5 Reasons to Spend Thanksgiving Weekend in West Bend

Looking for a festive way to kick off the holiday season? West Bend has you covered! This Thanksgiving weekend, the city is bursting with seasonal events, unique shopping, and family-friendly fun. Here are five reasons to make it a weekend in West Bend:

1. Enjoy the First Annual Christkindl Markt

The Downtown West Bend Association is bringing an Old-World celebration to West Bend for the first time from November 28-30. The Christkindl Markt is an authentic German celebration with live music, artisan vendors, and delicious food and drink from gluhwein to bratwurst to kartoffelpuffers. As you walk through the indoor/outdoor market, be sure to stop for a photo with the Christkind, a golden-haired gift giver!

2. Take Advantage of Special Downtown Shopping Promotions and Giveaways

The holiday season means great deals on gifts and downtown West Bend has you covered no matter who you’re shopping for. Visit a participating store on Small Business Saturday (November 29) and receive a shopping punch card. Hop between shops to complete your card and be entered to win a gift basket worth over $350!

While you’re shopping, be on the lookout for more than just the perfect gift. In German holiday tradition, find the hidden pickle ornament in participating shops to be entered for a prize basket.

3. Take in a One-of-a-Kind Art Exhibit at MOWA

The Museum of Wisconsin Art has celebrated local art and artists for decades. Whether you’re already a museum member or a first time visitor, you won’t want to miss this featured exhibit. Dozens of chairs designed by renowned architect and Wisconsin native Frank Lloyd Wright are on display, providing rich insight into Wright’s personal and artistic journey.

As you walk through the exhibit, you’ll be guided through the many epochs of Wright’s illustrious career to see the architect’s process from chair design to the stunning buildings that earned him worldwide acclaim.

4. Book an Evening with The Bend

In the heart of downtown, The Bend Theater is more than a concert venue. The renovated art-deco style theater is a trip back in time with stunning architecture and the ambiance of Hollywood’s golden age. The Theater has an exciting lineup spanning concert, comedies, and classic films. Thanksgiving weekend’s playbill includes:

• Friday, November 28, 7:30 p.m. | The Cavalry comedy showcase featuring Brandon Wein, Johnny Beehner, and Andrew Sleighter.
• Saturday, November 29, 7:30 p.m. | The WhiskeyBelles Holiday Kickoff, an award-winning folk and Americana band performing unique arrangements of holiday classics and a plethora of original songs to add to your playlist.
• Sunday, November 30, 1 p.m.: A nostalgic screening of the 1980s classic He-Man & She-Ra Christmas Special

Be sure to check out one of downtown’s fabulous bars and restaurants before or after the show to complete a memorable night out.

5. Enjoy the West Bend Holiday Parade

Wisconsin’s oldest continuously running Christmas parade makes its 73^rd march through town on Sunday, November 30, at 5 p.m. This year’s theme is “Ringing in the Holiday Season!” Be sure to bring your letter to Santa, which will be collected by postal workers along the parade route to send to the North Pole. The parade begins at Regner Park and heads down Main Street through downtown. Be sure to bundle up!

Book Your Stay

How could you ever pack all this into one day? Book your stay at a local hotel to enjoy the magic all weekend long.