Racine Art Museum Shines for the Holidays

The weekend in Racine County, you can choose from among live music, shopping or just getting out. The Racine Art Museum (RAM) is ready with holiday art and a new exhibition.

The last First Friday. Don’t miss the last First Friday of 2012 from 4-9 p.m. in Downtown Racine. You can take a carriage ride from Monument Square and visit Downtown shops and galleries for some early Christmas shopping. The Racine Art Museum, 441 Main St., has free admission all day, a hot chocolate bar from 5:30-7 p.m., and invites you to a display of handmade ornaments by local artists. Just up the street, Northern Lights Gallery, 423 Main St., has live music and is accepting nonperishable food donations. After a winter hiatus, First Fridays will return in April. www.firstfridaysracine.com

It’s a holiday tradition. The Racine Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops concert “Joy to the World” includes the 100-member High School Festival Chorus and the 50-member Gilmore Elementary Singers. This popular performance of holiday classics start at 7 p.m. Friday at Festival Hall, 5 Fifth St. Seating is limited. Reservations can be made at 262-636-9285 or at www.racinesymphony.org

Shop early.  Another holiday tradition is the Pajama Jam in Downtown Racine. Stop by Downtown stores from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday for specials. Yes, the merchants will be in their PJs!  www.racinedowntown.com

Train’s a comin’. The CP Rail Holiday Train returns to the area Saturday evening. This brightly decorated train is touring the U.S. and Canada to support local food banks. The train is scheduled to arrive at the Sturtevant Amtrak station, 9900 Exploration Court, at 5:55 p.m. Musicians on board will put on a free performance. Everyone is encouraged to bring food or cash donations for the Racine County Food Bank.

An art tradition. Wisconsin Watercolor 2012 opens Sunday at RAM’s Wustum Museum of Fine Arts, 2519 Northwestern Ave. This year’s exhibition, featuring 119 pieces by 86 Wisconsin artists, runs through April 27. An opening reception with the artists is 2-4 p.m.

Please help.  The Real Racine Visitor Center, 14015 Washington Ave. (Highway 20) is a collection spot for two important programs this holiday season. We’re accepting new, unwrapped toys for the U.S. Marine Reserve’s Toys for Tots program. And, we’re accepting new or gently used gloves, mittens, caps, scarves and other winter wear for Travel Wisconsin’s Big  Bundle Up. Bring your items to the Visitor Center 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Quetions? Call 262-884-6400.

Real Racine has the scoop on holiday activities at our website, www.realracine.com.  We also have daily updates on Facebook HERE and on Twitter HERE.