The city is alive with the holiday spirit! Here are our top picks for the weekend.
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Cocoa With the Clauses
Cathedral Square Park, 520 E. Wells St., Milwaukee, WI 53202
Saturday, December 14, 2024, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Santa and Mrs. Claus return for this annual cocoa klatch. The free outdoor event is a chance for kids to share their wish lists and for moms and dads to grab a keepsake photo. Elves and other holiday characters will also be there! Plus, enjoy complimentary cookies and hot cocoa sponsored by Taste of Home and Dunkin’ Donuts.
Santa’s Christmas Cavalcade
Departs from Milwaukee Public Market
Friday, December 13, 2024, 5:15 p.m.
See Santa and Mrs. Claus riding atop a vintage fire truck, featuring local singer/songwriter Sarah Fierek with original holiday tunes. The route begins at the Milwaukee Public Market’s Water Street entrance at 5:15 p.m., then travels east on Wisconsin Avenue to the lakefront before passing Pere Marquette Park, Cathedral Square Park, Zeidler Union Square, Catalano Square, and Light the Hoan. Nonperishable food items will be collected for Hunger Task Force. Barrels will be located near the firetruck, prior to departure.
2. Hometown Holiday Pops Concert with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra & Chorus
Bradley Symphony Center, 212 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53203
December 14-22, 2024 (select dates)
Admission: $40-$96
Bring the entire family to the Bradley Symphony Center for Milwaukee’s favorite holiday tradition! Celebrate the season with a musical jubilee of cherished classics, yuletide carols, and festive sing-alongs with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Milwaukee Handbell Ensemble.
3. European Village Alive!
Milwaukee Public Museum, 800 W. Wells St., Milwaukee, WI 53233
Saturday, December 14, 2024, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Admission: $19-$25
Explore the sights, sounds, and scents of the season as the European Village exhibit “comes to life.” MPM docent interpreters will transport you to holiday celebrations of the past.
Learn about the history of European traditions, many still around today (including greeting cards, Christmas trees, wreaths, gingerbread, mistletoe, holly, nativity scenes, and stockings), and discover others lost to time.
View special behind-the-scenes collections items, enjoy activities, and delight in the lovely holiday decorations throughout the Village!
Storytime With Santa at Mitchell Park Domes
Sunday, December 15, 2024, 1-3 p.m.
Admission: $6-$9 (Members / Children 2 & Under FREE)
Santa will be sharing classic holiday stories and visiting with kids afterward! Regular Domes admission rates apply.
Santa Visit at the North Point Lighthouse
Sunday, December 15, 2024, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Admission: $5-$8
Santa will be at the Lighthouse! Have your photo taken with him in his maritime workshop, and explore the museum while you’re there. Regular museum admission rates apply.
Photo Session With Santa at Shannon Wucherer Photography
December 13-14, 2024
Admission: $65
Santa will be visiting Shannon Wucherer Photography this weekend! Five-minute sessions allow for a short visit with Santa, posed images as well as some fun with the big guy. Visit fee of $65 must be paid at the time of booking and is nonrefundable. One image file is included. Additional image files will be available to purchase.
5. PAW Patrol Live! A Mighty Adventure
Miller High Life Theater, 500 W. Kilbourn Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53203
December 14-15, 2024
Admission: $35-$65
Join the PAW Patrol pups as they unleash their mighty superpowers in the all-new live show! With heroic action, catchy tunes and bark-loads of interactive fun, PAW Patrol’s electrifying new adventure is sure to leave tails wagging and audiences cheering!
6. Winter Wonder Woods
Hawthorn Glen Outdoor Education Center, 1130 N. 60th St., Milwaukee, WI 53208
December 13-14, 2024, 5-8 p.m. (register for a specific time slot)
Admission: $4 per person (Children 2 & Under FREE)
See Hawthorn Glen in a new light as you stroll through trails that are twinkling with holiday cheer. Tens of thousands of lights will illuminate the beauty of the Glen, winding you through the woods and past displays. Expect a selfie station, hiking Santa, educational facts along the trail, and more!
Registration is required. On the day of each event day, online registration closes at noon for that night’s sessions. Online registration will remain open for sessions on the remaining dates. On-site registration is available, as long as space remains in those sessions.
Ready for More Family Fun?
Milwaukee is packed with even more exciting activities and hidden gems for you to explore with your family this season. Whether you’re looking for spontaneous outings or planning ahead, we’ve got you covered!
📅 Explore Our Events Calendar
From seasonal celebrations to ongoing attractions, our Events Calendar is your go-to guide for family-friendly happenings in and around Milwaukee. Discover new experiences every day, tailored just for you.
🍂 Find Your Fall Adventure
Check out our Fall Fun Map to uncover the best places for apple picking, pumpkin patches, Halloween happenings, and scenic hikes. It’s the perfect tool to help you make the most of autumn’s beauty.
🎡 Don’t Miss Our Top Picks!
Looking for more must-visit spots? Dive into our guides on:
- Milwaukee’s Best Playgrounds – Discover the most fun and unique play areas for kids of all ages.
- Kid-Friendly Restaurants – Enjoy a meal where the whole family is welcome.
- Indoor Playgrounds – Perfect for those rainy or chilly days.
- Top Museums for Kids – Unleash your child’s curiosity with engaging exhibits.
- Free & Affordable Activities – Have a blast without breaking the bank.
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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.
