The City of Festivals doesn’t let a little cold keep us from throwing a party and inviting the whole world to join in. When Jack Frost bites, we bundle up or head indoors to keep the festive fun rolling all year long. So, bust out your mittens, pull on your coat, brew a big cup of cocoa and get ready for all the winter festivals taking place around town.

December

Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival

Now- Jan. 1 | Milwaukee Downtown
It’s a glowrious time to be Downtown! Milwaukee’s parks and streets shine with holiday spirit and more than half a million brilliant bulbs. A flurry of shows, Santa photo ops and exceptional dining beckon friends and family to gather here all season long, making Downtown the brightest spot of the season.

Holiday Lights in the Domes

Now- Jan 4 | Mitchell Park Domes
Deck the Domes! The Mitchell Park Domes light up for the season with a holiday display full of color and glow. Step inside and you’ll find artists, gardeners and makers bringing the space to life with festive touches at every turn. It’s the kind of cozy escape that makes winter walks with family or friends feel extra special.
 

Christmas in the Ward

Dec. 5  | Catalano Square

Start the holiday season off right with a magnificent tree lighting, fireworks and jolly old laughs for the whole family. Be sure to say hi to the reindeer. They’ve been waiting all year for their moment in the spotlight.

Milwaukee Krampusnacht

Dec. 7 | Brewery District

If jolly old Saint Nick isn’t quite your bag, how about a fest that won’t Krampus your style? Welcome to Krampusnacht, a party devoted to Krampus, a holiday monster riddled with folklore. Legend has it, he only visits naughty children. But for this fest, the usually menacing faces of Krampus grace the Brewery district for a parade, live music, tarot readings and some holiday shopping.

February

Brewsology Beer Fest

Feb. 7, 2026 | Harley-Davidson Museum

Rumble into the world’s only Harley-Davidson Museum after hours for an event that is as uniquely Milwaukee as it gets. Wander the museum’s collection of over 450 motorcycles with a finely crafted beer in hand from over 30 participating breweries and rev-el in the Milwaukee moment during this one-day festival.

Flannelpalooza

Feb. 8, 2026 | The Wauwatosa Village

Celebrate National Flannel Day in Wauwatosa! Deck yourself (and your dog) out in all flannel, show off your best lumberjack beard and play a good old-fashioned round of cornhole in the elements in the Wauwatosa Village this February. You could even snag a photo of your all-flannel-clad clan for next year’s holiday card.

Food & Froth

Feb. 21, 2026 | Milwaukee Public Museum

Ever dream about a night at the museum? Does the T. rex savor hors d’ourves? Do the anacondas slither from exhibit to exhibit? Probably not, but it’s worth checking out the 26th Annual Food & Froth to find out. Send off the current location of the Milwaukee Public Museum with some delicious bites and brews as you make history.

Mama Tried Motorcycle Show

Feb. 21 & 22, 2026 | Eagles Ballroom

No one could steer me right but Mama Tried. Celebrate the spirit of motorcycle culture at this incredible indoor showcase of over 100 custom-built bikes, each showcasing the personality of its owner. While you’re there, pick up some new gear, find new friends and learn a little something along the way that’ll bring your love of motorcycles and motoculture to the next level. 

Cedarburg Winter Festival

Feb. 21 & 22, 2026 | Cedarburg

Dashing through the snow on a one-horse open…mattress? At this fest in Cedarburg, you can sled with a bed in what has to be one of the most curious fun festivities of the season. Hold onto your blankets, cling to your pillows because this event is like a dream that you can’t quite make sense of as you fly downhill on a mattress instead of a sled. If that is a bit too wild for you, come check out some racing Alaskan Malamutes in the dog sled pull! Join in the hilarity, costumes and community at this great festival. 

Jazz Heritage Festival

Feb. 25, 26 & 28, 2026 | Milwaukee Youth Arts Center

Nothing is more soothing than some smooth jazz on a cold, windy day. Sit back, relax and listen to Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra’s Jazz Program as they take it away. If the music inspires you, stick around for one of many jazz clinics taught by their team of pros. 

March

Shamrock Shuffle

March 7, 2026| Various locations

If you’re looking for the green growth of the coming spring, you’re in luck. The biggest St. Patrick's Day party in Wisconsin is back! With festivities happening everywhere from Water Street to Walker’s Point, don the exclusive Shamrock Shuffle shirt and raise a glass to festival season in Milwaukee. Don’t miss out! You may just be green with envy. Slainte.

Find your fest in the City of Festivals, then plan your winter getaway and book your stay!