For holiday festivities that are easy on the wallet, we’ve got the ultimate list of Milwaukee’s best free holiday events for families.
Whether you’re looking to experience dazzling light displays, festive parades, or cozy moments with Santa, Milwaukee has a lineup of family-friendly activities to fill your calendar with seasonal joy.
From the iconic Downtown Holiday Lights Festival to hidden gems like Candy Cane Lane and Red Arrow Park’s ice skating rink, there’s something magical waiting for everyone.
Dive into our guide to plan your holiday adventure and celebrate the season with loved ones all across the city!.
1. Christmas in the Ward (December 6, 2024)
Celebrate the season in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward with their annual Christmas in the Ward event, including live holiday music, live reindeer and costumed characters, holiday movie screenings, enchanting lights, and family-friendly activities. Perfect for kicking off the Christmas season with loved ones!
2. Downtown Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival (November 21, 2024- January 5, 2025)
Explore Milwaukee’s winter wonderland as downtown transforms with stunning holiday lights, seasonal decorations, and joyful events. Don’t miss this beloved holiday tradition across multiple locations!
3. Miller Valley Holiday Lites (Dates TBD)
Experience the iconic Miller Brewery’s Holiday Lites! This Milwaukee tradition brings the spirit of the season to life with dazzling light displays—a must-see holiday event.
4. Candy Cane Lane (November 29 – December 25, 2024)
Stroll or drive through Candy Cane Lane, where homes are decked out with holiday lights and decor. Donations benefit the MACC Fund, supporting childhood cancer research—a perfect way to enjoy the season and support a cause.
5. Ice Skating at Red Arrow Park
Lace up your skates and glide at Red Arrow Park! It’s free to skate if you bring your own skates, or you can pay a small fee for rentals, making it easy for everyone to enjoy a fun day on the ice throughout the winter season.
6. Cocoa with the Clauses
Spend a cozy afternoon with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Kids can sip hot cocoa, take photos, and share their wish lists with Santa—a magical experience for children!
7. CP Holiday Train (December 7-9, 2024)
Watch the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train roll through Milwaukee, bringing holiday cheer with lights, music, and festive decor—a unique holiday experience you won’t want to miss!
8. Parade of Gingerbread Houses
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.
9. Santa’s Mailbox in Cathedral Square Park
Kids can drop off their letters to Santa at this special mailbox in Cathedral Square Park, which sends holiday wishes straight to the North Pole.
To make a day of it, you can ride The Hop Streetcar from the Intermodal Station to Cathedral Square Park and back, and grab some hot cocoa along the way.
10. Santa’s Christmas Cavalcade
Santa’s Christmas Cavalcade travels through Milwaukee neighborhoods, spreading holiday cheer. Keep an eye out for Santa’s festive entourage—a delightful surprise for kids and families alike!
Free Family Movies at Bayshore (November 6 – December 18, 2024)
Gather the family and head to ACX Entertainment at Bayshore for free family movie screenings every Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. Doors open at 3:30 p.m., and seating is first come, first served, so arrive early to snag a spot.
Here’s the lineup:
- 11/6: Migration
- 11/13: Shark Tale
- 11/20: Trolls Band Together
- 12/4: Super Mario Bros.
- 12/11: Elf
- 12/18: Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch
Want to discover more holiday fun?: Dive into our complete Holiday Fun Guide and make the most of the season with top events, hidden gems, and festive outings around Milwaukee.
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.
