Magical holiday experiences are everywhere you turn this weekend! Here are our top picks:
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1. Christkindlmarkt & European Holiday Festival (LAST WEEKEND!)
Tosa Holiday Market, 7735 Harwood Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 53213
December 4-22, 2024
Admission: FREE
The Village of Wauwatosa is transformed into a European-style market, where charming chalets and festive booths offer handcrafted goods, delicious treats, and holiday cheer.
Enjoy live music and entertainment, specialty workshops, and traditional German contests like Steinholding and Hammerschlagen (always an audience favorite!).
NEW for 2024: Attendees are encouraged to park in the Hart Park parking lot and follow the Wonderlight Walk along the Oak Leaf Trail. Enjoy beautiful light displays and the warm glow of twinkling lights as you make your way to the Markt.
Father Christmas at The Pabst Mansion
Sunday, December 22, 2024, 3-5:30 p.m.
Admission: $10-$22
With his lantern, walking stick and red cloak with white trim, a whimsical Father Christmas travels south each Sunday during the holiday season to the Pabst Mansion. Delight in magical holiday decorations, glowing Christmas trees, and intricate festive displays, bringing the spirit of Christmas to every room. Capture memories with letters to Santa and enjoy holiday treats available for purchase!
Cocoa & Claus at Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
Saturday, December 21, 2024, 9 a.m.-Noon
Admission: $15-$20
Santa’s making a stop at the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum! Cozy up with the big guy himself for a holiday story time, build your very own wooden toy car in Santa’s workshop, get photos with St. Nick, and sip hot chocolate from Stone Creek Coffee (included with ticket price).
Santa Days at Santa’s Workshop in Cedarburg
Friday, December 20, 5-8 p.m.
Saturday, December 21, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Admission: FREE
Visit the charming 15′ x 15′ gingerbread house on Washington Avenue to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Walk-up reservations are taken as early as 15 minutes before the Workshop opens. Arrive early to secure your spot! Once you are on the list, you can walk around town while waiting for your reservation time.
3. Christmas Music
Hometown Holiday Pops Concert with Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
Saturday, December 21, 2024, 2:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 22, 2024, 2:30 p.m.
Admission: $40-$96
Bring the entire family to the Bradley Symphony Center for Milwaukee’s favorite holiday tradition! Celebrate the season with a musical jubilee of cherished classics, yuletide carols, and festive sing-alongs.
43rd Annual Christmas Concert at the Domes
Sunday, December 22, 2024, 1 p.m.
Admission: $6-$9
Folksinger and songsmith David HB Drake will present a “Let There Be Light!” Concert of seasonal folk songs, popular tunes, original songs and traditional carols. David performs on a variety of handmade folk instruments, including mountain banjo, mountain dulcimer, concertina, Native American flute and guitar.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Lost Christmas Eve
Sunday, December 22, 2024, 3 p.m.; 7:30 p.m.
Admission: $60-$100
Milwaukee welcomes back this multi-platinum rock group to Fiserv Forum for its monumental winter tour, “The Lost Christmas Eve.”
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
November 29-December 29, 2024
Admission: $26-$44
Celebrate the 60th anniversary of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer with a magical stage adaptation by First Stage. Join Rudolph and his friends in a story about embracing differences, filled with holiday cheer that’s perfect for kids and families alike.
The Nutcracker
Thursday, December 19, 2024, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Admission: $48-$156
After its landmark opening year of record-setting audience attendance and universal critical acclaim, The Nutcracker: Drosselmeyer’s Imaginarium is back and more magical than ever! Journey into the Imaginarium to experience the wonder of the holidays.
It’s a Wonderful Life
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Admission: $8-$12
Come and enjoy this family holiday classic on the big screen at three classic movie theaters: Rosebud Cinema, Times Cinema, and The Avalon Theater.
Holiday Film Series in Cedarburg
November 29-December 23, 2024
Admission: $4
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, the beautifully restored Rivoli Theater in the heart of Cedarburg features great holiday classics on the big screen!
5. Special Events
Winter Fest at Havenwoods State Forest
Saturday, December 21, 2024, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Admission: FREE
Enjoy hot chocolate and s’mores; make crafts and memories. (Snowshoes will be ready in case of snow.) Limited parking available.
Gingerbread House Workshop at The Pfister Hotel
December 21-22, 2024, 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.; 1:15 p.m.- 3:15 p.m.
Admission: $55 (each ticket accommodates up to 6 people)
Unleash your creativity and get into the holiday spirit . Our dedicated Pastry Team will provide pre-assembled houses and all the supplies — colorful candies, icing, and more — to help you craft your very own edible masterpiece. Each ticket includes one gingerbread house, 2 hours decorating time, refreshments, and a box to carry your gingerbread house safely home.
Glow Ice Skating at Eble Park
Saturday, December 21, 2024, 5-6:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 22, 2024, 4:30-6 p.m.
Admission: $12 (free skate rentals)
Gather your friends, family, teammates, and public ice skate under Eble Park Ice Arena’s new “glowing” lights. All ages and skating abilities are welcome. Public skating rules apply during these sessions. All tickets must be purchased online prior to attending.
Ready for More Family Fun?
Milwaukee is packed with even more exciting activities and hidden gems for you to explore with your family this season. Whether you’re looking for spontaneous outings or planning ahead, we’ve got you covered!
📅 Explore Our Events Calendar
From seasonal celebrations to ongoing attractions, our Events Calendar is your go-to guide for family-friendly happenings in and around Milwaukee. Discover new experiences every day, tailored just for you.
🍂 Find Your Fall Adventure
Check out our Fall Fun Map to uncover the best places for apple picking, pumpkin patches, Halloween happenings, and scenic hikes. It’s the perfect tool to help you make the most of autumn’s beauty.
🎡 Don’t Miss Our Top Picks!
Looking for more must-visit spots? Dive into our guides on:
- Milwaukee’s Best Playgrounds – Discover the most fun and unique play areas for kids of all ages.
- Kid-Friendly Restaurants – Enjoy a meal where the whole family is welcome.
- Indoor Playgrounds – Perfect for those rainy or chilly days.
- Top Museums for Kids – Unleash your child’s curiosity with engaging exhibits.
- Free & Affordable Activities – Have a blast without breaking the bank.
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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.
