By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor Published Dec 13, 2022 at 3:02 PM

Santa Claus and his helpers are making a very special trip to West Allis this year, and you’ll want to get your family together for the occasion.

Mr. Claus will be making a stop at Kegel’s Inn, 5901 W. National Ave., on Dec. 16 from 4 to 8 p.m. During his stay, he’ll be welcoming folks to join him inside one of Kegel’s Inn’s yurts to take festive family photos.

While you’re waiting for your photo, you can enjoy the mirthful atmosphere at the Kegel’s Inn beer garden, complete with a live band who will be playing holiday tunes.

The event is free and open to the public. However, attendees are asked to take their own photos and leave a tip for the band for braving the cold and filling the air with cheer.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor

As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.

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 every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, 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.