The holiday season is just around the corner, and for those in and around Milwaukee, it’s time to mark your calendars for the Milwaukee’s festive Christmas parades.
Let’s explore some of the most exciting Christmas parades in the Milwaukee area, each offering unique traditions, festive lights, and visits from Santa himself.
For more holiday activities and festive family outings around Milwaukee, check out our Holiday Fun Guide.
TL;DR: Milwaukee Christmas Parade Dates & Locations
- Germantown Christmas Festival Parade – November 15, 2025
- Milwaukee Santa’s Christmas Cavalcade – 2025 Dates Coming Soon
- South Milwaukee Christmas at the Commons – December 6, 2025
- Whitefish Bay Holiday Stroll – November 28, 2025
- Waukesha Annual Christmas Parade – December 7, 2025
- Menomonee Falls Christmas Parade – November 30, 2025
- West Allis Christmas Parade – December 6, 2025
- Grafton Christmas Parade – November 29, 2025
- Waukesha Night of Lights – December 5, 2025
- New Berlin Christmas Parade – TBD
1. Germantown Christmas Festival Parade & Christmas in the Park
Location: Starts at Pilgrim Rd & Sylvan Circle, Germantown
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025
Time: Parade at 1:30 PM; Activities at Firemen’s Park from 2:00 PM to 4:45 PM; Tree lighting around 4:30 PM
Join the Germantown Christmas Festival Parade & Christmas in the Park on November 15, 2025, in the Village of Germantown, Wisconsin, hosted by the Germantown Area Chamber of Commerce. The festive event features an “’80s Christmas” themed parade that starts at 1:30 PM and begins at Pilgrim Rd & Sylvan Circle, proceeds left onto Fond du Lac Ave, then left onto Main St, turning right onto Park Ave, and ending at Firemen’s Park. After the parade, enjoy free activities in the park, including photos with Santa, the Wienermobile, live music, and the lighting of the official Christmas tree at 4:30 PM.
2. Santa’s Christmas Cavalcade
Location: Downtown Milwaukee
Date: Saturday, December 6th and Friday, December 12th, 2025
Time: Departs at 5 PM from Milwaukee Public Market
See Santa and Mrs. Claus on this festive route riding atop a vintage fire truck featuring local singer/songwriter Sarah Fierek with original holiday tunes. The route departs from the Milwaukee Public Market’s Water Street entrance at 5:15 PM and travels throughout downtown. Santa’s Christmas Cavalcade travels east on Wisconsin Avenue to the lakefront, with visits to Pere Marquette Park, Cathedral Square Park, Zeidler Union Square, Catalano Square, and Light the Hoan between 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM.
3. Christmas at the Commons – South Milwaukee
Location: Bucyrus Commons, South Milwaukee
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 3 PM – 5 PM, with the standstill parade from 4 PM to 5 PM
South Milwaukee introduces a unique take on the traditional Christmas parade—a standstill parade! From 4 to 5 PM, attendees can stroll through Bucyrus Commons, where parade units will be stationed, allowing for an interactive experience where families can greet performers and enjoy up-close festive displays. Christmas at the Commons also includes local musicians, holiday activities, food, and a special tree lighting ceremony at 5 PM. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be part of the festivities.
4. Whitefish Bay Holiday Stroll
Location: East Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish Bay
Date: Friday, November 28, 2025
Time: Parade starts at 6 PM, followed by tree lighting at Consaul Commons
The Whitefish Bay Holiday Stroll takes place on Friday, November 28, 2025, along Silver Spring Drive in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. The event begins at 5:00 p.m. with open houses and refreshments hosted by local businesses. At 6:00 p.m., the parade starts at Kent Avenue and proceeds down Silver Spring Drive to Marlborough Drive, concluding with Santa’s arrival and the tree-lighting ceremony at Consaul Commons. The evening also features caroling by the Whitefish Bay High School Choir, children’s activities, and community festivities celebrating the start of the holiday season.
5. Downtown Waukesha’s Annual Christmas Parade
Location: Downtown Waukesha
Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025
Time: 4 PM
The Waukesha Christmas Parade, organized by the Waukesha Area Chamber of Commerce, is a beloved community tradition held annually in downtown Waukesha. It starts at 4:00 PM on December 7 with the theme “JINGLE | BELL | ROCK!” The parade starts at Barstow Street in front of the State Office Building, winds through Main Street, and culminates at Cutler Park with festive performances and decorated floats.
The Waukesha Christmas Parade begins with a lantern walk, held in honour and remembrance of those lost in the 2021 parade tragedy. Each lantern recognizes the community’s journey of healing.
6. Menomonee Falls Christmas Parade
Location: Main Street and Harrison, Downtown Menomonee Falls
Date: Sunday, November 30, 2025
Time: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
The 2025 Menomonee Falls Christmas Parade is scheduled for Sunday, November 30, at 4:30 PM. Organized by the Optimist Club, this community event features a festive parade that starts at the intersection of Main Street and Harrison Avenue in downtown Menomonee Falls.
The Menomonee Falls Christmas Parade travels west along Main Street to Appleton Avenue, then turns left and proceeds south to Arthur Avenue, where it concludes. This route offers a scenic tour of downtown Menomonee Falls and draws local families and visitors to celebrate the holiday season. Be sure to stick around to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus as he waves to the crowd!
7. West Allis Christmas Parade
Location: Starts at 79th St. and Greenfield Ave., West Allis
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 4:45 PM
The West Allis Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, starting at 4:45 p.m. The parade travels east along Greenfield Avenue to 70th Street, then south to Orchard Avenue in downtown West Allis. Featuring marching bands, creative floats, vintage vehicles, elves, and Santa Claus, the West Allis Christmas Parade follows a tree lighting ceremony near City Hall. Plus, don’t miss the Christkindlmarkt earlier that day for a taste of European holiday markets.
8. Grafton Christmas Parade
Location: Lumberyard Plaza and Downtown Grafton
Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025
Time: 11 AM
The 45th Grafton Christmas Parade, themed “Shaking Up the Holidays in Grafton!” will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 11:00 AM. One of Southeastern Wisconsin’s largest holiday parades, it features over 125 participants, including marching bands and award-winning floats. The route begins at the intersection of 6th and Washington (Hwy. 60), travels east, then south through downtown Grafton, ending at 9th and Wisconsin.
9. Night of Lights – Lantern Stroll & Tree Lighting in Waukesha
Location: Starts at The Rotunda, 235 W Broadway, Waukesha
Date: Friday, December 5, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Celebrate the holiday season in Waukesha with the Night of Lights, a magical evening featuring a tree lighting, lantern stroll, and the Walk of Lights illumination ceremony. The festivities start at The Rotunda with a tree lighting at 5:30 PM, complete with music, hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa.
Afterward, join the community for a lantern-lit stroll through downtown, caroling along the way to Riverfront Plaza for the lighting of the Walk of Lights at 6:15 PM. Enjoy treats, giveaways, and more holiday cheer after the lights are aglow.
10. New Berlin Christmas Parade
Date and Time: TBD
Location: New Berlin, WI
New Berlin has traditionally hosted a beloved Christmas parade, but details for 2025 have yet to be confirmed. For the latest updates, we recommend checking the City of New Berlin’s events calendar or contacting their Recreation Department closer to the holiday season. Stay tuned for announcements on this festive community event!
Milwaukee and its surrounding communities offer a wonderful selection of Christmas parades, each adding its own twist to holiday celebrations.
Happy holidays and may your season be filled with joy, laughter, and festive cheer!
Don’t Miss Local Christmas Tree Lightings – Check out our list of nearby Christmas tree lighting events to get in the holiday spirit with twinkling lights, caroling, and special appearances by Santa.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
