Updated for 2025
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Looking for the best gingerbread houses and displays near Milwaukee this holiday season? From the Milwaukee Public Market to cozy spots like North Shore Boulangerie, these festive gingerbread creations are some of the most beloved holiday activities for families in southeastern Wisconsin. Here’s where to see the sweetest seasonal displays in 2025.
Want more festive ideas? Be sure to check out our full Holiday Fun Guide for santa sightings, holiday lights, magical experiences, and more.
Sweet Spots for Gingerbread Magic
If you only have time for one or two, don’t miss the MATC Parade of Gingerbread Houses at Milwaukee Public Market and the North Shore Boulangerie Gingerbread Village. For a day trip, head to Grand Geneva or Waelderhaus in Kohler for breathtaking displays and cozy holiday vibes.
1. MATC Parade of Gingerbread Houses at Milwaukee Public Market
📍 Where: Milwaukee Public Market, Main Atrium
📅 When: 2025 Dates Coming Soon
🎟️ Admission: Free
Each year, talented Milwaukee Area Technical College culinary students showcase their whimsical gingerbread creations at this beloved event inside the Milwaukee Public Market. It’s a free, family-friendly way to admire edible art up close, complete with intricate details, colorful frosting, and plenty of holiday magic.
2. Gingerbread Village at North Shore Boulangerie
📍 Where: 4401 N. Oakland Ave., Shorewood
📅 When: 2025 Dates Coming Soon
Step inside North Shore Boulangerie to see Pastry Chef Christina Schubert’s intricate gingerbread village on display. Peek through the window or stop in for a pastry and coffee to see cozy gingerbread homes, glowing lights, and a tiny skating rink with animated villagers.
Bonus: Don’t miss Lunch with Santa, complete with a prix fixe menu and a visit from Santa himself. Reservations are required.
3. Santa’s Workshop at Cedarburg’s Washington Avenue
📍 Where: W63 N645 Washington Ave., Cedarburg, WI 53012
📅 When: Select Dates Starting November 21, 2025
This 15-foot-tall gingerbread house on Cedarburg’s Washington Avenue brings Santa’s Workshop to life. Families can peek through the windows to see a cozy fireplace and toy-making scenes inside. When Santa and Mrs. Claus are on-site, step inside for photos and warm holiday memories. It’s a magical stop that captures the small-town charm Cedarburg is known for each Christmas season.
4. Grand Geneva Gingerbread House Competition in Lake Geneva
📍 Where: Grand Geneva Resort, Lake Geneva
📅 When: Nov. 23 – Dec. 31, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily
The Gingerbread House Walk at Grand Geneva Resort showcases creativity from community members of all ages. Each year, a team of culinary elves crafts a 6-foot gingerbread replica of the resort’s iconic clock tower to honor Grand Geneva’s heritage. This display debuts during the annual Illumination Ceremony, when the resort lights up for the season with dazzling décor and festive family activities
5. Waelderhaus Annual Gingerbread Festival in Kohler
📍 Where: Waelderhaus, Kohler
📅 When: Nov. 28 – Dec. 30, 2025 (hours vary by day)
🎟️ Admission: Free
Take a festive day trip to Kohler to see dozens of creative gingerbread houses made by local schools and community groups. The stunning alpine-style Waelderhaus provides the perfect backdrop for these sugary masterpieces. Weekend visits often feature live holiday music at 2 p.m., adding an extra dose of Christmas spirit to your visit.
6. Dine at The Gingerbread House in Muskego
📍 Where: The Gingerbread House, 1885 Farmstead, Muskego
📅 When: Open year-round (hours vary)
Enjoy a cozy meal at The Gingerbread House in Muskego, a charming farmhouse-inspired café serving homemade soups, sandwiches, and bakery treats. It’s a relaxing stop for families seeking a warm, low-key holiday outing — and a perfect spot to unwind after seeing the area’s seasonal displays.
Keep the Holiday Fun Going
If your family loves holiday traditions, check out more festive roundups:
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.
