The holiday season is just around the corner, and for those in and around Milwaukee, it’s time to mark your calendars for the city’s enchanting Christmas parades and festivities.
These events are more than just parades; they are a celebration of community spirit, family fun, and holiday cheer.
Let’s explore some of the most exciting Christmas parades in the Milwaukee area, each offering unique traditions, festive lights, and visits from Santa himself.
For more holiday activities and festive family outings around Milwaukee, check out our Holiday Fun Guide.
1. Germantown Christmas Festival Parade & Christmas in the Park
- Location: Starts at Pilgrim Rd & Sylvan Circle, Germantown
- Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024
- Time: Parade at 1:30 PM; Activities at Firemen’s Park from 2:00 PM to 4:45 PM; Tree lighting around 4:30 PM
Kick off the holiday season early at Germantown’s Christmas Festival Parade and Christmas in the Park, presented by the Germantown Area Chamber of Commerce.
The parade begins at 1:30 PM, taking a festive route through town and ending at Firemen’s Park, where Christmas in the Park continues with family-friendly activities.
Enjoy pictures with Santa, costumed characters, kids’ IDs from the Germantown Police Department, and tasty treats available for purchase.
At 4:30 PM, join the community for the lighting of the Official Firemen’s Park Christmas Tree.
2. Santa’s Christmas Cavalcade
- Location: Downtown Milwaukee
- Date: Saturday, December 7th and Friday, December 13th, 2024
- Time: Departs at 5:15 PM from Milwaukee Public Market
See Santa and Mrs. Claus on this festive route riding atop a vintage fire truck featuring local singer/songwriter Sarah Fierek with original holiday tunes. The route departs from the Milwaukee Public Market’s Water Street entrance at 5:15 PM and travels throughout downtown.
The cavalcade travels east on Wisconsin Avenue to the lakefront, with visits to Pere Marquette Park, Cathedral Square Park, Zeidler Union Square, Catalano Square, and Light the Hoan between 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm.
Click here to watch highlights of this magical sight from 2022.
3. Christmas at the Commons – South Milwaukee
- Location: Bucyrus Commons, South Milwaukee
- Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
- Time: 3 PM – 5 PM, with the standstill parade from 4 PM to 5 PM
South Milwaukee introduces a unique take on the traditional Christmas parade—a standstill parade! From 4 to 5 PM, attendees can stroll through Bucyrus Commons, where parade units will be stationed, allowing for an interactive experience where families can greet performers and enjoy up-close festive displays.
The event also includes local musicians, holiday activities, food, and a special tree lighting ceremony at 5 PM. Don’t miss out on this fresh twist to holiday parades!
4. Whitefish Bay Holiday Stroll
- Location: East Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish Bay
- Date: Friday, November 29, 2024
- Time: Parade starts at 6 PM, followed by tree lighting at 7 PM
Whitefish Bay’s Holiday Stroll kicks off the holiday season with a parade that blends festive shopping with family fun. Local businesses along East Silver Spring Drive offer Black Friday specials, hot cider, and holiday activities for the whole family.
The evening culminates with a spectacular parade and tree lighting ceremony, set to the joyful sounds of the WFBHS Choir and lively performances by the Fresh Coast Dancers.
5. Downtown Waukesha’s Annual Christmas Parade
- Location: Downtown Waukesha
- Date: Sunday, December 8, 2024
- Time: 4 PM
Known for its heartwarming charm, Waukesha’s Christmas Parade is a long-standing tradition filled with community warmth and cheer. The parade route is lined with glowing lights, shimmering floats, and the sounds of cheerful holiday music filling the air.
It’s a truly magical experience for families, and for those who can’t attend in person, the City of Waukesha will live-stream the event. Don’t forget to arrive early for the best viewing spots!
6. Menomonee Falls Christmas Parade
- Location: Main Street and Harrison, Downtown Menomonee Falls
- Date: Sunday, December 1, 2024
- Time: 4:30 PM
The Menomonee Falls Christmas Parade is a beloved tradition featuring creative floats, marching bands, and the classic holiday sights of horse-drawn carriages.
The route winds through Main Street and ends at Arthur Avenue, creating a scenic journey of lights and music. Be sure to stick around to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus as he waves to the crowd!
7. West Allis Christmas Parade
- Location: Starts at 79th St. and Greenfield Ave., West Allis
- Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
- Time: 4:45 PM
If you’re looking for a nighttime Christmas spectacle, the West Allis Christmas Parade is the place to be. This parade is packed with bright lights, lively performances, vintage vehicles, and plenty of holiday characters to entertain children and adults alike. Santa Claus will be there to close out the parade, making it a memorable evening for the whole family.
Plus, don’t miss the Christkindlmarkt earlier that day for a taste of European holiday markets.
8. Grafton Christmas Parade
- Location: Lumberyard Plaza and Downtown Grafton
- Date: Saturday, November 30, 2024
- Time: 11 AM
Grafton’s Christmas celebrations include a holiday-themed parade, Breakfast with Santa, and a tree lighting ceremony in the picturesque Lumberyard Plaza. This year’s theme, “Storybook Christmas,” brings beloved holiday tales to life through creative floats and decorations.
With a history spanning 44 years, this parade is a must-see for anyone looking to get into the Christmas spirit early.
9. Night of Lights – Lantern Stroll & Tree Lighting in Waukesha
- Location: Starts at The Rotunda, 235 W Broadway, Waukesha
- Date: Friday, December 6, 2024
- Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Celebrate the holiday season in Waukesha with the Night of Lights, a magical evening featuring a tree lighting, lantern stroll, and the Walk of Lights illumination ceremony. The festivities start at The Rotunda with a tree lighting at 5:30 PM, complete with music, hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa.
Afterward, join the community for a lantern-lit stroll through downtown, caroling along the way to Riverfront Plaza for the lighting of the Walk of Lights at 6:15 PM. Enjoy treats, giveaways, and more holiday cheer after the lights are aglow.
10. New Berlin Christmas Parade
Date and Time: TBD
Location: New Berlin, WI
New Berlin has traditionally hosted a beloved Christmas parade, but details for 2024 have yet to be confirmed. For the latest updates, we recommend checking the City of New Berlin’s events calendar or contacting their Recreation Department closer to the holiday season. Stay tuned for announcements on this festive community event!
Milwaukee and its surrounding communities offer a wonderful selection of Christmas parades, each adding its own twist to holiday celebrations.
Happy holidays and may your season be filled with joy, laughter, and festive cheer!
- Don’t Miss Local Christmas Tree Lightings – Check out our list of nearby Christmas tree lighting events to get in the holiday spirit with twinkling lights, caroling, and special appearances by Santa.
- Your Ultimate Holiday Fun Guide – Looking for festive activities to enjoy this season? Dive into our Holiday Fun Guide for everything from parades and markets to family-friendly events.
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.
