Santa's Mailbox Arrives in Cathedral Square Park DWN MKE
2025-11-19 09:00 - 19:00, 2025-11-20 09:00 - 19:00, 2025-11-21 09:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Cathedral Square Park, 520 E Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Santa’s Mailbox has Arrived in Cathedral Square Park!
Make a day of it and ride the hop there and get some hot cocoa along the way.
Santa’s Mailbox
November 10 – December 14
Cathedral Square Park
Place a child’s letter to Santa in Santa’s Mailbox. Be sure to include a return address because Santa and his extra special helpers will ensure each child receives a personalized reply. Holiday spirit delivers the letters. No postage required!
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.

Move and Groove at the St Francis Library
2025-11-19 10:00 - 10:30 | St Francis Public Library, 4230 S Nicholson Ave, St Francis, WI, 53235, United States
Ages O – 5. Older siblings welcome.
Join us for songs, rhymes, and dancing!
No Registration required. We will meet in the Hoppe Room in the lower level of the Library.

Move and Groove at the St Francis Library
2025-11-19 10:00 - 10:30 | St Francis Public Library, 4230 S Nicholson Ave, St Francis, WI, 53235, United States
Move & Groove

Wednesdays from 10:00am – 10:30am
Ages 5 and under. Older siblings welcome.
Join us for songs, rhymes, and dancing!
No Registration required. We will meet in the Hoppe Room in the lower level of the Library.
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.

Outdoor Classroom for Kids (Ages 4-12) at Retzer Nature Center (Waukesha)
2025-11-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Retzer Nature Center, S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI, 53188, United States
OUTDOOR CLASSROOM FOR KIDSLearn and discover in the great outdoors! This program offers guided, hands-on exploration that brings seasonal topics to life for children ages 4-12.
*****DATES/TIMES: Select Wednesdays • 10–11 a.m.*LOCATION: Retzer Nature Center (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)COST: $5 per child per date (ages 4-12)

REGISTRATION: Required; register online at least 24 hours in advance. Walk-ins are welcome if space allows; call ahead and arrive by 9:45 a.m.
Register at wauk.co/webtrac (click “Programs & Special Events,” then “Public Programs”).

NOVEMBER 5 — Dig In! Soils: What’s under our feet? Learn different characteristics of soils and appreciate life in and under it!
NOVEMBER 19 — Talkin’ Turkey!: Meet a turkey up close, hopefully see some far away, and learn what makes them unique in the bird world!
DECEMBER 3 — Conifers: It’s cold, but conifers are tough! Learn what makes a conifer a conifer and discover their secrets.
DECEMBER 17 — Deer of the Midwest: We’re lucky to have hooved animals in Wisconsin. Learn about these famous holiday creatures and their kin!
JANUARY 7 — Mighty Eagles: Where are they going? What are they doing? Learn about the eagles that soar over Retzer Nature Center!
JANUARY 21 — The Story of Bears: Bears have a special place in our hearts! Explore their cozy dens, fascinating habits, and how they brave the seasons.
*****NOTE: Each child must be accompanied by an adult; adult is free. Dress for the weather, as program is mostly outdoors. In poor weather, full program may move indoors.

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.

Booksgiving at the Ivy House
2025-11-19 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-20 16:00 - 2025-11-21 18:00 | The Ivy House, 212 E Mineral St, Milwaukee, 53204, United States
Enjoy a fun and meaningful day of giving, with opportunities to volunteer, activities, entertainment, and light refreshments.
Each year, Booksgiving pays tribute to a beloved book that inspires our past, present and future generations of readers and leaders. The theme of Booksgiving 2025 is inspired by The Wizard of Oz  by L. Frank Baum.
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
2025-11-19 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-11-20 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-11-21 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.

Furry Tales Story Time at the Wisconsin Humane Society (Racine Campus)
2025-11-19 10:30 - 11:00 | Wisconsin Humane Society Racine Campus, 8900 16th St, Mount Pleasant, 53177
Join us for Furry Tales Story Time at the Wisconsin Humane Society! This FREE program is designed for children ages 2-4. Furry Tales includes heartwarming animal-themed books with an extra special twist: your little ones will also meet an adorable animal at WHS! Registration is encouraged, but not required. There is a limit of 3 children per adult.
2025-2026 Racine Campus Dates:
Wednesdays from 10:30-11 a.m.

Oct. 15, 2025
Nov. 19, 2025
Dec. 10, 2025
January 21, 2026
Feb. 18, 2026
March 18, 2026
April 15, 2026
May 13, 2026

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.

You Build It! At Central Downtown Library
2025-11-19 16:00 - 17:00 | Milwaukee Public Library / Main Branch – Central, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI, 53233, United States
You Build It!
During the summer months (through August 27, 2025), “You Build It!” is offered from 2-3 pm on Wednesdays. During the school year “You Build It!” is offered from 4-5 pm, ie. beginning again on August 3, 2025
Central Library – 814 W Wisconsin Ave Milwaukee WI
Come build with us! We’ll supply a variety of building materials and you’ll bring the creativity. Meet friends and see what you can create together.
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.

Read Learn Create at The Oak Creek Public Library
2025-11-20 08:00 - 17:00 | Oak Creek Public Library, 8040 S 6th St, Oak Creek, 53154, United States
This 15-20 minute story time is geared toward children ages 3-7, with an adult (siblings welcome). It features stories, songs, and rhymes that foster early literacy and will be followed by a craft related to the story. Wear something that can get messy!
Registration is not required. Each session will take place in the Story Time Room. Upon arrival, please let us know if you have any allergies.
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.

Furry Tales Story Time at the Wisconsin Humane Society (Ozaukee Campus)
2025-11-20 10:30 - 11:00 | Wisconsin Humane Society Ozaukee Campus, 630 West Dekora Street, Saukville, 53080, United States
Join us for Furry Tales Story Time at the Wisconsin Humane Society! This FREE program is designed for children ages 2-4. Furry Tales includes heartwarming animal-themed books with an extra special twist: your little ones will also meet an adorable animal at WHS! Registration is encouraged, but not required. There is a limit of 3 children per adult.
Furry Tales Story Time at the Ozaukee Campus:
630 W. Dekora St, Saukville
Thursdays from 10:30-11 a.m.

Oct. 16, 2025
Nov. 20, 2025
Dec. 11, 2025
January 22, 2026
Feb. 19, 2026
March 19, 2026
April 16, 2026
May 14, 2026

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.

Story Time at Wonderland Bookshop
2025-11-20 11:00 - 11:30 | Wonderland Bookshop, 4001 N Downer Avenue, Shorewood, Wisconsin, 53211
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 venue to confirm the latest details.

West Allis Farmers Market
2025-11-20 12:00 - 17:00 | West Allis Farmers Market, 6501 W National Ave, West Allis, WI, 53214, United States
Shop Fresh and Local May – November

The West Allis Farmers Market, located at 6501 W. National Ave., is open from the first Saturday in May through the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. We open later in the day to allow the farmers to bring only the freshest produce, picked that morning, to the market. Farmers may leave early if all produce has been sold. The Market welcomes only Wisconsin-based growers and makers, so you can shop local and enjoy the best Wisconsin has to offer.
View our events page for dates and hours of our seasonal special events.

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
2025-11-20 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
2025-11-20 16:30 - 22:00, 2025-11-21 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.

Date Night for All at Chick-Fil-A Menomonee Falls
2025-11-20 17:00 - 20:00 | Chick-Fil-A – Menomonee Falls, W185N9590 Bancroft Drive, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, 53051
Join us over the rainbow for a family-friendly Date Night! Anyone is welcome to attend this fun evening, even flying monkeys! Dinner, dessert, and more included in registration. Price for two people is $35, and $15 each additional attendee.
Take your son, your daughter, your partner … anyone you’d like!

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.

Winter Glow Experience: A Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show at Brown Deer Park
2025-11-20 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.

Downtown Holiday Lights Kickoff Extravaganza at Pere Marquette Park
2025-11-20 17:30 - 19:30 | Pere Marquette Park, 900 N Old World Third St, Milwaukee, WI, 53203, United States
The elves at Milwaukee Downtown are busy preparing for the 27th installment of the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival.
The six-week festival will return November 20 – January 1, transforming Cathedral Square Park, Pere Marquette Park, Red Arrow Park and Zeidler Union Square into festive winter scenes. Street decorations will also adorn three downtown thoroughfares, including Wisconsin Avenue, which will feature an 18-block stretch of silver and gold chandeliers suspended above each intersection.
In addition, The Ornament Trail will return with nearly 20 super-sized holiday ornaments hand painted by a diverse assortment of acclaimed artists. The holiday baubles’ growing footprint will appear along Wisconsin Avenue, a portion of Water Street and in near-Downtown neighborhoods. Also returning this year is Santa’s Mailbox sponsored by Educators Credit Union at Cathedral Square Park.
Festivities will begin with the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Kickoff Extravaganza presented by Johnson Financial Group on Thursday, November 20 at 6:30pm in Pere Marquette Park, 900 N. Plankinton Ave. The highly anticipated show will feature live music, dance acts, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, a fireworks ceremony and pre-show entertainment starting at 5:30pm.
The bright night of festivity will begin at 5:30 p.m. with pre-show entertainment by Kid Boogie Down. Following this dance warm-up, guests will enjoy performances by DJ Mr. NY, characters from Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s “A Christmas Carol,” Anita’s Dance Center, The Squeezettes, select cast members from Cirque du Soleil’s “‘Twas the Night Before…,” Marquette University’s Gold ‘n Blues, Christopher Gilbert, Willow Newell – Miss Wisconsin, and Jenny Thiel. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also make an appearance. The evening will wrap up with a fireworks show, shortly before 7 p.m. Guests in attendance will receive free cocoa and cookies and can take part in free Jingle Bus rides, operated by KB Excursions, after the fireworks.
After the Nov. 20th kickoff, residents and visitors can view the light displays, coordinated by Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21, through Jan. 1. Four Downtown parks will be transformed into winter wonderland scenes: “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. Street decorations will also adorn three Downtown thoroughfares, including Wisconsin Avenue, which will feature an 18-block stretch of silver and gold chandeliers suspended above each intersection.
Visitors can see all the sights aboard the Jingle Bus, a 40-minute narrated tour that offers a no-fuss way to view all of Downtown Milwaukee’s offerings during the holiday season. Tours will depart from the Festival’s new Warming House at Red Arrow Park, 920 N. Water St. Jingle Bus operating hours are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays through Sundays, Dec. 5 – 28. Tickets are $8 per person (excluding tax and fees). Advanced ticket sales are encouraged. Spanish tours are offered on select nights. Discounted parking is available for riders at the BMO Tower garage, 771 N. Broadway, for $3.24 with validation from the Jingle Bus info table.
For more information on the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Kickoff Extravaganza and to purchase Jingle Bus tickets, visit This Link.
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.

Open Gym with The Ability Center at Jewish Community Center Whitefish Bay
2025-11-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, 6255 N Santa Monica Blvd, Whitefish Bay, 53217
All programs are FREE, open to the public, and inclusive for all abilities.

Open Gym (Open to the Public)

Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center 6255 N Santa Monica Blvd Whitefish Bay WI

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.

Playgroups at Ozaukee Family Services in Cedarburg
2025-11-21 09:30 - 10:30 | Ozaukee Family Services, 4922 Columbia Rd, Cedarburg, Wisconsin, 53012
A welcoming playgroup for parents and children ages 0–5!
Join us for a fun and relaxed environment where you and your child can play, explore, and connect. Meet other parents/caregivers, share experiences, and build lasting friendships – everyone is welcome, whether you’re coming with friends or hoping to make new ones! Facilitated by OFS Parents as Teachers staff.

September 4th

September 19th

October 2nd

October 17th

November 6th

November 21st

December 4th

December 19th

All times are 9:30am-10:30am. Register for free here.

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.

Family Storytime at the St Francis Library
2025-11-21 10:00 - 10:30 | St Francis Public Library, 4230 S Nicholson Ave, St Francis, WI, 53235, United States
Family Storytime
Fridays from 10:00am – 10:30am
Ages 5 & under. Older siblings welcome.
Join us for stories, rhymes, and more!
No Registration required. We will meet in the Hoppe Room in the lower level of the Library.

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.

Family Open Gym at Infinite Gymnastics
2025-11-21 10:30 - 12:00 | Infinite Gymnastics, 8989 N 55th St, Milwaukee, WI 53223, USA
Join us at Infinite Gymnastics for Family Open Gym on Fridays from 10:30am-12pm
Family Open Gym is designed for ages 1-6 with a parent (all ages are welcome on no school days!).

RULES: ​

Ages 6 & Under – Parents chaperone kids & remain within arm’s reach. Parents are not allowed on the equipment.

Ages 6+ Drop Off – Parents sign kids in and then leave.

Yellow Trampolines:

Only ONE person is allowed to jump at a time.

​
Pits:

Always land FEET FIRST in the pit! (Never on your head or stomach).

Do not bury yourself or others in the pit. No digging holes!!

Keep the blocks in the pit.

Miscellaneous Rules:

No Eating is Allowed in the gym.

Water bottles with WATER ONLY are allowed.

Look both ways when walking around the gym – Watch out for tumblers!

No Wrestling!!

Ask staff to use equipment. Do not touch equipment or props without permission!

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.

Photos with Santa at Southridge Mall
2025-11-21 11:00 - 19:00 | Southridge Mall, 5300 S 76th Street, Greendale, WI, 53129, United States
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 be available all season long.
Location: Lower Level, Center Court Walk-ins and reservations welcomeReserve your spot here bookmysantavisit.com
Santa takes a short break each day from 𝟮:𝟯𝟬-𝟯𝗽𝗺.
𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: Santa’s Arrival: Sat, 11/22 from 10:45am-1pm Sensory-Friendly Santa: Sun, 12/7 from 9-10:30am Pet Photo Night: Mon, 12/8 from 4-8pm Holiday Kids Corner: Sat, 12/13 from 11am-12pm Black Santa Experience: Fri, 12/12 from 3-7pm, Sat, 12/13 from 11am-7pm & Sun 12/14 from 11am-5pm
𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝗦𝗻𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰Packages range from $25.99–$59.99 Customer Service: (888) 399-1959 | help@snaptasticphotos.com
Bring your smiles and holiday spirit — Santa photos are here all season long at Southridge Mall!

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.

Holiday Folk Fair International at WI State Fair Park
2025-11-21 14:00 - 21:00 | Wisconsin State Fair Park, 640 South 84th Street, West Allis, WI, 53214, United States
Holiday Folk Fair International
A program of the International Institute of Wisconsin (IIW), Holiday Folk Fair International, America’s premiere multi-cultural festival, celebrates the cultural heritage of the people living in southeastern Wisconsin.
The three-day event features the All Nations Theater with traditional music and dance; the World Café offering traditional dishes; the Tanzhauz, where attendees dance and sing along with a variety of musical stylings; the Coffee House, where patrons enjoy a beverage and baked goods while listening to talented musicians; Heritage Lane with unique traditions and customs through interactive exhibits; the International Bazaar, where cultural artifacts create a unique shopping experience; and the American Culinary Federation Chef’s Stage featuring local chefs preparing traditional cuisine.
View Admission Prices here.
Event Dates & Times:
Friday, November 21: 2pm-9pm
Saturday, November 22: 10am-9pm
Sunday, November 23: 10am-6pm
Please Note:
There may be a parking charge of $10 per vehicle or $5 per motorcycle to park at Wisconsin State Fair Park during any 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.

Deer District Holiday Market
2025-11-21 16:00 - 21:00 | Deer District, 1134 Vel R. Phillips Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53203, United States
Deer District Holiday Market — New This Year!

📍1134 N Vel R. Phillips Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203 (Outside Fiserv Forum)
📅 Nov. 21–30 (Closed Thanksgiving Day)

Local vendors (16 shops this year!)

Santa visits, reindeer, & carolers

Letters to Santa station

Holiday eats & drinks

Free to attend

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.
