Slice of Ice at Red Arrow Park MKE (Weather Permitting)
2025-12-21 10:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Milwaukee Jazz Institute Student Ensemble Performance at Sam's Place Jazz Cafe
2025-12-21 10:30 - 13:30 (America/Chicago) | Sam’s Place Jazz Cafe, 3338 N Doctor MLK Jr Dr, Milwaukee, 53212, United States
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 the community to come to hear some great jazz at Milwaukee’s jazziest coffeehouse and cafe.
Sam’s Place offers delicious food and coffee.

Saturday, December 20, 2025
11:00 AM – Maiden Voyage Ensemble
11:30 AM – Footprints Ensemble
Noon – Misterioso Ensemble

Sunday, December 21, 2025
10:30 AM – Blue Note Ensemble
11:00 AM – Sidewinder Ensemble
11:30 AM – Giant Steps Ensemble
Noon – Yardbird Ensemble
12:30 – So What Ensemble

Now Showing at The Daniel Soref Theater and Planetarium
2025-12-21 10:30 - 16:10 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Mermaid Echo at Discovery World
2025-12-21 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-12-21 12:30 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Discovery World, 500 North Harbor, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Mermaid Echo is back at Discovery World! Mermaid Echo connects kids with aquatic ecology in a creative way. Enjoy a spectacular performance! Watch Echo swim with underwater friends while you learn about freshwater and the creatures that call the water home.
Show Times:

11:00 am – 11:30 am
12:30 pm – 1:00 pm

Important Notes: Included with General Admission, but please note that space per performance is extremely limited, and all of Mermaid Echo’s performances are first-come, first-served.
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
2025-12-21 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-21 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Santa Brunch at McBob’s Pub and Grill MKE
2025-12-21 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | McBob’s Pub and Grill, 4919 W North Ave, Milwaukee, 53208, United States
Santa Brunch at McBob’s Pub and Grill
📍4919 W North Ave. in Milwaukee.📅 2025 Dates Coming Soon
Celebrate the magic of the season at McBob’s Pub & Grill with their Santa Brunch. Enjoy a special holiday-themed brunch menu while the kids visit with Santa from 11 AM to 1 PM. It’s a cozy, family-friendly way to get into the festive spirit.
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.

Mermaid Echo at Discovery World
2025-12-21 11:00 - 13:30 (America/Chicago) | Discovery World, 500 North Harbor, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Sundays, Sept 7 | Nov 23 | Dec 21 at 11:00 am & 12:30 pm | Included with Admission

The enchanting underwater adventures of Mermaid Echo take center tank next month at Discovery World! Watch Echo’s spectacular performance as she teaches you all about freshwater and the creatures that call Lake Michigan home.

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.

Santa Brunch at Harbor House MKE (*Advanced Reservations Required*)
2025-12-21 11:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Harbor House, 550 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, 53202, United States
Santa Brunch at Harbor House

📍550 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202
📅 December 14th & December 21st from 11am – 2pm

Celebrate the magic of the season with the annual Santa Brunch at Harbor House on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Enjoy stunning lakefront views while indulging in a customizable three-course brunch menu, specially curated by Executive Chef Michael Genre. Santa himself will be there to greet families and take photos.

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.

Reindeer Visit and Photos (Ticketed Event)
2025-12-21 11:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | The Corners of Brookfield, 20111 W Bluemound Rd, Brookfield, WI, 53045, United States
Reindeer Visit and Photos

December 21st: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm at Market Square

While Santa is busy prepping for the holidays at the North Pole, he sent some of his furry friends to say hello and spread some holiday cheer!
Live reindeer will be onsite Sunday, December 21st in Market Square from 11p-2pm for a visit and photo opportunity!
Tickets will go on sale on Monday, November 17th at 9am.
Your ticket is good for one printed photo and a digital photo. Ticket valid for one group/family, a goody bag & hot cocoa! *all sales are final, no refunds*
Note: Please come during your allotted time slot, but feel free to come earlier and walk around!

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.

Photos with Santa at Southridge Mall
2025-12-21 11:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

White Christmas (1954) at The Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2025-12-21 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Avalon Theater, 2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53207, United States
“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 act of Betty and Judy (Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen). Despite some romantic complications between the couples, everything ends on a happy note when Christmas Eve brings rave reviews for the show and much-needed snowfall!
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.

It's a Wonderful Life (1946) at The Avalon Atmospheric Theater (Bay View)
2025-12-21 12:30 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | Avalon Theater, 2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53207, United States
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 like if it hadn’t been for all of his good deeds over the years. Will Clarence be able to convince George to return to his family?
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.

White Christmas (1954) at The Rosebud Cinema (Wauwatosa)
2025-12-21 12:30 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | Rosebud Cinema, 6823 W North Ave, Wauwatosa, 53213, United States

It's a Wonderful Life (1946) at The Times Cinema
2025-12-21 12:30 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Times Cinema, 5906 W. VLIET ST, Milwaukee, WI, 53208, United States

How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000): Seasons Screenings at The Oriental Theatre Milwaukee
2025-12-21 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-21 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Oriental Theatre, 2230 N Farwell Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS – 25TH ANNIVERSARY 4K REMASTER – SEASON’S SCREENINGS
On the outskirts of Whoville, there lives a green, revenge-seeking Grinch who plans on ruining the Christmas holiday for all of the citizens of the town.
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
2025-12-21 13:00 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Holiday Pops with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
2025-12-21 14:30 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Bradley Symphony Center, 212 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53203, United States
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:

2:30p on Saturday, December 13

7:30p on Saturday, December 13

2:30p on Sunday, December 14

7:30p on Friday, December 19

2:30p on Saturday, December 20

7:30p on Saturday, December 20

2:30p on Sunday, December 21

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 Pops at The Bradley Symphony Center
2025-12-21 14:30 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Bradley Symphony Center, 212 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53203, United States
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 Symphony Chorus. Sheer musical magic and cozy holiday memories with family and friends await as we usher in a joyful season of celebration.
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.

Father Christmas at The Pabst Mansion MKE
2025-12-21 15:00 - 17:30 (America/Chicago) | Pabst Mansion, 2000 W Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53233, United States
Father Christmas details:
Sundays, 3:00-5:30pm
November 30 – December 21, Special Christmas Eve hours 11am-1pm
With his walking stick and trimmed red cloak, a whimsical Father Christmas travels south to visit the Pabst Mansion each Sunday during the holiday season. Create magical memories with holiday treats, letters to Santa, and room after room of enchanting Christmas displays.
Tickets go on sale 10/22.
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.

Holidays on The Hop Downtown Milwaukee
2025-12-21 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Creston) | Downtown Milwaukee, WI
Holidays on The Hop
📅 December 7, 14 & 21, 2025 | 4–6 p.m.
📍 Downtown Milwaukee
Hop aboard Milwaukee’s free streetcar for live holiday music and sweet treats. Each Sunday features new performers and free cookies for riders.
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
2025-12-21 16:30 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Illuminate Ozaukee at Zeunert Park Cedarburg
2025-12-21 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Herman A. Zeunert Park, WI, United States
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 or other fun holiday characters appearing throughout the season. They love surprising guests along the route!
Every display is created and sponsored by a local organization, each one adding its own sparkle and creativity. Visitors can cast their vote for a favorite display when they arrive, helping crown this year’s Holiday Design Champion. Enter the light show from Lincoln Blvd and exit onto Hamilton Road. Zeunert Park is located just a few minutes from downtown Cedarburg, making it easy to enjoy a full night of holiday fun, from shopping and dining to festive events.
This event is free, however there is a suggested minimum $20 donation. Your cash or credit donation helps strengthen our community! All proceeds support the Ozaukee Nonprofit Center and our network of local nonprofit agencies.
Illuminate Ozaukee celebrates community, creativity, and connection, all while supporting the programs and partners of the Ozaukee Nonprofit Center.

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
2025-12-21 17:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Christmas Carnival of Lights (Caledonia)
2025-12-21 17:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Country Christmas at The Ingleside Hotel (Pewaukee)
2025-12-21 17:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Jingle Bus Tours (Weather Permitting) at Red Arrow Park MKE
2025-12-21 17:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Wild Lights at The Milwaukee County Zoo (December Dates)
2025-12-21 17:30 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee, 53226, United States
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 under the stars in an illuminated destination glowing with a variety of animal-themed light displays.
And celebrate opening night of Wild Lights — Nov. 21 — with a special drone show at 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Watch as your favorite animals appear in the sky! Weather permitting.
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.
