5 things to do in Milwaukee on New Year's Eve and New Year's weekend

Chris Foran, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
·2 min read
The Harlem Globetrotters land at Fiserv Forum on New Year's Eve (where else would they be?).
The Harlem Globetrotters land at Fiserv Forum on New Year's Eve (where else would they be?).

1. Celebrate early at Bavarian Bierhaus' Munich New Year's

Looking to get your New Year's Eve partying in a little earlier? Bavarian Bierhaus, 700 W. Lexington Blvd., Glendale, is hosting a Munich New Year's bash Dec. 31 starting at 4 p.m., which is 11 p.m. in the German party town. Food, live music and a beer toast at 5 p.m. are on the menu. Info: Munich New Year's Facebook event page.

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2. Harlem Globetrotters at Fiserv Forum

As they should be (and have been for more than 50 years), the Harlem Globetrotters are back in town for their traditional New Year's Eve games, at 1 and 6 p.m. Dec. 31 at Fiserv Forum. Ticket prices start at $17. Info: fiservforum.com.

RELATED:Looking for kid-friendly ways to celebrate New Year's Eve? Here are 7 around Milwaukee.

3. Cool Fool Kite & Ice Festival in Veterans Park

The Cool Fool kite festival is on New Year's Day at Veterans Park in Milwaukee.
The Cool Fool kite festival is on New Year's Day at Veterans Park in Milwaukee.

The 36th annual Cool Fool Kite & Ice Festival returns to Veterans Park on Lake Michigan, just north of downtown, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 1. In addition to the kites' air show, there'll be free hot chocolate, coffee and snacks (while they last) compliments fest organizer Gift of Wings, and the Quiet Ice Carvers will show off their skills. Note: The Cool Fool fest starts about an hour after another New Year's Day tradition at the lakefront — the Polar Bear Plunge. Info: 36th Cool Fool Kite & Ice Festival event page.

RELATED:Admission to the Milwaukee County Zoo is free between Christmas and New Year's Eve

4. Meditate Milwaukee New Year’s Day at Riverside Theater

Looking to start 2023 with a clear head? Meditate Milwaukee joins forces with Blue Lotus Center and Sojourner Family Peace Center for a first-ever New Year's Day event of music, reflections and guided meditation. The proceedings at the Riverside Theater, 116 W. Wisconsin Ave., start at 1 p.m. Jan. 1. Admission is free. Info and registration: pabstheater.org.

5. Last call for more Milwaukee holiday displays, including Winter Wonders, Holiday Lights downtown and holiday show at Domes

Cathedral Square Park is one of three parks decorated for the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival.
Cathedral Square Park is one of three parks decorated for the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival.

Ringing in the new year means saying goodbye to more of the old year's holiday attractions after Jan. 1. Among the events closing that day: the Winter Wonders drive-through light display; the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival, the light displays around downtown; and the Mitchell Park Domes' holiday show, "Calm & Bright." Info: winterwonders.org, milwaukeedowntown.com and mitchellparkdomes.com.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 5 things to do in Milwaukee on New Year's Eve and New Year's weekend