Milwaukee With Kids

Milwaukee Rep's A CHRISTMAS CAROL at The Pabst Theater
2025-12-24 19:30 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | Pabst Theater, 144 E Wells St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Milwaukee’s favorite holiday tradition
For decades Wisconsinites have enjoyed A Christmas Carol as their favorite holiday tradition. Now join us as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary production of this Dickens’ classic. Experience the magic of this beloved tale as Ebenezer Scrooge’s heartwarming transformation inspires holiday cheer with the timeless message of peace, hope and joy. With beautiful music, lively dancing, stunning sets and eye-popping special effects, it’s a dazzling Christmas feast with enough theatrical goodies to fill any sized stocking hung by the chimney with care.
Nov. 25 – Dec. 24, 2025
Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.

Christmas Celebration Brunch 2025 at The Pfister Hotel
2025-12-25 09:00 - 14:30 | The Pfister Hotel, 424 East Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
A Pfister Christmas brunch begins with a complimentary mimosa or Bloody Mary in our newly-renovated Grand Ballroom. Following cocktails, enjoy a spectacular buffet featuring a delicious assortment of fresh seafood, Wisconsin’s finest cheeses, carved meats, omelets made-to-order, holiday salads and starters, a vast array of mouth-watering entrées, and decadent desserts loved by big and small Elves alike.
Adults: $119 | Children 3-10 years: $35 | 2 & under: Free
Reservations are required with full pre-payment via credit card. Gift cards cannot be used. Reservations are refundable if canceled 72 hours prior to the event. Tax and a 24% service charge will be added to all reservations.
Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.

Deck the Streets and Village at Milwaukee Public Museum
2025-12-25 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-26 10:00 - 17:00 | Milwaukee Public Museum, 800 W Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA, 800 W Wells St, Milwaukee, 53233, United States
Deck the Streets and Village…There’s no place like MPM for the holidays!
November 16, 2025 – January 25, 2026
Wednesdays through Mondays
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Experience the magic of the holiday season inside two of MPM’s most beloved exhibits, Streets of Old Milwaukee and European Village, where the walkthrough turn-of-the-century streetscapes have been transformed into a winter wonderland.
Stroll through our decorated Streets of Old Milwaukee and European Villageexhibits, attend a concert by the Florentine Opera, learn about European traditions from our docents, snap a pic with Santa, or indulge in festive food and drink during an after-hours party.
Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.

Winter Scavenger Hunt at MKE Central Library
2025-12-25 10:00 - 19:00, 2025-12-26 10:00 - 19:00 | Milwaukee Central Library, 814 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53233, United States
Winter is here! Come celebrate with us at the Central Library and complete a fun winter-themed scavenger hunt.
Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.

Slice of Ice at Red Arrow Park MKE (Weather Permitting)
2025-12-25 10:00 - 20:00, 2025-12-26 10:00 - 20:00 | Red Arrow Park, 920 N Water Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
December through Early March 2026 (weather permitting): See website for updates
Red Arrow Park
414.289.8791 | countyparks.com
Ice skate in the heart of Downtown at the “Slice of Ice” rink while surrounded by twinkling lights and dazzling décor. Skate rentals are $11 for adults and $9 for children. Ice skating is free with your own skates.
Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.

Now Showing at The Daniel Soref Theater and Planetarium
2025-12-25 10:30 - 16:10, 2025-12-26 10:30 - 16:10 | MPM Daniel M Soref Planetarium, 800 W Wells St, Milwaukee, 53233, United States
NOW SHOWING AT THE DANIEL M. SOREF THEATER AND PLANETARIUM
Check out the Planetarium programs and giant films playing daily.
Now through January 22, 2026 (Wednesdays through Mondays)

10:30 a.m.
Wisconsin Stargazing

11:10 a.m.
Serengeti: Journey to the Heart of Africa

12:10 p.m.
The First Stargazers

12:50 p.m.
Call of the Dolphins

1:50 p.m.
Wisconsin Stargazing

2:30 p.m.
Serengeti: Journey to the Heart of Africa

3:30 p.m.
The First Stargazers

4:10 p.m.
Call of the Dolphins

Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.

Visit The Little Nature Museum at Hawthorn Glen MKE
2025-12-25 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-26 16:00 - 17:00 | Hawthorn Glen Nature Center, 1130 N 60th Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53208, United States
Little Nature Museum

Come and visit the Little Nature Museum and see animals native to Wisconsin, including tree frogs, several species of turtles, snakes, many birds and even a hawk.
Monday-Friday: 4-5 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 3-4 p.m.
Attendance is FREE!
Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.

Friends and Family Game Night at the Urban Ecology Center Washington Park
2025-12-25 16:00 - 18:00 | Urban Ecology Center Washington Park, 1859 N. 40th Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53208, United States
Thursdays from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Washington Park – NEW Location! 1859 N 40th St Milwaukee WI
Calling everyone for an unforgettable evening of laughter and friendly competition at Washington Park! Bring your favorite board games or choose from our selection. Come for popcorn and more!
Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.

Milwaukee Downtown Holiday Lights Festival
2025-12-25 16:30 - 22:00, 2025-12-26 16:30 - 22:00 | Downtown Milwaukee, WI
November 20, 2025 – January 1, 2026
It’s a glowrious time to be Downtown! Our parks and streets will soon be aglow with holiday spirit and more than a half million brilliant bulbs. Meanwhile, a flurry of shows, Santa photo ops and exceptional dining opportunities are beckoning friends and family to gather here all season long! So, make the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival the highlight of your season.
View the 2025 festival guide here.
Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.

Winter Glow Experience: A Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show at Brown Deer Park
2025-12-25 17:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-26 17:00 - 21:00 | Brown Deer Park, 7835 N. Green Bay Rd, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Drive into the magic of the Winter Glow Experience: A Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show, a radiant journey filled with hundreds of dazzling, larger-than-life holiday displays that sparkle with festive wonder. From the comfort of a cozy car, sip a favorite drink, snack on treats, and let the synchronized lights dance in harmony with holiday tunes. Stretching over a mile, this glowing adventure transforms the season into a spectacular celebration of light and joy.

Highlights
✨ Explore hundreds of dazzling, larger-than-life holiday light displays
🚗 Cruise over 1 mile of magical scenery from the comfort of your car
🎶 Tune in to festive music synced perfectly with the sparkling lights
🍿 Pack your favorite snacks and drinks to enjoy along the glowing journey
General Info
📅 Dates and times: select your date & time directly in the ticket selector
⏳ Duration: 30 – 45 minutes
📍 Location: Brown Deer Park
👤 Age requirement: all ages are welcome!
♿ Accessibility: this is a drive-through experience
❓ Please consult the FAQs of this experience here

Get your tickets today for the Winter Glow Experience: A Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show in Milwaukee!

Please note: Dates, times, and pricing are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check with the event organizer or venue to confirm the latest details.

Country Christmas at The Ingleside Hotel (Pewaukee)
2025-12-25 17:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-26 17:00 - 21:00 | Ingleside Hotel & Waterpark, 2810 Golf Rd, Pewaukee, WI, 53072, United States
The Ingleside Hotel

If Christmas Were A Place, It Would Look Like This!

Celebrating our 30th year as Wisconsin’s most spectacular drive-through holiday lights event!

Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.

Christmas at the Zoo at Shalom Wildlife Zoo West Bend
2025-12-26 09:00 - 15:30 | Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary, 1901 Shalom Dr, West Bend, WI, 53090, United States
Christmas at the Zoo is a daytime event that’s open daily from November 23rd through December 31st.
Walk or drive through in the comfort of your own car, relax, and enjoy the wildlife along with the unique holiday displays and decorations. The drive-through experience takes approximately one hour.
After your journey through the zoo, enjoy access to the petting zoo and a cozy, crackling campfire. Animal feed for the petting zoo is available for purchase in the gift shop.
The hours are from 9am-3:30pm. $15 per adult, $10 per child (ages 2 & under are FREE). No reservations needed, you can pay at the drive-up ticket booth. Last cars or walkers admitted at 3pm.
Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Please note: Dates, times, and pricing are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check with the event organizer or venue to confirm the latest details.

Holiday Show at The Domes
2025-12-26 09:00 - 16:00 | The Domes Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, 524 S. Layton Boulevard, Milwaukee, WI, 53215, United States
November 22, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Show Dome Theme: Holiday Show
Monday-Friday:
9am-5pm
Saturday-Sunday:
9am-4pm
Closed:
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.

Late Night at the Milwaukee Co Domes
2025-12-26 09:00 - 20:00 | The Domes Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, 524 S. Layton Boulevard, Milwaukee, WI, 53215, United States
December 26 @ 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Late Night at The Domes- Open until 8 PM

The Domes will be open late on select nights this winter! Come experience the Domes at night- a magical experience!

Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.

Frosty Free Week at the MKE Co Zoo
2025-12-26 09:30 - 14:30 | Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee, 53226, United States
Frosty Free Week at the Zoo
📅December 26-30 | ⏰ 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM (open until 4:30 PM on Saturday and Sunday)
It’s the season of giving, and the Zoo is offering free daytime admission to thank guests for their support. Regular parking and attraction rates apply. Regular admission rates apply to the Zoo’s Wild Lights night event.
Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.

Animal Encounters at Discovery World
2025-12-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Discovery World, 500 North Harbor, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday

10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 pm

Turtles and snakes are some of the most fascinating creatures on the planet. Join our team for an adventure in our Great Lakes Future exhibit as you meet the animal ambassadors that call Discovery World home and gain a better understanding of our friendly animals.
Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.

Kooky Cookie House at Shady Lane Greenhouse (Menomonee Falls)
2025-12-26 10:00 - 15:00 | Shady Lane Greenhouse, W172N7388 Shady Lane, Menomonee Falls, WI, 53051, United States
The historic and magical Kooky Cookie House has its new and permanent location at Shady Lane Greenhouse in Menomonee Falls.
Kids of all ages will enjoy this opportunity to walk thru the functioning cookie factory. From those who have treasured memories of days gone by to those little ones who will get the chance to form new holiday memories.
Come see the inside workings of the gingerbread cookie factory, that has been refurbished by many passionate volunteers over the years. There are great photo opportunities, coloring pages, and more. Come visit, the house will be open daily through the holiday season, 10am to 3pm.
Shady Lane Greenhouse wishes to thank all those who have donated funds and time to the restoration of this beautiful and memorable “house!”
Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.

Harlem Globetrotters at the Fiserv Forum MKE
2025-12-26 12:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-26 17:00 - 20:00 | Fiserv Forum, 1111 Vel R. Phillips Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53203, United States
Harlem Globetrotters

Dec 26 / Friday from 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Dec 26 / Friday from 5:00pm – 8:00pm

Leaders in breaking barriers and making history, the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters™ today announced that Fiserv Forum will be a key stop on the team’s 100 Year Tour—the most legendary tour in Globetrotters’ history—on Friday, Dec. 26, at 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. This centennial season is a once-in-a-century celebration of 100 Years of jaw-dropping “No Way!” moves, 100 Years of “Wow!” moments and 100 Years of basketball thrills. From gravity-defying dunks to game-changing tricks, fans will feel the history, joy and fun that only the Globetrotters can deliver.

Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.

Milwaukee Ballet's The Nutcracker: Drosselmeyer's Imaginarium
2025-12-26 14:00 - 16:30 | Marcus Performing Arts Center, 929 N Water St., Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Milwaukee Ballet’s The Nutcracker: Drosselmeyer’s Imaginarium is back and more magical than ever! After two whimsical years of record-setting audience attendance and universal critical acclaim, journey into the Imaginarium to experience the wonders of the holidays once again. Find your tickets here!
Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.

Christmas Carnival of Lights (Caledonia)
2025-12-26 17:00 - 21:00 | Jellystone Park Caledonia, 8425 HWY 38, Caledonia, 53108, United States
November 22 – January 31*
*Closed for Thanksgiving (11/27) & Christmas (12/25)
*Open Fridays & Saturdays only in January
November 22 & 23 (Grand Opening): 5pm to 10pm
November 24 – December 11
Sunday – Thursday: 5pm to 9pm
Friday & Saturday: 5pm to 10pm

December 12 – December 20
Sunday – Thursday: 5pm to 9pm
Friday & Saturday: 5pm to 10:30pm
December 21 – December 24
Sunday – Tuesday: 5pm to 10pm
Wednesday (Christmas Eve) : 5pm to 9pm
December 26 – 31
Everyday: 5pm to 9pm
January 2 – 31
Friday & Saturday: 5pm to 9pm
LOCATION
Jellystone Park™ in Caledonia, WI
8425 HWY 38 Caledonia, WI 53108
Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.

Jingle Bus Tours (Weather Permitting) at Red Arrow Park MKE
2025-12-26 17:00 - 21:00 | Red Arrow Park, 920 N Water Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
JUMP ON THE JINGLE BUS
JINGLE BUS TOURS
*WEATHER PERMITTING*
DECEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 28
FRI – SUN | 5PM TO 9PM
TOURS DEPART FROM THE NEW WARMING HOUSE AT RED ARROW PARK
Ooh and ahh at the winter wonderland scenes scattered throughout Downtown Milwaukee by hopping on the Jingle Bus, powered by KB Excursions. This 40-minute narrated tour highlights the main attractions of the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival, including our four parks: “Community Spirit Park” at Cathedral Square Park, “Santa’s Celebration Square powered by We Energies” at Zeidler Union Square, “¡Felices Fiestas!” at Pere Marquette Park, and “Slice of Ice Lights” at Red Arrow Park.
Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.
