The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and creating cherished memories—and representation matters.
For families seeking to celebrate with a Black Santa, Milwaukee offers several wonderful opportunities to connect with Santas who reflect the diversity of the community.
From in-person appearances to virtual visits, these events bring holiday magic to children and families in inclusive and meaningful ways.
Check out our full Holiday Fun Guide for Milwaukee to discover the best events and activities for the whole family!
Sherman Phoenix
3536 W Fond du Lac Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53216
The Sherman Phoenix is a former bank transformed into a community hub offering various small businesses, a food court and events.
A beloved destination for community events, Sherman Phoenix has hosted Black Santa experiences in previous years, offering families the chance to meet and take photos with Santa in a warm and welcoming environment.
While details for this year’s event are still being finalized, it’s worth keeping an eye on their schedule for updates on this special tradition.
Black Santa Photo Experience at Southridge Mall
Location: Southridge Mall, 5300 S. 76th St., Greendale, WI
Dates: December 13–15, 2024
Time: 3-hour sessions
Celebrate the holidays with a Santa who truly reflects you and your family at Southridge Mall’s Black Santa Photo Experience. This heartwarming event offers a chance to capture magical memories that will last a lifetime.
- Holiday Gift Bags: Kids receive a special holiday gift bag with the photo experience (while supplies last).
- Photo Location: Santa will be in Center Court on the lower level.
- Walk-Ins & Reservations: Walk-ins are welcome, or you can reserve your spot in advance.
Reserve your spot here: Southridge Black Santa Reservations
Milwaukee Downtown Christmas Cavalcade
Sat, December 7, 2024 | Departs at 5:15pm from Milwaukee Public Market
Fri, December 13, 2024 | Departs at 5:15pm from Milwaukee Public Market
milwaukeeholidaylights.com
Catch Santa and Mrs. Claus on a one-of-a-kind holiday ride through downtown Milwaukee! Santa will ride atop a vintage fire truck, joined by local singer-songwriter Sarah Fierek performing holiday tunes.
One of the highlights is typically their Black Santa night, where families can enjoy the magic of the season with an inclusive twist. Check their event schedule for the exact date and time of this year’s Black Santa appearance.
Departing from the Milwaukee Public Market at 5:15 p.m., the cavalcade will make stops at Pere Marquette Park, Cathedral Square Park, Zeidler Union Square, Catalano Square, and Light the Hoan.
Santas Just Like Me
For a convenient and heartfelt way to connect with Santa, Santas Just Like Me offers virtual visits. This service allows families to schedule a personalized video call with a Black Santa, bringing the holiday spirit directly to your home.
Whether for storytelling, wish-sharing, or just a moment of holiday cheer, these virtual visits are perfect for families who prefer a cozy celebration at home.
Stay tuned as we update with more details on these events, and get ready to make the holidays extra special with these meaningful and inclusive Santa experiences!
Looking for more Santa sightings near you? Don’t miss our guide to the Best Places to Meet Santa Around Milwaukee for a magical holiday experience!”
Plus, explore our list of Breakfast with Santa Options for delicious meals and festive fun.”
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.
