Milwaukee Downtown Holiday Lights Festival
Downtown Milwaukee WINovember 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. […]
Welcome to the MKE With Kids Events Calendar — your go-to guide for family-friendly events in the Milwaukee area. From free storytimes and hands-on workshops to can’t-miss festivals and seasonal celebrations, we round up the best local happenings for kids and families all in one place.
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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. […]
Join us at the Y for some festive holiday fun during Christmas at the Y Get creative with Christmas crafts, splash around in the pool, groove at the dance party, and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus on December 19 starting at 5:00 PM! This event is FREE for members and community participants; community […]
Join us for the meanest, greenest Christmas party you'll attend this year! Decorate an ornament, have some pizza and a juice box or soda. Enjoy our hot chocolate bar with all the trimmings! We'll play reindeer games, including grinch bingo. And, of course, have your picture with the Green One Himself! Purchase your tickets here. […]
Experience the magic of the holidays! Each December, the Ozaukee Nonprofit Center partners with local businesses and nonprofits to transform Zeunert Park in Cedarburg into a glowing drive-thru winter wonderland. Families can wind through the park and take in dazzling light displays, festive music, and plenty of holiday cheer. Keep an eye out for Santa […]
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. […]
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 […]
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.
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 […]
Drop the kids off at Mosaic for Holiday Kids Night In! Kids will be able to enjoy a night of food, friends and fun at Mosaic. We will also be […]
November 21 - December 31 / 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (admission gates close at 8:15 p.m.) Dec. 3-31; except closed Dec 8-9, 15-16, 24-25 Wild Lights and frosty nights! Experience the magic of the Zoo after dark, walking through hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights throughout the forest and pathways. Enjoy an enchanted evening […]
Public Ice Skating! Check The Website for additional times. 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 Hoops Showdown Wisconsin vs. Villanova DEC 19, 2025 / FRIDAY@ 7:00 PM Wisconsin will face Villanova and Milwaukee will take on South Dakota State at the Milwaukee Hoops Showdown on Dec. 19 at Fiserv Forum! The game schedule is as follows: 4:00pm: UW-Milwaukee vs. South Dakota State 7:00pm: Wisconsin vs. Villanova Intersport, a Chicago-based sports […]
Holiday Pops with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Bring the whole family to the Bradley Symphony Center for Milwaukee’s cherished holiday tradition! Enjoy a musical celebration featuring classic holiday tunes, carols, […]
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 […]
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 […]
November 14 - December 28, 2025 Get ready for a vibrant holiday treat! Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat is a dazzling, family-fun musical adventure. Follow biblical superstar Joseph, blessed with prophetic dreams, through his trials, tribulations, and triumphs, after his jealous brothers sell him into slavery. From outcast […]
Milwaukee’s favorite hometown holiday tradition returns! Join your Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra as we deck Allen-Bradley Hall with holiday cheer. Ring in the holidays with Milwaukee Handbell Ensemble, keep your eye out for the Jolly Old Elf himself, and raise your voice during the audience sing-along backed by the full power of the orchestra and Milwaukee […]
Breakfast with Santa at Christmas Carnival of Lights 📍8425 HWY 38 Caledonia, WI 53108📅 Select Saturdays and Sundays in December: December 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, & 21st Enjoy a magical morning with Santa on select Saturdays and Sundays in December! This 60-minute experience includes breakfast, a meet-and-greet with Santa and storybook characters, donut decorating, […]
Brunch with Santa & Bo Vine at Luxe Golf Bays 📍7065 S. Ballpark Dr., Franklin📅 Multiple Saturdays & Sundays – 9am / 11am Seatings Enjoy a festive brunch buffet, visits with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Bo Vine (the mascot of the Milwaukee Milkmen!), a complimentary family photo, and fun holiday activity stations for kids. 🎅 […]
Santa Claus is returning to the Betty Brinn Children's Museum on December 20 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.! Families can enjoy Santa Story Times, build cocoa-catapults and tinker trees in our […]
Saturday, Dec. 20 at Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center, 531 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee, WI Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Ages: For children ages 5 to 12 Cost: Free Capacity: First 150 kids only The first 150 children will enjoy a delicious breakfast featuring French toast sticks, eggs, sausage, and juice. Each child will […]
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 […]
Kohl’s Design It! Lab Open Saturdays & Sundays 9:00 am – 3:30 pm Bring the whole family to the Kohl’s Design It! Lab to make wonderfully creative projects that you can take home. You’ll choose a project from our rotating menu and we’ll guide you through the creation process. Projects can take anywhere from 5-20 […]
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, […]
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 […]
Up on the Rooftop: Brunch with Santa at Il Cervo 📍Il Cervo Restaurant, 1111 Vel R. Phillips Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203📅 Saturday, December 20, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Celebrate the season high above the Deer District at Il Cervo’s Up on the Rooftop: Brunch with Santa. Enjoy a festive holiday buffet featuring brunch favorites, Il […]
Winter Fest is a wonderful, family-friendly event in Wisconsin’s only urban state forest! Enjoy hot chocolate and s’mores; make crafts and memories. Come out for a great day! (The snowshoes […]
This remarkable attraction began in 1998 when proprietor Karl Hornung was inspired by a magazine article about garden-scale railroads. What started as a small 6′ x 24′ Christmas setup quickly grew in size and popularity, eventually taking over half a greenhouse by its third year. From 2011 to 2013, the railroad underwent further expansion, […]
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 […]
Get Into the Spirit of the Season! Holly Jolly Jubilee Dates for 2025 Saturdays: December 6th, 13th, & 20th Sundays: December 7th, 14th, & 21st Join us for a heartwarming holiday tradition filled with laughter, magic, and memories that will last a lifetime. Apple Holler’s Holly Jolly Jubilee is a fun, family-friendly experience that celebrates everything […]
HANDMADE HOLIDAYS AT THE H-D MUSEUM DECEMBER 6, 13 & 20, 10AM–4PM Harley-Davidson Museum 400 West Canal Street, Milwaukee, WI 53201 Get ready to rev up your holiday spirit with three Saturdays of festive, family-friendly fun at the Harley-Davidson Museum! Each Saturday features hands-on activities that let kids (and kids at heart) create, explore, and […]
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 […]
Breakfast with Santa at North Shore Boulangerie 📍4401 N Oakland Ave, Shorewood, WI 53211📅 December 13 & 20 2025 Treat your family to a magical morning at North Shore Boulangerie, featuring a visit from Santa himself! Enjoy a festive prix fixe lunch surrounded by the bakery’s stunning gingerbread village display. For more information, visit This […]
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 […]
Join us for a story time! We will be reading one of our favorite stories every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. RSVP encouraged but not required. We hope to see you there! Please note: Dates, times, and pricing are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check with the event organizer or […]
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 […]
Sam's Place Jazz Cafe 3338 N Doctor MLK Jr Dr Milwaukee WI We are excited about the MJI ensemble performances at Sam's Place Jazz Café on Saturday, December 20, and Sunday, December 21. This is an opportunity for our ensembles to play the music they've been working on this term and for family, friends, and […]
Santa at the Market Milwaukee Public Market Santa’s making a stop at the Milwaukee Public Market! 🎁✨ Join us for festive fun, photos, and plenty of holiday cheer. 📍 Milwaukee Public Market's Palm Garden (2nd level) 🗓️ Saturday, December 20 ⏰ 11AM - 1PM Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally […]
Bring the kids to Lunch with Santa, Dec. 13 and 20, and enjoy savory and sweet North Shore Boulangerie delicacies. $30 per adult, $15 per child. 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 […]
Thanks to generous grants from the Greater Cedarburg Foundation and Festivals of Cedarburg, Inc., a charming 15' x 15' gingerbread house graces Cedarburg's Washington Avenue for the entire Christmas season; located just outside of the Cedarburg Community Gym: W63N645 Washington Ave Cedarburg, WI 53012 Santa and Mrs. Claus often stop by in the days leading […]
Celebrate the season with magical holiday photos with Santa, available November 21 through December 24! Capture personalized memories with your family and keep the festive spirit alive — photos will […]
"White Christmas" spins the romantic and humorous tale of Bob Wallace and Phil Davis (Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye), two Army buddies who became a top-notch musical comedy team after the war and are now the toast of Broadway. While on the road in Florida, the stars become involved with twe aspiring singers, the sister […]
Come to the Pebble House in Port Washington from 12-3pm to visit with Santa! Kids of all ages are welcome. There will be cookies and treats and, of course, Santa. […]
George Bailey has so many problems he is thinking about ending it all - and it's Christmas! As the angels discuss George, we see his life in flashback. As George is about to jump from a bridge, he ends up rescuing his guardian angel, Clarence. Clarence then shows George what his town would have looked […]
"White Christmas" spins the romantic and humorous tale of Bob Wallace and Phil Davis (Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye), two Army buddies who became a top-notch musical comedy team after […]
George Bailey has so many problems he is thinking about ending it all - and it's Christmas! As the angels discuss George, we see his life in flashback. As George is about to jump from a bridge, he ends up rescuing his guardian angel, Clarence. Clarence then shows George what his town would have looked […]
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 […]
Holiday Pops with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Bring the whole family to the Bradley Symphony Center for Milwaukee’s cherished holiday tradition! Enjoy a musical celebration featuring classic holiday tunes, carols, and festive sing-alongs performed by the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Performance Times:
Children's Art Classes of Menomonee Falls is holding a workshop on December 20th from 2:30 to 4:30. Join us for a festive afternoon full of Christmas tree painting, bedazzling, and […]
Milwaukee’s favorite hometown holiday tradition returns! Join your Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra as we deck Allen-Bradley Hall with holiday cheer. Ring in the holidays with Milwaukee Handbell Ensemble, keep your eye […]
Want to share an event? Submit it here for consideration.

