Annual Milwaukee Christmas Dinner Is A Go

MILWAUKEE, WI—This year’s annual Christmas Family Feast with the Salvation Army is set to feed thousands, though the event will be unlike any in past years.

The Christmas Family Feast has been a holiday staple in Milwaukee for 31 years. It’s the largest Christmas day meal program in the United States, according to the event’s coordinator, Sheree Dallas Branch, Assistant Divisional Director of Development for the Salvation Army. Through the dinner, up to 10,000 people enjoy fellowship and a chef-prepared holiday meal.

“People still eat a Christmas dinner regardless of Covid-19,” Dallas Branch said.

This will be the first year in its history there won’t be a dine-in option. Organizations said after working with health department officials, it was impossible to keep families safe amid the pandemic.

Instead of eating inside the Wisconsin Center, there are only pick-up and curbside options.

“We wish it could be a day of fellowship, but the circumstances with the virus prevented that,” Dallas Branch explained.

Even though the vibe of the event will be different, organizers said Santa would still be there to greet families and music would still be playing at the Wisconsin Center.

This year, the Salvation Army is planning to feed 4,000 people. The meals will be served between 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., while supplies last.

The event is open to the public.