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Experience the Magic of Milwaukee Holiday Shows in 2025!
The holiday season is shining bright across Milwaukee, and the city’s stages are bringing the magic to life! From The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol to dazzling productions like Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Twas the Night Before…, there’s something unforgettable for every family this year.
Whether you’re planning a special night out or starting a new tradition, this guide rounds up the best holiday shows in Milwaukee for 2025, including musicals, ballets, concerts, and family-friendly performances throughout the season.
Mark your calendars, grab your tickets before they’re sold out, and make lasting memories at these festive Milwaukee Christmas shows and holiday performances your whole family will love.
Looking for more family-friendly holiday events? Don’t miss our 2025 Milwaukee Holiday Guide for a complete list of festive fun this season!
Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Twas the Night Before…
📍 Miller High Life Theatre, Milwaukee
📅 November 26–30, 2025
Experience the magic of the holidays like never before with Cirque du Soleil’s first-ever holiday show, ‘Twas the Night Before…. Inspired by the cherished poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore, this dazzling production tells the story of a jaded young girl who rediscovers the wonder of the season. Here’s what families can expect:
- Thrilling acrobatics from a cast of 26 world-class artists
- Acts inspired by specific lines from the poem—from aerial straps and hoop diving to gravity-defying hair suspension
- Beloved holiday music reimagined in Cirque du Soleil’s signature style
👉 Get tickets to ‘Twas the Night Before…
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
📍Marcus Performing Arts Center
📅 November 25–30, 2025
The Grinch is coming to Milwaukee! This Broadway hit brings Whoville to life with colorful sets, whimsical costumes, and favorite songs like “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas.” Narrated by Max the Dog, this heart-warming story reminds us all of the true meaning of the season. With special family matinees and accessible performances, it’s a holiday tradition for all ages.
👉Get Tickets to How The Grinch Stole Christmas »
The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza!
📍First Stage
📅 November 21–December 28, 2025
Mo Willems’ beloved characters are throwing the biggest holiday party ever—and you’re invited! Elephant and Piggie are ready to celebrate, the Unlimited Squirrels are decking the halls, and The Pigeon might just take off on a wild adventure to the North Pole. With catchy songs, silly antics, and plenty of laughs, this brand-new musical is perfect for kids ages 4–14 (and festive grown-ups, too).
👉Get Tickets to The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza »
More Holiday Shows at the Marcus Center
- A Celtic Christmas – November 23
- Christmas with C.S. Lewis – November 30
- Black Arts MKE’s Black Nativity – December 11–14 (tickets on sale October 3)
Jingle Bell Holiday Pajama Jamboree (Free!)
📅 Date: December 3, 2025
📍 Venue: Bradley Pavilion, Marcus Performing Arts Center
Wrap up the little ones in their comfiest pajamas and bring a teddy bear or blanket to the free Holiday Pajama Jamboree! Hosted by the Festival City Symphony, this one-hour pops concert features lively music, holiday favorites, and even a sing-along finale.
Pajama Jamborees are designed for kids in K4 through fifth grade but are fun for everyone. With floor seating for the little ones, traditional seating in the back, and sometimes even a chance to conduct the orchestra, this event is a delightful family tradition.
Candlelight Concerts
This season, Milwaukee’s Candlelight Concerts are adding a warm, magical glow to the city’s live music scene. Held in stunning venues like St. James 1868, these concerts feature a variety of beloved themes -from Christmas carols to timeless tributes to artists like Coldplay and Adele. Each show brings favorite songs to life in an intimate, candlelit setting, creating a multi-sensory experience that’s as beautiful as it is memorable.
The Nutcracker: Drosselmeyer’s Imaginarium by Milwaukee Ballet
📅 Dates: Select dates from December 6 – December 26, 2025
📍 Venue: Marcus Performing Arts Center
Immerse yourself in The Nutcracker: Drosselmeyer’s Imaginarium, Milwaukee Ballet’s enchanting take on the holiday classic. With Tchaikovsky’s music performed live, this ballet is a feast for the senses. There will be 16 public performances, three student matinees, and a sensory-friendly performance on December 11, designed for audiences of all abilities.
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
📅 Dates: Now through December 21, 2025
📍 Venue: Associated Bank Theater Center – Stackner Cabaret
This classic comes to life as a high-energy radio play, appropriate for all ages.
A Motown Christmas
📅 Dates: November 12, 2025
📍 Venue: The Riverside Theater
A powerful, family-friendly show combining Motown’s greatest hits with everyone’s favorite holiday music. Dazzling choreography and unforgettable harmonies.
A Christmas Carol at The Pabst Theater
📅 Dates: November 25 – December 24, 2025
📍 Venue: The Pabst Theater
Milwaukee Rep’s annual production of A Christmas Carol returns, bringing Scrooge’s journey of redemption to life with beautiful music, captivating effects, and inspiring storytelling. A heartwarming tradition, perfect for a holiday family outing.
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
Resounding Joy: Christmas at the Basilica of St. Josaphat
📅 Dates: December 5-7, 2025
📍 Venue: Basilica of Saint Josaphat
Bringing comfort and joy to the Milwaukee basilica, this yearly hour-long choral concert features classic carols and songs of the season. Since 1930, Bel Canto Chorus has represented Milwaukee on international tours with a roster of about 100 local professional and amateur singers.
For even more seasonal fun, check out our complete 2025 Holiday Guide and stay updated with our Events Calendar for all the latest family-friendly happenings around Milwaukee!
In 2013, Calie Herbst, a former teacher with three little ones, saw a need for a “One Stop Shop” for family fun in Milwaukee. So she founded Milwaukee With Kids. Her goal was to find the best this city has to offer families and share it with other parents. In one place.
In 2019, she published “Exploring Milwaukee WIth Kids”, a comprehensive Milwaukee travel guide for families and kids.
She appears regularly on WISN News, Fox 6’s ‘Real Milwaukee’, B93.3, and Wisconsin Morning News. She has been featured in Medium, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, NPR, the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle, and on CBS 58 News.
Calie is available for hosting, moderating and media appearances.
