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
The Mitchell Park Domes are kicking off the season with a stunning new holiday floral show, “The Domes Holiday Parade.”
This vibrant and festive exhibit honors a variety of winter holiday traditions, including Advent, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa.
Running from November 23, 2024, through January 5, 2025, this year’s theme blends multicultural traditions with breathtaking botanical displays.
Visitors will encounter stationary “floats” artfully designed to reflect each holiday, set amidst an array of lush poinsettias in vibrant colors. Featured poinsettia varieties include the timeless ‘Red Ribbon,’ the elegant ‘Polar Bear,’ and the festive ‘Candy Wintergreen.’
Location: Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory (The Domes)
Address: 524 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53215
Show Dates: November 23, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday, Sunday, & Holidays: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
(Note: Last admission is one hour before closing.)
Admission:
- Milwaukee County Residents:
- Adults: $8.00
- Juniors (3-12), Seniors (60+), Students, Military: $6.00
- Children (2 & under): Free
- Non-Residents:
- Adults/Seniors (60+): $9.00
- Juniors (3-12), Students, Military: $6.00
- Children (2 & under): Free
- Special Discount: $5 admission on the last Thursday of each month as part of Milwaukee County’s discount days.
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.
