Night Lights

The 10th Annual Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival turns downtown into a winter wonderland.

LIGHTS TWINKLING in trees. Moravian stars. Ornate wreaths. Lit-up rooftops. Set against any fluffy white snow that may be on the ground in November and December, it’s almost too perfect. Maybe that’s why this six-week event is 10 years strong.

“From holiday shows and sporting events to concerts and exhibitions, not to mention great retail and restaurants, downtown Milwaukee bustles with activity,” says Beth Nicols, executive director of Milwaukee Downtown, Business Improvement District No. 21.

Don’t miss animated scenes in Pere Marquette Park, Cathedral Square Park and Zeidler Union Square. The Jingle Bus runs on weekends to give you a tour of some of the city’s other illuminated landmarks, and check out Milwaukee’s “Magnificent Three,”.

Milwaukee
Nov. 20-Jan. 4 Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival www.milwaukeeholidaylights.com

Closer Looks

Two new photography exhibits shed light on the relationships between camera, subject and viewer.

BLURRED VISIONS

Mourning Cloak, 2006 “Restoration: Robert and Shana ParkeHarrison” shows just one man—Robert ParkeHarrison—in a variety of allegorical, often whimsical, scenes, photographed by partner Shana ParkeHarrison. In many of the images, he dresses in black pants and a white shirt to represent “Everyman.”

“Although the ParkeHarrisons raise questions about ecology, human responsibility and destiny, their works wisely allow each viewer to come to their own interpreta- tions,” says Jane Aspinwall, assistant curator of photography at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, where the exhibit is being held.

The couple also use a printing method that involves cutting and manipulating paper negatives, so their work is a kind of hybrid of painting and photography that needs to be seen up close to be truly appreciated.

Kansas City Through Feb. 8
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
www.nelson-atkins.org

GLOBAL PORTRAITS

Sharbat Gula by Steve
McCurryThe Smithsonian Institution’s traveling exhibit “In Focus: National Geographic Greatest Portraits” is a poignant show based on a book by the same name. The portraits span the entire globe, providing insight into how other people live just by presenting the expressions on their faces. National Geographic has 10.5 million portraits in its collection, so paring that down to a manageable exhibition was no easy feat.

“The great portraits are about a connection between the photographer and the subject,” says Chris Johns, one of the book’s editors. “The connection that the photographer and the subject make with one another is reflected then to the person who looks at the photograph. How do you know when that connection works the best? It’s when the photograph goes straight from your eyes to your heart.”

Orlando, Nov. 21-Jan. 18
The History Center, “National Geographic Greatest Portraits” www.thehistorycenter.org

THROUGH DEC. 28

“George Segal: Street Scenes” at Madison Museum of Contemporary Art

MADISON, WIS. George Segal became a force in 20th-century American art when, in the 1960s, he started making life-sized sculptures of everyday scenes. He was also tapped to design a piece for the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, a casting of which is entering MMoCA’s permanent collection. www.mmoca.org

NOV. 7-23

International Latino Film Festival

SAN FRANCISCO This festival began with 10 films at one venue, and now features more than 100 films at 14 venues, reflective of the growth of Latino films around the world. You might bump into Salma Hayek or Andy Garcia, who have shown up in the past, or spot some new talent from the Youth in Video program. www.latinofilmsociety.org

NOV. 14-22

Denver Arts Week

The Mile High City has been working to bring its arts scene to the same heights as its ski scene, and this festival shows those efforts coming to fruition. Art shows, film screenings, concerts, theater, dance and street parties will be enough to draw you down off the slopes. www.denverartsweek.com

DEC. 3

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting

NEW YORK Take part in this 77-year tradition, which is the culmination of a yearlong search for the biggest, most beautiful tree. The tallest ever was 100 feet in 1948. While you’re here, complete the iconic experience by ice skating on The Rink at Rockefeller Center. www.rockefellercenter.com

DEC. 31

First Night

BOSTON A tradition for more than 30 years, this daylong New Year’s Eve event celebrates the arts in Boston. A parade and more than 40 concerts, films, dance performances and activities take place indoors and out. Buy a button for admission to every venue, or just wander outside to take in fireworks and ornate ice sculptures. www.firstnight.org

JAN. 1

Pasadena Tournament of Roses

(10 MILES FROM LOS ANGELES) College football season is almost at its end, but for the Rose Bowl, in its 95th year, the action is just starting. The Rose Parade, prior to the game, is celebrating 120 years. What better way to spend New Year’s Day than to take part in this annual tradition? www.tournamentofroses.com