10 Best Places to Meet Santa Around Milwaukee (2024)

Santa Claus is making his rounds in Milwaukee, bringing holiday cheer to kids and families across Southeastern Wisconsin!

We’ve got the inside scoop on the best spots to meet Santa this season, whether you’re looking for a cozy fireside chat or a photo op with the big man in red.

Keep reading for a list of the top places where you can find Santa near Milwaukee this year.

Cocoa with the Clauses (Free!)

Saturday, December 14th, 2024 | 11am to 2pm Cathedral Square Park
milwaukeeholidaylights.com

Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for a festive afternoon at Cathedral Square Park for Cocoa With The Clauses!

Bring the kids to share their holiday wishes, snap a free photo with Santa, and enjoy holiday fun with elves and other seasonal characters.

Treats are on the house—complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, courtesy of Taste of Home and Dunkin’.

Santa’s Christmas Calvalcade (Free!)

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.

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.

Plus, check out our guide to the best Christmas Parades around Milwaukee, featuring floats, marching bands, and maybe even a glimpse of Santa himself. 

Milwaukee County Historical Society

Very Merry Holiday Celebration

Kick off the holiday season at the Milwaukee County Historical Society’s Very Merry Holiday Celebration! Snap a photo with Santa, enjoy festive crafts, and warm up with hot cocoa and cookies straight from Mrs. Claus’ kitchen. It’s a delightful way to embrace the holiday spirit with the whole family.

Cabela’s

1 Cabela Way, Richfield, WI 53076

Experience the magic of the holiday season with Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s! Through December 24, enjoy free activities, giveaways, and a festive photo opportunity with Santa himself. Secure your free 4×6 photo and a shareable video with Santa by reserving your spot up to seven days in advance. Simply choose your location, select your time, and show your confirmation at check-in.

Santa’s Workshop in Cedarburg

Each year, a charming 15×15-foot gingerbread house graces Cedarburg’s Washington Avenue for the entire Christmas season. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be stopping by Santa’s Workshop on select days. Kids are encouraged to drop off letters to Santa.

Ruckus & Glee

Friday, November 29, 1-5pm
805 N. 68th Street, Wauwatosa

Bring the family to Ruckus & Glee the day after Thanksgiving for a free visit with Santa. Santa will be there for four hours, ready to hear Christmas wish lists and take photos—no charge for pictures.

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10th Annual Giveback Event – Mid-State Insurance

📍 7105 W Mequon Rd, Mequon, WI 53092
📅 Wednesday, December 11th, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.

Join this family-friendly event benefitting the Lakeshore Regional Child Advocacy Center!

Event Highlights:
🎅 Meet Santa and his real reindeer
☕ Enjoy hot cocoa, popcorn, and cookies
📸 Photos in a life-sized snow globe (new!)
🎨 Kids’ crafts and reindeer food to take home
🎁 Light-up gift (while supplies last)
🌟 Giving tree sponsored by local businesses

Free with donation (cash, Venmo, or suggested items like toys, games, or gift cards).

More details: Mid-State Insurance Santa Event

Got it! Here’s a summary to add to your existing roundup:

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Milwaukee County Parks Breakfast with Santa

Milwaukee County Parks hosts two festive Breakfast with Santa events at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center and Kosciuszko Community Center on Saturday, December 14th, 2024. Families can enjoy a delicious breakfast, holiday games, raffles, and special surprises for kids.

These events are supported by generous sponsors and designed to create memorable holiday moments for families.

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Don’t Miss: Santa’s Mailboxes in Milwaukee

Send a letter straight to the North Pole! Discover all 10 Santa’s Mailbox locations around Milwaukee and make this holiday season unforgettable!

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.

Sprecher Brewery

701 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale, WI 53209

Celebrate the season at Sprecher Brewery’s Soda with Santa! This beloved Milwaukee tradition invites families to tour the brewery and snap a memorable photo with Santa on select Sundays: November 17, 24, December 1, 8, and 15, with tour times at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1:30 p.m.

Tickets are required in advance: $17 for adults and $11 for minors, which includes a commemorative glass, unlimited soda samples, and beer samples for guests 21+. Families can also create custom root beer labels featuring their Santa photo, with a 12-pack available for $2.25 per bottle.

For more information, visit Sprecher’s website or contact events@sprecherbrewery.com.

Cocoa & Claus at Betty Brinn Children’s Museum

Date: December 21, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Why It’s Special: Celebrate the holiday magic at Betty Brinn’s Cocoa & Claus event, featuring activities for kids and families alike!

• Story Time with Santa: Enjoy a cozy holiday tale read by the man in red.
• DIY Toy-Making Workshop: Craft your own wooden toy car in Santa’s Workshop.
• Festive Photos: Snap a holiday picture with Santa himself.
• Hot Cocoa: Complimentary hot chocolate from Stone Creek Coffee to warm your spirits.

Tickets:

• Early Bird (Now–Nov. 24): $15 for Non-Members
• General Admission (Nov. 25–Dec. 21): $20 for Non-Members

Advance online reservations required. Cocoa & Claus tickets are needed for Museum entry during the event. General admission begins after 12 p.m.

Very Merry Milwaukee (Milwaukee County Historical Society)

910 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive

Kick off the holiday season with family fun at Very Merry on Sunday, December 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at MCHS (910 N. Dr. MLK Jr. Drive). Enjoy photos with Santa, festive crafts, hot chocolate, and cookies from Mrs. Claus’ kitchen. Join us for a cozy, memorable holiday celebration!

North Point Lighthouse

2650 N. Wahl Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53211

Santa is making a stop at the North Point Lighthouse Museum in Lake Park, and you can have your picture taken with him in his maritime workshop. Regular admission rates apply.

Breakfast with Santa at Saint Kate

Create lasting holiday memories with Brunch with Santa at Saint Kate’s Simone Ballroom on December 7, 8, 14, and 15! Enjoy a festive brunch featuring chef-made waffles, traditional buffet favorites, and the chance to meet Santa. Kids can take photos, make holiday crafts, and receive a special gift from Santa himself. Seating times are from 9:00–10:30 AM and 11:30 AM–1:00 PM.

Tickets:

• Adults: $72
• Children (Ages 3-10): $35
• Children 2 & under: Free

Reservations are required, with pre-payment and are refundable up to 72 hours in advance. To reserve, call 877.704.5340 or 414.935.5950, or book online.

Natty Oaks Santa Chalet

11505 W. National Ave., West Allis, WI 53227

From December 2 to December 22, 2024, experience a magical holiday season at Natty Oaks! Families can book a cozy Santa Chalet for up to six people to enjoy time with Santa and explore 12,000 square feet of dazzling Christmas lights.

Santa makes surprise visits as he strolls through the lights, with time to chat with both kids and grown-ups! Natty Oaks will also offer “Dine in a Dome” and “Breakfast with Santa” experiences.

Breakfast with Santa at Mallards Bayshore (December 14th, 2024)

Bring the whole family to Mallards Bayshore (5689 N. Bayshore Drive, Glendale, WI 53217) for a festive breakfast with Santa! From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet and get a chance to meet Santa himself. Reservations are highly recommended to ensure your spot—call (414) 509-5555 to book.

Holly Jolly Breakfast with Santa at Dave & Buster’s

Location: 2201 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa
Date & Time: Saturday, Dec. 7 at 9 a.m.

Why You’ll Love It: Celebrate the season with a morning of festive fun and games at Dave & Buster’s. Highlights include:

• Santa’s breakfast buffet with soda, coffee, and tea.
• A $10 Power Card® with unlimited video game play.
• A personal photo with Santa.
• Holiday-themed activities for the whole family.

Tickets: $32.31 per person.
Special Offers: Purchase $50 in gift cards and receive a $10 bonus card.

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Brunch with Santa at Lowlands Restaurants

December 7 & 8, 2024 | Various Locations 

Celebrate the holiday season with Brunch with Santa at select Lowlands Group restaurants! Bring the family, enjoy delicious eats, and share some magical moments with Santa himself. Tables are first-come, first-served, so plan to arrive early.

• Café Hollander Brookfield – Saturday, Dec. 7, 8 AM–2 PM
• Café Hollander Mequon – Sunday, Dec. 8, 10 AM–2 PM

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Breakfast with Santa at North Shore Boulangerie

Treat your family to a magical morning at North Shore Boulangerie, featuring a visit from Santa himself! On Saturday, Dec. 14, and Sunday, Dec. 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., enjoy a festive prix fixe lunch surrounded by the bakery’s stunning gingerbread village display. For more information, visit northshoreboulangerie.com.

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Breakfast with Santa at Christmas Carnival of Lights

Enjoy a magical morning with Santa at Christmas Carnival of Lights on select Saturdays and Sundays in December! This 60-minute experience includes breakfast, a meet-and-greet with Santa and storybook characters, donut decorating, crafts, and a goodie bag for kids.

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Santa Brunch at Harbor House

Celebrate the magic of the season with the annual Santa Brunch at Harbor House on Sunday, December 15, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Enjoy stunning lakefront views while indulging in a customizable three-course brunch menu, specially curated by Executive Chef Michael Genre. Santa himself will be there to greet families and take photos.

Mayfair Mall

Meet Santa at Mayfair Mall on Level 1 near Nordstrom from Nov. 14 through Dec. 24. Create holiday memories with a photo and let Santa know what’s on your wish list. Reservations are recommended

Brookfield Square Mall

95 N. Moorland Rd., Brookfield, WI 53005

Step into Santa’s Workshop at Brookfield Square for a magical holiday experience! Kids can fill out a “Dear Santa” letter, take a festive photo with Santa, and drop off their letters in Santa’s mailbox. Santa arrives on Thursday, November 14. Reservations are encouraged but not required.

More Santa Events

Santa will be visiting Shannon Wucherer Photography in December!

801 Milwaukee Ave., South Milwaukee, WI 53172

Meet and have photos taken with Santa! Happening on Friday, December 13 and Saturday December 14. These 5 Minute Sessions allow for a short visit with Santa, posed images as well as some fun with the big guy. Visit fee of $65 must be paid at the time of booking and is nonrefundable. 1 Image File is included. Additional image files will be available to purchase

Book here : https://29500.17hats.com/p#/scheduling/hbcpprkbwrssxtsvgzgxxdvczvgnbgnd