The holidays are a magical time to visit The Domes (524 S Layton Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53215), where the warm, indoor gardens transform into festive wonderlands for families to discover together.
From dazzling decorations and late night explorations to special events with Santa, there’s something to delight every visitor, young and old.
For more holiday activities and festive family outings around Milwaukee, check out our Holiday Fun Guide.
Here’s a quick overview for parents:
1. Annual Holiday Show
- Dates: Sat, Nov 23, 2024 – Sun, Jan 5, 2025
- Experience: Festive plants, large coniferous trees, and seasonal decorations that bring holiday cheer to life.
- Cost: Included with admission (free for members).
Note: The Show Dome will be closed for setup from Mon, Nov 11 – Fri, Nov 22. The Desert and Tropical Domes remain open during this time. There will be a Member Preview Night on Friday, November 22nd.
2. Late Nights at The Domes
Enjoy the beauty of The Domes after dark on select evenings!
- Dates:
- Fri, Nov 29, 9AM-8PM
- Tues, Dec 10, 9AM-8PM
- Tues, Dec 17, 9AM-8PM
- Fri, Dec 27, 9AM-8PM
- Admission: Included with regular admission; last entry is one hour before close.
3. Meet Santa at The Domes
Santa will be sharing classic holiday stories and visiting with kids afterward!
- Dates:
- Sat, Nov 30, 1-3PM
- Sun, Dec 1, 1-3PM
- Sat, Dec 7, 1-3PM
- Sun, Dec 15, 1-3PM
- Cost: Included with admission.
4. Cheerful Concerts
Holiday tunes fill the Show Dome with folk singer David HB Drake (and Gnorman the Gnome!).
- Gnorman the Gnome Holiday Songs: Sat, Dec 14, 1-2:30PM
- David HB Drake’s “Let There Be Light!” Christmas Concert: Sun, Dec 22, 1-2:30PM
- Cost: Included with admission.
5. Winter in the Tropics: A Family Fun Fest
Escape Wisconsin’s winter chill with a tropical-inspired event featuring crafts, games, a tropical fruit tasting, and more!
- When: Fri, Dec 27, 9AM-12PM
- Cost: $5 – $10
- Details: Dress in tropical attire, and enjoy discounts in the gift shop.
Make the most of your family visit! Explore our insider tips in Visiting The Domes with Kids: Fun Facts & Pro Tips to get all the details.
Curious about what’s next for The Domes? Discover upcoming plans and enhancements in our article: Exciting New Plans Unveiled for the Mitchell Park Domes.
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.
