12 Days of Holiday Fun in Milwaukee

There’s no place like Milwaukee for the holidays! The Cream City is in the spirit of the season, and all around town, you’ll find events, experiences, shows and displays so full of festive cheer that will have even the Grinch-iest among us feeling merry and bright. Whether it’s holiday shows in the Milwaukee Theater District, the free Downtown Holiday Lights displays at local parks or riding The Hop as it cruises through town dressed up for the holidays, there’s something sure to lift the whole family’s spirits this winter.

So, in festive fashion, we thought we’d rework a caroling classic to help you find some of the very best activities and events coming to the Milwaukee area this season. Except in this version, instead of a bunch of birds, musicians and artisans, it’s an unforgettable holiday adventure in the Cream City.

On the first day of the holidays, Milwaukee gave to me…

SnowGlobe Holiday Festival

Now-December 30 | Ballpark Commons

The Ballpark Commons in Franklin have once again transformed into a festive winter wonderland with family fun at every turn. This year, SnowGlobe Holiday Festival (powered by Enchant) offers a smaller, more intimate experience, while still packing the park full of holiday cheer. Get into the holiday spirit with a SnowGlobe-inspired light maze, a holiday market, an ice-skating trail, pop-up bars, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus and so much more all in one place!

Wild Lights at the Milwaukee County Zoo

Now-December 31 (Closed December 9, 16, 24 and 25) | Milwaukee County Zoo

The Milwaukee County Zoo heard the song “I Want an Elephant for Christmas” and decided to deliver a holiday experience that walks on the wild side. Visit some of your favorite animals as you wander the paths illuminated by hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights and decorative displays depicting some of the zoo’s most famous residents.

Krampusnacht

Now – December 31 | Axe MKE

A natural pairing for the holiday season: folklore and axe throwing! From now through the end of the year, Axe MKE is bringing the magic of the one, the only Krampus, to the axe-throwing bar on the city’s Lower East Side during Krampusnacht. In celebration of the mythical anti-Claus, the bar will be darkening the throwing lanes, and only you and your friends can save the seasonal spirit by completing a series of unique axe-throwing challenges.

The Domes Holiday Parade

Now – January 5 | The Domes

It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays at the Mitchell Park Domes. The Milwaukee icons are showing off their seasonal spirit in the Show Dome through the first week of 2025 with this year’s holiday exhibition. This year, The Domes Holiday Parade features holiday celebrations, both religious and not, including Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Advent and the Winter Solstice, all under the gentle arc of the dome. Make your way along these paths to encounter spectacular displays and tons of poinsettias along the way in your own personal snow globe.

Christmas at the Pabst Mansion

Now-January 5 | The Pabst Mansion

It wouldn’t really be the holiday season in the Brew City without Christmas at the Pabst Mansion. The historic homestead of Captain Frederick Pabst and his family is festively dressed for the occasion, and you’re cordially invited to explore its 130-year-old halls. Rove the halls as you explore the beautifully maintained mansion, each room decorated either with period-accurate décor or themed and jam-packed with holiday spirit (Who knows? You might even spot a room that goes with The Flow).

Tosa Christkindlmarkt

December 4-22 | The Village of Wauwatosa

For a little European flair this year, there’s also the Tosa Christkindlmarkt in The Village. Kicking off tomorrow and running through December 22nd, the traditional European holiday festival offers authentic traditional eats like hot pretzels, grilled sausages, hot mulled wine and ice-cold beer, along with a market perfect for finding those last-minute gifts, magical events for the whole family and live entertainment on weekends. The best part? The Tosa Christkindlmarkt is free to attend with free parking available.

Brady Street’s Festivus

December 7 | Brady Street

It’s another Festivus miracle! That’s right, it’s Festivus for the rest of us on Brady Street this weekend. The feats of strength, the airing of grievances, THE POLE! Oh, yeah, and live music, a special holiday market and prizes for the most grievous complaints. Visit a participating bar on Saturday, December 7 to take part in this holiday tradition unlike any other. Let’s rumble!

Santa’s Christmas Cavalcade

December 7 & 13 | Milwaukee Public Market

Sleigh the holidays at Santa’s Christmas Cavalcade. Bring the little ones to see Santa and Mrs. Claus as they take off from the Milwaukee Public Market riding atop a festively decorated vintage fire truck, accompanied by musician Sarah Fierek’s holiday tunes. Stop by to see Santa and Mrs. Claus on their route and swing by the massive displays of holiday lights at local parks around town.

Home for the Holidays at Old World Wisconsin

December 7-8, 14-15 | Old World Wisconsin

This winter, celebrate the season the old world way at Old World Wisconsin. Located just outside the city, load up the family for festive fun as you and your crew explore the customary traditions of European settlers, activities like horse-drawn holiday wagon rides, a 19th-century Santa’s workshop, holiday crafts, Yuletide characters, and festive bites and delights.

Christmas at the Basilica of St. Josaphat with Bel Canto Chorus

December 13 | Basilica of St. Josaphat

Why wait for carolers to come to your doorstep when you could hear some of your favorites sung in perfect harmony in the stunning setting of the Basilica of St. Josaphat? With four performances over three days, you can get your ticket to a seasonal experience that’ll fill your heart with holiday cheer all year long.

Latkes Con Salsa: A Latin Jazz Hanukkah

December 20-22 | Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery

We’d be lying if we said we wouldn’t be intrigued by the flavor pairing between the two, but this event has little to do, in fact, with latkes or salsa. The pairing of Latin jazz music in celebration of Hanukkah is a new spin on classic traditions.

Groove Theory: A Soulful Christmas

December 21 | The Cooperage

Visit Milwaukee is proud to partner with Culture x Design to present Groove Theory this year, and during the holiday season, they’re bringing the soul with A Soulful Christmas celebration. Headlined by the Brew City Soul, get wrapped up in holiday classics by artists like Donny Hathaway, the Temptations, Stevie Wonder, the Jackson Five and, of course, Mariah Carey. As a little added gift to you, all fans in attendance will receive a free ticket to Summerfest 2025.

Of course, there’s so much more in store during the holiday season in Milwaukee! Check the visit Milwaukee events calendar for the latest and greatest happening around our city.