First Fridays Creative Crawl Christmas Market

About this event

Downtown Racine’s December First Friday Brings Holiday Creativity, Shopping and Entertainment to Downtown

Downtown Racine’s December First Friday Brings Holiday Creativity, Shopping and Entertainment to Downtown Creative Crawl Christmas Market on December 4 features local artists, handmade gifts, interactive art activities, live music and holiday experiences throughout downtown

RACINE, Wis. — Downtown Racine Corporation (DRC) invites the community to celebrate the holiday season at the Creative Crawl Christmas Market, taking place during First Friday on Friday, December 4, from 4–9 p.m. throughout Downtown Racine.

This special holiday edition of the Creative Crawl will transform downtown into a festive destination filled with local artists, handcrafted gifts, interactive art experiences, live music, shopping and seasonal treats. Visitors are encouraged to explore participating businesses, discover one-of-a-kind gifts and support the local artists, makers and small businesses that make Downtown Racine unique.

“First Friday is a wonderful opportunity to bring people downtown, and the Creative Crawl Christmas Market adds something special to the holiday season,” said Kelly Kruse, Executive Director of Downtown Racine Corporation. “We want people to explore our local shops, meet talented artists, try something creative and enjoy an evening with family and friends. It’s a great way to celebrate the holidays while supporting the businesses and creative community that make downtown such a special place.”

Holiday Art, Hands-On Activities & Creative Experiences

• Racine Art Museum (RAM) | 4–8 p.m. — RAM Downtown will host a Holiday Bazaar featuring festive make-and-take art activities for children and adults, including handmade cards, bookmarks, ornaments and air-dry clay creations. Guests can explore the galleries during a holiday art treasure hunt, enjoy music from DJ Julian from 5–8 p.m. and shop handcrafted gifts from guest artists. Laura Gillespie will offer fresh floral wreaths, while RAM Education Artists will have handmade gifts and ornaments for sale. The RAM Store will also feature unique artful gifts.

• Hot Shop Glass — Experience live glassblowing demonstrations while sampling freshly roasted chestnuts. Visitors can also create a fused glass tile to contribute to a community mosaic installation. This hands-on activity is free and open to all ages.

• Ambitious Vibes — Get into the holiday spirit with a Christmas candle-making activity.

• Busia’s XOXO — Create two personalized holiday gift tags at Busia’s Christmas Gift Tag Bar. Guests can also enjoy the shop’s festive Pinkmas drink and a seasonal snack.

• Chit Chaat — Enjoy gingerbread chai while visiting with a featured artist.

Shop Local Artists & Find Unique Holiday Gifts

• Tangles Salon Studio — Guest artist Kelly Witte will showcase handcrafted felted pieces, petite prints and other one-of-a-kind creations, offering shoppers a chance to find truly special holiday gifts.

• Art Metals Studio | Open until 8 p.m. — Browse newly created earrings, pendants and rings handcrafted by the studio’s metalsmiths. Visitors will have an opportunity to shop the latest pieces just in time for holiday gift-giving.

• Dimples — Enjoy a festive holiday spread and receive a free gift with a purchase of $50 or more.

• Hotel Verdant — Explore holiday offerings and pop-up vendors in the hotel lobby. Guests can also visit the Christmas-themed rooftop experience and support the Toys for Tots drive. Those who bring a new toy will receive a complimentary draft beer or glass of prosecco.

Live Music & Holiday Entertainment

• Racine Symphony Orchestra | Memorial Hall, 7:30–9:30 p.m. — Enjoy the orchestra’s annual holiday concert, featuring choirs from Gilmore Fine Arts.

• Vintage & Modern Books — Enjoy live music from the Rainy Day Trio, performing original songs and covers of favorites by the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Carole King, John Prine, Gordon Lightfoot and more, along with guest musicians.

• Reefpoint Brew House | Music at 6:30 p.m. — Stop in for live music, food and drinks.

• Harborspot | Music at 6:30 p.m. — Enjoy live entertainment, food and drinks.

• George’s Encore | 8–11 p.m. — Keep the evening going with live music from Waiting for Eddie.

Make a Night of It in Downtown Racine

In addition to the Creative Crawl activities, visitors are encouraged to browse downtown boutiques and specialty shops, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, stop for a holiday cocktail and discover everything Downtown Racine has to offer.

Whether searching for a handcrafted gift, enjoying live entertainment, creating something special or simply spending time with friends and family, the Creative Crawl Christmas Market offers a festive way to experience downtown while supporting local businesses and artists.

Event Details

What: First Friday – Creative Crawl Christmas Market

When: Friday, December 4, 2026, 4–9 p.m.

Where: Participating locations throughout Downtown Racine

Admission: Free to explore; individual purchases, workshops and ticketed performances may have separate costs.

Questions? Email eventsmanager@racinedowntown.com.

From Downtown Racine Corporation