Get ready, Milwaukee—this holiday season is packed with unforgettable magic for kids and families!
From awe-inspiring light displays to charming train rides and holiday festivals, we’ve rounded up the top festive experiences that will make spirits bright.
Whether it’s exploring dazzling wonderlands, taking a cozy cruise with Santa, or watching The Nutcracker come to life, these unique holiday events are sure to fill your family’s holiday with joy and wonder.
Start planning and get ready to spread the cheer!
1. Snow Globe Holiday Festival
The Snow Globe Holiday Festival will take over Ballpark Commons from November 22 to December 30, 2024, inviting guests of all ages to immerse themselves in a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, enchanting experiences, and seasonal treats.
It features a snow globe inspired light maze, ice skating trail, and build-a-buddy workshop!
2. CP Holiday Train
December 7-9, 2024
Admission: FREE (suggested donation of cash or nonperishable food items for local food banks
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is back on the tracks this year traveling across the US to put on live concerts and raise money for community food banks.
The train will make a grand entrance at 13 stations in Wisconsin over three days, overflowing with holiday spirit including bright holiday decor and live musical performances by The Lone Bellow and Tiera Kennedy.
3. Christmas in the Ward
Catalano Square, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Friday, December 6, 2024
Admission: FREE
At Christmas in the Ward, you’ll find a magical tree lighting in Catalano Square (which is actually a triangle shape – go figure), live music, costumed characters, a fireworks show over the Milwaukee River, and more.
You can visit with Santa Claus in Jolly’s Outdoor Gingerbread House (suggested $5 donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities), and meet live reindeer with Mrs. Claus.
4. Lake Geneva Santa Cruise
1 Liechty Drive, Williams Bay, WI 53191 (departs from Gage Marine/Pier 290 Restaurant)
Embark on a magical Santa Cruise in Lake Geneva! Along your 40-minute lake tour aboard one of Lake Geneva Cruise Line’s historic boats (enclosed, heated and decked out with Christmas lights), you will be enchanted by lighted displays that unfold the story of your journey.
From the boat, sneak a peek at the shoreline to see Santa’s Hideaway and Santa himself as he reads the names of the children on board who are on his “Nice List.”
5. Deck the Streets of Old Milwaukee (Milwaukee Public Museum)
800 W. Wells St., Milwaukee, WI 53233
Experience the magic of the holiday season inside two of MPM’s most beloved exhibits, Streets of Old Milwaukee and European Village, where the walkthrough turn-of-the-century streetscapes are transformed into holiday wonderlands.
European Village Alive! returns this year on December 8 and 9. Learn about centuries-old holiday traditions from costumed docents. Free with admission.
6. The Domes Holiday Show & Late Nights
Location: Mitchell Park Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53215
Holiday Show: Nov 23 – Jan 5, 2025
Late Nights: Nov 29, Dec 10, Dec 17, Dec 27, open until 8PM
Celebrate the holiday season with a multicultural display at The Domes! This year’s “Holiday Parade” showcases the beauty of diverse traditions, including Advent, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa.
Set among beds of vibrant poinsettias in varieties like ‘Red Ribbon,’ ‘Polar Bear,’ and ‘Candy Wintergreen,’ these stationary holiday “floats” create a unique and magical experience for families.
Plus, on select evenings, enjoy the wonder of The Domes after dark, open late for an extra special view of the holiday display.
7. Christmas Train (East Troy Railroad Museum)
East Troy Depot, 2002 Church St., East Troy, WI 53120
Website
Experience the magic of the holidays with a ride on the East Troy Railroad’s Christmas Train to Santa’s Workshop at the Elegant Farmer. This two-hour journey includes a visit with Santa, festive activities, and a special gift for children. Trains run on weekends from November 30 to December 21, and tickets sell out fast—reservations are required!
8. Home for the Holidays (Old World Wisconsin)
W372 S9727 Hwy 67, Eagle, WI 53119
Stroll through Crossroads Village at Old World Wisconsin, decked in holiday greenery, full of festive stories and merry memories. Explore a rich mosaic of ethnic traditions and discover how they continue to be part of our modern celebrations. Experience how holidays like Jueltomte, Boxing Day, and Hanukkah bring communities together.
Old World Wisconsin is the perfect spot to meet friends and family from across the region to enjoy a day of warmth and discovery as you create your own holiday traditions. Sights, sounds, smells, and tastes will make history come to life as we connect in new ways.
9. The Nutcracker (Milwaukee Ballet)
Marcus Performing Arts Center, 929 N. Water St., Milwaukee, WI 53202
Various showtimes throughout December
Shake off the winter chill and gather again with friends and family for Milwaukee’s annual holiday tradition. More than 150 dancers from around the world create a winter wonderland in this timeless story.
Listen to the Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra play Tchaikovsky’s iconic score during “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” “Waltz of the Flowers,” and “March of The Nutcracker” and more. The stunning visual display features elaborate sets, lavish period costumes, special effects, and even magic tricks!
Children will also love seeing the small students of Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy dancing onstage with the professional Company.
10. MATC Parade of Gingerbread Houses
Milwaukee Public Market (400 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202)
Dated TBD
From December 1st to December 12th, be a part of a Milwaukee Public Market tradition. Visit intricate and whimsical gingerbread house displays made by the talented students at MATC’s baking program. Vote on the winning house, and place a bid!
The gingerbread houses are located upstairs. Be sure to stop by Santa’s Mailbox and write him a letter. They’ll send it directly to the North Pole! The mailbox is also located upstairs.
11. World’s Tallest Glass Tree
Head to Lake Geneva to witness the World’s Tallest Glass Tree at Yerkes Observatory, a stunning 36-foot sculpture made from 3,000 pounds of recycled blue glass. This annual event invites visitors to participate in the tree’s creation by dripping molten glass onto its rotating frame.
Enjoy workshops, artisan demos, and a Winter Market, or warm up with festive food and drinks in a heated tent. Tours of the historic observatory are also available.
Details: www.worldstallestglasstree.com
More Events:
A Dickens of a Village
Historic Downtown Greendale, 6500 Northway, Greendale, WI 53129
Admission: FREE
Discover the Village Shops decked out for the merriest of seasons, as Historic Downtown Greendale is transformed into a scene from a Dickens novel. Expect more than 100,000 twinkling lights and merchants dressed in Dickens-era costumes.
Write letters to deposit in Santa’s mailbox, and visit the big guy himself. Take a ride on Santa’s sleigh or horse-drawn carriages. Reminisce with holiday entertainment by strolling carolers, bell and chamber choirs, and string instruments. Enjoy a performance of the classic “A Christmas Carol in 12 Minutes.”
Enjoy delicious sweets, treats, and hot beverages. Get a jump on your holiday shopping and take advantage of store specials.
Christmas on the Corner
Downtown Port Washington, WI
Admission: FREE
Port Washington Main Street’s traditional community Christmas celebration is full of festive activities for all ages, including cookie and ornament decorating, a hot cocoa bar, photos with Santa, live reindeer, letters to Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, and an Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt.
Stick around for the parade and fireworks!
More Holiday Fun Ideas:
- Holiday Light Displays
- Santa’s Mailboxes
- Places to Meet Santa
- Local Toy Stores
- Sleigh Rides
- Breakfast With Santa
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.
