Mannheim Steamrolling through the Grand | Your Wausome Weekend Guide

Wausau events for the weekend of Dec. 10-16, 2025

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Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

Tuesday, Dec. 16: Sorry, when I see this listing come up, I think of Dwight Schrute from The Office singing along to their version of Little Drummer Boy. That only makes me want to go see this that much more! That said, this Grammy Award-winning show at the Grand is selling out fast - there is one ticket for the 7:30 pm show and more for the 3 pm show, but they’re really thinning out fast. You can see why this show has been going for four decades. $76-$96. See the event page for more.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Wednesday, Dec. 10: Some of you might remember that very narrow window in the late 90s where everyone got into swing music. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s music was probably most emblematic of that era. It might have been a passing fad, but good music is good music and this stuff was a blast. I mean hey, they played the Super Bowl! This holiday-themed show promises to be energetic and fun. We highlighted this last week since it was mostly sold out, but there still some seats left, so dust off your zoot suit and boogie to the ticket page if you’re hoping to see these guys. 7:30 pm. $13-$71. See the event page for more.

Holiday Makers Market

Sunday, Dec. 14: If you’re still on the hunt for Christmas gifts, especially locally made ones, here is your spot! The annual Holiday Makers Market will feature more than 40 local vendors with products ranging from wooden cutting boards to candles to art and so much more. Held this year in the Washington Square building (now back to its original name). 10 am-3 pm. Check out the event page for more.

Altenburgh Christmas

Friday, Dec. 12: For many of you, this jazz-filled who’s who of local talented musicians at the Grand Theater is a must see every year. Jazz musician John Altenburgh has decades of experience playing and recording jazz and other music, and has also been putting on this show for decades, so you know you’re in for a barn-busting holiday experience. Joining him is a who’s who of Wausau area musicians. 7:30 pm. $54-$81. See the event page for more.

Holiday Ice Skate Show

Monday, Dec. 15: Come give the young gals who work hard at their sport some support as they put on this holiday show! This show at the Marathon Park Ice Arena has free admission and will commence with a holiday-themed skating show from the Timberline Figure Skating Club, followed by some open ice time. And, word is there will be hot cocoa and cake. 5:30 pm. See the event page for more details.

Dig Deep for Dogs

Sunday, Dec. 14: If you’ve read these pages before, you know the deal with Dig Deep — a bluegrass band that plays as if they were a heavy metal band. And that’s the background of these players as well, so it makes sense. But it also makes for a unique take on a genre where bands sometimes struggle to distinguish themselves. For this show at Arrow Sports Club, they’ll be playing music while collecting donated items for the Marathon County Humane Society. Music at 12:30 pm. Check out the event page for more details and for the list of items the Humane Society is looking for.

Rock N Roll Toy Drive 2025

Saturday, Dec. 13: If you’re going to have a toy drive to do some good in the world, why not do it to the screaming soundtrack of metal? Bring a toy or a cash donation for your entry at Nevermore on Third, and watch music from Wausau’s Un-Broken, Conniption out of Milwaukee, Ego-Death out of Madison and Wausau’s own 20 Watt Tombstone. 8 pm. See the event page for more.

Breakfast at the North Pole

Sunday, Dec. 14: This time of year it is not hard to find children’s activities. But this one seems like a good bet. Bring your kids down to the Wausau West High School Commons to get their photo taken with Santa Claus and Mrs. Santa Claus, enjoy some crafts, art and games, and have some breakfast of course. Plus some live entertainment to keep things festive. 8 am-noon. $5/person or $20 for a family. See the event page for more.

In Brief

Visit with Santa , 5-7 pm Wednesday, Dec. 10 at the Children’s Imaginarium

Italian Feast Christmas, 6 pm Wednesday, Dec. 10 at The Milk Merchant

Winter Wonderland of Music, 7 pm Wednesday, Dec. 10 at the James Veninga Theater

Oak Ridge Boys , 7:30 pm Thursday, Dec. 11 at the Grand Theater

Through Crimson, 7 pm Friday, Dec. 12 at The Garage

Old Truckers Band, 8 pm Saturday, Dec. 13 at Intermission

KinderMarket, 9 am-noon Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Children’s Imaginarium

Andy Hanson, 9 pm Saturday, Dec. 13 at Malarkey’s Pub

Historic Holiday Homes of Wausau Tour, 1-4 pm Sunday, Dec. 14 at Woodson History Center

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