MILWAUKEE – Shoppers in downtown Milwaukee are feeling the squeeze — and still opening their wallets — as experts say this holiday season is shaping up to be one of the most expensive on record.

Local perspective:

“I started about three weeks ago. I would say it’s been on the more expensive side, especially when you have to grab gifts for more and more people every year,” said Andie, a Milwaukee shopper.

“I finished up my Christmas shopping today,” said Zack, another shopper.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android

Both said they’ve become more strategic with how — and where — they spend, balancing convenience with a push to support local businesses.

“I definitely wanna support the local businesses around here so a healthy mix of online when it’s a little more convenient and local,” said Andie.

A report from Mastercard shows consumer spending rose 3.9% from Nov. 1 through Dec. 21 compared with the same period last year, reflecting stronger demand even as prices remain elevated.

“Yeah, I would say about $100 more, maybe $200,” said Zack.

What we know:

That uptick is being felt on the ground. Kerry Schannon said his downtown Milwaukee business has seen a steady flow of customers throughout the season.

“We had a very, very brisk business up until the unexpected cold blast in December, but otherwise it’ll be very good,” said Schannon, a downtown Milwaukee business owner.

Schannon said repeat customers helped anchor sales, while creative window displays and promotions brought in new shoppers despite broader economic uncertainty.

“People are not horribly happy about tariffs, but they are still coming. They’re still supporting local business and we are specifically here because we want to mark ourselves to an urban demographic, and they’re there, they’re coming in,” said Schannon.

What they’re saying:

For shoppers, many say cost isn’t the only consideration.

SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News

“You have to your loved ones are still important no matter the price,” said Zack.

Andie said she’s found ways to manage expenses while still keeping traditions alive.

“I do you like a secret Santa situation, so we don’t end up buying another 10–15 gifts on top of that, so trying to keep costs reasonable,” said Andie.

Looking ahead, the National Retail Federation projects holiday spending will top $1 trillion for the first time, underscoring how consumers continue to spend even as budgets are stretched.

MILWAUKEE – It’s a day of family and faith. That’s what people at Milwaukee’s Eastbrook Church said as they enjoyed one of four services offered on Christmas Eve.

What they’re saying:

From music to prayer to scripture, it’s a special night for those who attend. Families said they wanted to celebrate faith through connection and Christ. 

FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android

“It’s just a time of joy and hope, and it’s fun for us,” said one churchgoer. “It’s just a special moment.” 

Eastbrook staff said the Christmas Eve service is one of their biggest of the year. They expect up to 2,500 people to attend across all four services.

During the performing arts season, arts editor Jim Higgins recommends promising music, dance and theater productions to see in the coming month. Look for these stories in the newspaper the final Sunday of the month. They post online the preceding week at jsonline.com/entertainment/arts.

In Milwaukee’s performing arts scene, the first month of 2026 brings the return of the 21st century’s revolutionary musical, plus a new stage work about Wisconsin artist Mary Nohl.

Also, it’s a good month for Mozart, both in the concert hall and on stage.

Here are 16 theater, music and dance performances you can enjoy in the Milwaukee area in January. I would never tell you that these are the only shows worth seeing here during that time period.

‘The Godfather,’ Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra

Associate conductor Ryan Tani leads the MSO in performing Nino Rota’s Oscar-nominated score live to screenings of Francis Ford Coppola’s classic American film. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 2-3. Bradley Symphony Center, 212 W. Wisconsin Ave. Visit mso.org or call (414) 291-7605.

‘Cardboard Piano,” Renaissance Theaterworks

Hansol Jung’s drama, which opens in war-ravaged Uganda in 1999, takes on compelling conflicts about faith and homophobia. Jan. 9-Feb. 1, 255 S. Water St. Visit rtwmke.org or call (414) 278-0765.