Visit DubuqueSymphony.org for full concert information and dates or call 563-557-1677 for more information.

Classic Journey Live
Saturday, December 7 @ 8 PM
Diamond Jo Casino Mississippi Moon Bar
Classic Journey Live recreates Journey’s rise from their San Francisco roots to superstardom. The clothes, hairstyles, lights, musical gear, stage, vocals and all the sounds that are Journey combine to create a living tribute to one of rock’s greatest bands. Ages 21+. Tickets are available at the Diamond Club or the Mississippi Moon Bar Box Office inside the Diamond Jo Casino or online at MoonBarRocks.com.

Linsey Alexander
Saturday, December 7 @ 8 PM
Flatted Fifth Blues & BBQ (300 Potter Dr, Bellevue, IA)
Linsey Alexander grew up in a poor but honest and hard working family, learning early on that music has the power to lift the spirit and comfort the soul. In Linsey’s own words, “Blues is not hard—it’s just a documentary about life.” From Chicago.

Statue of Liberty
Saturday, December 7 @ 8 PM
Spirits Bar and Grill (1111 Dodge St)
Beginning as a solo project for singer/songwriter Bobby Bradford, Statue of Liberty grew into an acoustic folk-rock duo with the addition of Marywood Kate in 2010. Now back in their hometown of Dubuque, Bradford and Kate look forward to completing their third original album and contributing to the local music community. 

colossalraptors
Saturday, December 7 @ 9 PM
Smokestack (62 East 7th St)
colossalraptors plays rock n’ roll. Sweaty, hook-driven, heavy-blues, soul-crushing rock n’ roll. Hailing from what is at any moment the bitterly cold, frozen north, colossalraptors is Nate Tessum (vocals/ guitar), George Morteo (bass/ vocals), Tim Adams (drums), and Jon Beighley (guitar). colossalraptors’ high-voltage sound is rooted in dusty records, hook-laden guitar, and coiled in snaking basslines with dynamic counter-punching rhythms. Fans of The Black Keys and Jack White will recognize the influence.

Central Express
Fridays and Saturdays: December 7–21
Central Avenue Corridor (1400–2300 Central Ave)
The Central Express is a multiple-week celebration of the arts, pop-up storefronts, and the holidays from Nov. 8 through Dec. 21 in downtown Dubuque’s Central Avenue Corridor. In partnership with building and business owners, Dubuque Main Street will have holiday and arts pop-up shops open, all to demonstrate the Potential on Central. The focus is to fill vacant storefronts with tenants, offer family-friendly activities, engage the local arts community, and line the streets with holiday spirit. 563-588-4400. DowntownDubuque.org/central-express.

Roshek Holiday
December 7–21
Roshek Building
The Roshek Holiday brings back the holiday magic of years past with many family-friendly events and activities, including a tree-lighting ceremony on Opening Night, Selfies with Santa, and live music. A special emphasis is placed on the “giving” spirit with the inclusion of the Nonprofit Silent Auction of holiday Items and the Sharing and Caring Tree. Silent auction items will be on display and open for bid from Nov. 22 through Dec. 20. In addition, you can donate to the Caring and Sharing Tree to help families during the holiday season or drop off a holiday card for a veteran.You can get selfies with Santa every Saturday Nov. 30 through Dec. 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 700 Locust St. 563-583-1470.

Sinsinawa Art Gallery: Nativities of the World
December 7–January 5
Sinsinawa Mound (Sinsinawa, WI)
This exhibit features handcrafted nativities from lands near and far including the United States, Krygystan, Haiti, Germany, India, Venezuela, Ecuador, Jerusalem, Peru, Russia, Kenya, and many more countries. 585 County Rd Z, Sinsinawa, WI. 608-748-4411. sinsinawa.org/moundcenter.
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