By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Dec 17, 2021 at 1:02 PM

Snuggle up with some holiday cheer as OnMilwaukee shares stories of everything merry and bright in the spirit of the season.

Brought to you by Noel Indoor Light Park & Christmas Market and MillerCoors

Great Lakes Distillery, 616 W. Virginia St. has announced the return of its longest-running celebration.

Festivus 2021, a Seinfeld-inspired pre-holiday celebration, is slated to kick off at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 23.

Created as a response to the pressures and commercialism inherent to the holiday season, Festivus began as an homage to “The Strike” episode of “Seinfeld.” And, to this day, the festive event is built around references and themes that play out in the 90s sitcom.

Guest can take part in the “airing of grievances” as well as the “feats of strength.” And yes, there will be plenty of celebratory cocktails, including the Stop Short, the Black and White Cookie Slush, the Junior Mint Drop Hot Chocolate and Stop Crying and Fight Your Father Punch, which is served up every year from a homemade Festivus pole.

“Festivus is a unique event for many reasons,” notes bar manager Brendan Cleary. “It’s a fun and relaxing event that we sneak in right before what is usually a couple of hectic days.”

As Frank Constanza put it, it’s “A Festivus for the rest of us!”

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. 

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.