Holiday Events
Celebrate the Season Downtown
Many local attractions, restaurants, businesses, and parks host special holiday events from November through January. Experience the festive spirit of Downtown Milwaukee with family, friends, and the community.
Please check back for a full list of 2026 holiday happenings.
Santa’s Mailbox
Mid-November – Mid-December, 2026
Cathedral Square Park
Place a child’s letter to Santa in Santa’s Mailbox. Be sure to include a return address because Santa and his extra special helpers will ensure each child receives a personalized reply. Holiday spirit delivers the letters. No postage required!
Sponsored by Educators Credit Union With support from Serving Older Adults and National Association of Letter Carriers – Pioneer Branch 2
Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Kickoff Extravaganza
Thu, November 19, 2026 | 6:30pm
Pere Marquette Park
We’re brightening spirits with more than a half million holiday highlights, and we invite you to celebrate with us when we switch them on. Other highlights of the evening will include live music, dance routines, fireworks, a visit from the Clauses, free goodies and more. Then take a free Jingle Bus tour of the scenes sprinkled throughout the rest of Downtown. Pre-show entertainment begins at 5:30pm.
Cocoa with the Clauses
Weather permitting
Sat, December 12, 2026 | 11am to 2pm
Cathedral Square Park
Santa and Mrs. Claus return for this annual cocoa klatch. The free outdoor event is a chance for kids to share their wish lists and for moms and dads to grab a keepsake photo. Elves and other holiday characters will also be there! Plus, complimentary cookies and hot cocoa will be provided.
