Experience Downtown Blog

Catch Santa in the City

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Looking for a little holiday magic? Downtown Milwaukee is full of festive opportunities to meet Santa and make memories that will last a lifetime! From cozy brunches and sweet cocoa dates to tree lightings and even a Santa cavalcade, there’s something for every family to enjoy. Grab your wish list, charge your camera, and check out these jolly events happening in the heart of the city!

Santa’s Christmas Cavalcade
Dates: December 12
Time: Departs at 5:15 PM
Location: Starts at Milwaukee Public Market
Catch Santa and Mrs. Claus riding atop a vintage fire truck as they parade through Downtown Milwaukee! The festive cavalcade begins at the Milwaukee Public Market and travels past city landmarks, spreading holiday cheer along the way.

Cocoa with the Clauses
Date: December 13
Time: 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
Location: Cathedral Square Park
Sip hot cocoa and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at this beloved outdoor tradition! Kids can share their wish lists, parents can snap keepsake photos, and everyone can enjoy complimentary cookies and cocoa courtesy of Educators Credit Union. Expect festive fun with elves and holiday characters joining the celebration. Best of all—it’s free!

Brunch with Santa at Saint Kate
Dates: December 13 & 14
Seating Times: 9:00–10:30 AM & 11:30 AM–1:00 PM
Celebrate the season with a festive brunch at Saint Kate’s elegant ballroom! Enjoy a chef-prepared buffet featuring griddled waffles with all the toppings and classic holiday favorites. Families can meet Santa, snap photos, and let kids craft and write letters to the North Pole. Each child receives a special gift to make the day even more magical.

Pricing: Adults $72 | Children (3–10) $35 | Ages 2 & under FREE

Santa Brunch at Harbor House
Date: December 14 & 21
Time: 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
Location: Harbor House
Enjoy a three-course holiday brunch with stunning lakefront views at Harbor House. Santa will make a special appearance to greet families and pose for festive photos.
Pricing: Adults $70 | Children (12 & under) $25

Breakfast with Santa at The Pfister Hotel
Dates: December 13 & 14 | December 20 & 21
Seating Times: 8:30–10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
Location: The Pfister Hotel, Grand Ballroom
Make holiday memories at The Pfister’s beloved Breakfast with Santa! Enjoy a festive buffet featuring griddled pancakes with all the fixings and classic breakfast favorites. Kids can craft, write letters to Santa, and receive a special gift, while families receive a complimentary professional photo with Santa in the newly renovated Grand Ballroom.

Pricing: Adults $79 | Children (3–10) $45 | Ages 2 & under FREE

Breakfast with Santa at the Harley-Davidson Museum
Dates: Sundays, December 14 & 21
Time: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Location: Rumble (above MOTOR Bar & Restaurant)
Rev up your holiday spirit with a festive brunch at the Harley-Davidson Museum! Enjoy a hearty holiday buffet, cookie decorating, and letter writing to Santa. Families can meet Santa for photos—just bring your own camera!

Pricing: Adults $44.88 | Children (4–12) $20.48 | Ages 4 & under FREE. Museum admission can be added for a full day of fun!

Cocoa & Claus
Date: December 20 
Time: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Betty Brinn Children’s Museum

Snap photos with Santa, sip hot cocoa and stay for story time.  Purchase tickets online.

Father Christmas at the Pabst Mansion
Dates: Sundays, Now thru December 21 | Special Visit: December 24
Times: Sundays 3:00–5:30 PM | Christmas Eve 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Location: Pabst Mansion

Step into a Victorian holiday wonderland at the Pabst Mansion and meet Father Christmas! Dressed in his traditional red cloak, he’ll greet families as they explore the beautifully decorated mansion. Kids can write letters to Santa and capture magical photo moments during this cherished Milwaukee tradition. Advance tickets are recommended.