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Looking for fun and free things to do with your family in Milwaukee this December? We’ve got you covered! Whether you’re in the mood for a festive event, holiday lights, or a free diversion over winter break, there’s something for everyone. Check out these fantastic free events happening throughout the month!
Don’t stop here! Plan even more family fun with our Daily Events Calendar featuring activities every day, or dive into our Weekend Guide for top picks happening this weekend.
MATC Parade of Gingerbread Houses at Milwaukee Public Market
📅 December 4-14 | ⏰ 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Monday-Saturday; 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday
Marvel at intricate gingerbread houses designed with love and holiday spirit. A treat for the eyes, this display also serves as great inspiration for your own baking adventures.
Christmas in the Ward
📅 December 5 | ⏰ 5:30 – 8:30 PM
Kick off the season with live music, reindeer, costumed characters, light displays, and family-friendly entertainment throughout the Third Ward.
Allis in Winterland
📅 December 6 | ⏰ 3:00 – 4:00 PM
The West Allis City Hall Art Gallery is transformed into a cinematic family-friendly event, complete with decorations, activities, and more! This year’s movie and theme will be Polar Express. North pole mailbags will be on hand to deliver your Santa letters straight to the big man himself!
Santa Cycle Rampage
📅 December 6 | ⏰ 9:30 AM
Thousands of Santas, reindeer, and elves hit the streets for this festive slow-rolling bike parade. It’s joyful, funny, and free to watch along the route.
Santa’s Christmas Cavalcade
📅 December 6, 12 | ⏰ Departs at 5:00 PM
Santa’s mobile parade brings holiday cheer to Milwaukee neighborhoods. Keep an eye out for the colorful floats and festive tunes rolling by your block!
Holidays on the Hop
📅 December 7, 14, 21 | ⏰ 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Hop aboard Milwaukee’s free streetcar for live holiday music and sweet treats. Each Sunday features new performers and free cookies for riders.
CP Holiday Train
📅 December 9-11 | ⏰ Various stops and times
The iconic Canadian Pacific Holiday Train rolls through Milwaukee, glowing with lights and live performances. Donations collected at each stop support local food banks.
Cocoa With the Clauses
📅 December 13 | ⏰ 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Spend an afternoon sipping cocoa with Santa and Mrs. Claus in Cathedral Square Park. This heart-warming (and wallet-friendly!) event lets kids share wish lists and snap festive photos.
Chanukah Festival & Gelt Drop at BAYSHORE
📅 December 14 | ⏰ 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
This exciting family-friendly celebration features an interactive LED Experience, LED Robot Dancers, a 12-foot Lite Brite wall, glow games, a giant menorah lighting, illuminated swings, glow dreidel lounge, LED seesaw, train rides, FREE hot drinks and donuts, and more!
Find LOTS more free events on the Events Calendar by using the “Free” filter.
Free Holiday Lights
We’ve rounded up this year’s most magical light displays – everything from free park walk-throughs and sparkling neighborhood traditions to drive-through light shows that let you stay cozy in the car.
- Downtown Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival
📅 November 20-January 1
Drive through downtown Milwaukee, or stop to walk through several parks to admire the light displays and holiday decorations. New this year is a warming house at Red Arrow Park, and that’s where you can hop aboard the Jingle Bus (fee applies). - Holiday Window Display at Milwaukee Public Market (NEW!)
📅 November 22-January 31
Just steps from the riverwalk and a short stroll from the festival routes, the Public Market debuts ten illuminated, large-scale window installations designed by MIAD students. This colorful, block-long display makes a great stop before or after viewing the downtown lights. - Candy Cane Lane
📅November 28-December 25 | ⏰ 6:00 – 9:00 PM Monday – Thursday; 6:00 – 10:00 PM Friday; 5:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday; 5:00 – 9:00 PM Sunday
Drive or walk through this West Allis neighborhood located between 92nd and 96th Streets, Montana Avenue to Oklahoma Avenue. See more than 300 homes decorated with festive lights and candy cane-wrapped trees. An at-will donation to the MACC Fund (supporting childhood cancer research) is appreciated (credit cards now accepted). - Making Spirits Bright (Sheboygan)
📅 November 28-December 31 (Closed Dec. 24) | ⏰ 5:00 – 9:00 PM
This magical drive-thru light show is hosted by the Sheboygan County Rotary Clubs in Evergreen Park. There’s no entry fee, but don’t forget to bring pantry items to support the Sheboygan County Food Bank. - Winter Wonderland – Garden District
📅 December 2-January 9 | ⏰ Dusk – Midnight
This festive holiday display at 6th and Norwich (one block south of Howard) is free for families to walk through and enjoy. There will be a tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 2 with music and caroling and special treats. - Miller Valley Holiday Lites
📅 Dates TBD
This beloved Milwaukee tradition takes place at the historic Frederick Miller’s Plank-Road Brewery. Holiday lights are synchronized to music, and the show typically runs through December, every 10 minutes between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to pull up their cars, tune in to 91.1 FM, and enjoy the dazzling lights from the warmth of their vehicle.
>> Check out our 2025 MKE Holiday Guide for more of the best holiday lights and events!
Free Admission Days This Month
Enjoy any of these fan-favorite Milwaukee attractions at zero cost of admission!
- Kohl’s Thank You Thursday at Milwaukee Public Museum
📅December 4 | ⏰ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
ALL visitors (excluding groups) receive FREE access to the permanent exhibits of MPM on the first Thursday of every month during Kohl’s Thank You Thursday. Children must be accompanied by an adult to receive free admission. Advance reservations strongly recommended, as walk-up tickets are not guaranteed. - Pay-As-You-Wish Thursday Nights at Milwaukee Art Museum
📅December 4, 11, 18 | ⏰ 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Every Thursday night, Museum admission is pay-what-you-wish. (Kids 12 and Under are always free). - Family Free Day at the Milwaukee County Zoo
📅December 6 | ⏰ 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Take advantage of all the Zoo has to offer in the winter on this select Saturday when all guests receive free admission (parking and regular attraction fees still apply). Warm up in the indoor animal buildings, including the Aquatic & Reptile Center or Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country. - Community Access Day at Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
📅December 18 | ⏰ 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
All guests (excluding groups of 10 or more) receive free admission to the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum on the third Thursday of every month. - Frosty Free Week at the Zoo
📅December 26-30 | ⏰ 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM (open until 4:30 PM on Saturday and Sunday)
It’s the season of giving, and the Zoo is offering free daytime admission to thank guests for their support. Regular parking and attraction rates apply. Regular admission rates apply to the Zoo’s Wild Lights night event.
Want Even More Free Family Fun?
This is just the beginning! MKE For Free is your ultimate guide to 250+ free events and activities happening year-round in Milwaukee. Organized by season, this 100-page downloadable guide is packed with the best budget-friendly experiences for families.
Start planning your next adventure—without spending a dime!
➡ Get Your Copy of MKE For Free Now!
