CBS 58's Feel Good Fridays: Gingerbread gala, Santa soiree and 'Cocoa with the Clauses'

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- It's the second full weekend of December, and the festive atmosphere in the Milwaukee area is only becoming stronger!

Joe Krauss from B93.3 joined us on Friday, Dec. 8 to highlight a weekend calendar of holiday festivities, including the MATC Parade of Gingerbread Houses at Milwaukee Public Market and Santa's Christmas Cavalcade downtown.

The gingerbread showcase, running through Tuesday, Dec. 12, features exquisite creations by MATC’s baking students. Visitors can vote for their favorite house and participate in an auction. The exhibit is free to the public and offers a chance to enjoy some fun culinary craftsmanship and maybe find a gift.

Santa's Christmas Cavalcade will make its second and final appearance this year. The procession, free for spectators, begins at the Milwaukee Public Market at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9. Santa and Mrs. Claus will lead the vintage fire truck parade, winding from Wisconsin Ave. to the lakefront, passing spots like Pere Marquette Park and Cathedral Square Park between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Cathedral Square Park will also host "Cocoa with the Clauses" on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This family-friendly event offers children a chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, while parents can capture the moment in photos. Elves and other holiday characters will join the celebration, complemented by free cookies and hot cocoa.