Explore Milwaukee Holiday Events

***Please note, events and activities are subject to change or cancellation. Please call ahead of your arrival.***

Afternoon Tea
Wed – Sun, Now through December 31
11am to 2pm
The Pfister Hotel – Blu
414.273.8222 | thepfisterhotel.com
Enjoy a tableside tea blending of Rishi Tea, your very own Pfister Tea Butler, fresh scones, sandwiches and pastries, and panoramic views. Reservations required.

Santa’s Mailbox
SPONSORED BY EDUCATORS CREDIT UNION WITH SUPPORT FROM SERVING OLDER ADULTS AND NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LETTER CARRIERS – PIONEER BRANCH 2
November 10 – December 14
Cathedral Square Park
414.220.4700 | milwaukeeholidaylights.com
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!

Deck the Streets and Village 
November 16 – January 25
Milwaukee Public Museum
414.278.2728 | mpm.edu
Experience the magic of the holiday season inside two of MPM's most beloved exhibits, the Streets of Old Milwaukee, and European Village, where the walkthrough turn-of-the-century streetscapes have been transformed into a winter wonderland. Included with admission.

Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Kickoff Extravaganza
PRESENTED BY JOHNSON FINANCIAL GROUP
Thu, November 20 | 6:30pm
Pere Marquette Park
414.220.4700 | milwaukeeholidaylights.com
Music, dancing, Santa and a thrilling fireworks display combine for the brightest night of the year. Best of all, it’s free, right down to the cookies, cocoa and Jingle Bus tours. Pre-show entertainment begins at 5:30pm.

The Ornament Trail
November 20 – January 18
Downtown Milwaukee
414.220.4700 | milwaukeeholidaylights.com
Explore 20 larger-than-life, hand-painted ornaments by locally and nationally renowned artists. 

 

Christmas at Pabst Mansion
November 20 – January 4
Pabst Mansion
414.931.0808 | pabstmansion.com
A holiday tradition the whole family can enjoy! Delight in the wonderment of Christmas at the Pabst Mansion, where no two Christmases are the same. From glitz and glam to a winter wonderland, each room is decked from tip to mistletoe.

City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree Lighting
CHEER DISTRICT, PRESENTED BY THE WE ENERGIES FOUNDATION
Fri, November 21 | 5pm to 7pm
Fiserv Forum Plaza
deerdistrict.com
The 112th annual City of Milwaukee Christmas tree lighting will take place in Deer District. Enjoy free hot cocoa, live 
performances, and a visit from Santa and his reindeer. Program begins at 6pm.

Deer District Holiday Market
CHEER DISTRICT, PRESENTED BY THE WE ENERGIES FOUNDATION
November 21 – 30 | 4pm to 9pm
Fiserv Forum Plaza
deerdistrict.com
Deer District will tip off the winter season by hosting the first Deer District Holiday Market, presented by Deer 
District BID #53. The market will showcase a curated lineup of local vendors, holiday-themed photo opportunities, and seasonal 
food and beverage specials. The market is free to attend and will be open daily, excluding Nov. 27.

FEZtival of Trees
November 22 – 29
Tripoli Shrine Center
414.933.4700 | tripolishrine.com
Walk through a wonderland of trees decorated by local businesses and organizations, snap a photo with Santa, and enjoy a light show during the week of Thanksgiving. Then place a bid for a chance to win a fully=decorated tree to take home.

Harley-Davidson Deer Widows Weekend
Sat, November 22 | 1pm to 5pm
H-D Museum
414.287.2789 | h-dmuseum.com
Skip the woods and head to the H-D Shop for fashion, freedom and fun — all in one place. Ladies, this one’s for YOU. While they’re in the woods, you’ll be hunting deals, style and good times. Enjoy live music, themed cocktails, raffles and exclusive offers. Wear blaze orange or camo for an additional 10% off your purchase.

Milwaukee Turkey Trot
Thu, November 27 | 9am
McKinley and Veterans Parks
wisconsinruns.com
Join the flock during the annual Turkey Trot. It’s your preturkey workout. Your body will thank you later!

Pfister Hotel Thanksgiving Bountiful Brunch
Thu, November 27 | 11am to 4:30pm
The Pfister Hotel – Grand Ballroom
414.273.8222 | thepfisterhotel.com 
Guests will enjoy an array of fresh seafood on sculpted ice, a harvest of fresh salads and starters, an Artisan Wisconsin cheese station, and a room full of chefs preparing eggs and succulent carved meats – plus all the traditional trimmings. Reservations required.

Thanksgiving at Mason Street Grill
Thu, November 27 | 1pm to 8pm
Mason Street Grill
414.298.3131 | masonstreetgrill.com
Enjoy an all-American grill for this quintessential holiday. Mason Street Grill’s regular menu will be available along with a 
Thanksgiving prix fixe menu. 

Thanksgiving Harvest Dinner
Thu, November 27 | 11am to 7pm
The Studio at Saint Kate – 
The Arts Hotel
414.270.4422 | saintkatearts.com
Gather your loved ones for a Thanksgiving dinner that feels like home. This prix fixe menu includes all the favorite traditional 
dishes, so families can enjoy every moment and focus on what truly matters: making cherished memories around the table. Reservations required.

Annual Pfister Tree Lighting Ceremony
Fri, November 28 | 5pm to 6:30pm
The Pfister Hotel
414.273.8222 | thepfisterhotel.com
Santa returns to light The Pfister Hotel’s spectacular lobby tree. Sip warm drinks and nibble on a holiday treat. Non-perishable 
food items will be collected for Hunger Task Force.

Twilight Tours at Pabst Mansion
Thu - Sat, November 28 - December 27 & January 3
4:30pm to 7:30pm
Pabst Mansion
414.931.0808 | pabstmansion.com 
Enjoy a self-guided tour of the Mansion at night. Music will fill the space and refreshments will be available for purchase.

Breakfast with Santa
November 29 & 30, December 6 & 7, 13 & 14, 20 & 21 
8:30am or 11am
The Pfister Hotel – Grand Ballroom
414.273.8222 | thepfisterhotel.com
Start a new tradition or continue one with a jolly breakfast with Santa and his elves. Every child will receive a special gift and can write a letter to Santa and make crafts during their experience. Complimentary professional family photos with Santa will also be available. Reservations required.

Saint Kate Holiday Marketplace
November 29 & 30 | 11am to 4pm
Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel
414.276.8686 | saintkatearts.com
Enjoy the holiday ambiance of Saint Kate’s ARC Theatre while interacting with over 60 local artists and vendors. Find 
the perfect gifts for friends and family, all while taking in the sights and sounds of local music and art!

Small Business Saturday
Sat, November 29
Historic Third Ward
414.273.1173 | historicthirdward.org
Explore the unique offerings around the Historic Third Ward as you #shopsmall.

Milwaukee Makers Market
Sat, November 29 | 10am to 4pm
Sun, December 21 | 10am to 4pm
Discovery World
414.765.9966 | discoveryworld.org
Support local crafters, artists and creators by browsing dozens of booths featuring clothing, visual art, candles, home goods and so much more. This no-charge-to-enter artisan showcase is the perfect opportunity to shop for co-workers, pets, uncles, aunts 
and everyone in between.

Storytime with Santa
Sun, November 30 | 10am to 1:30pm
Sun, December 21 | 10am to 1:30pm
Discovery World
414.765.9966 | discoveryworld.org
Discovery World hosts storytime and photos with Santa at 11am, 12pm and 1pm. Between sessions, Santa will stroll the building.

Santa Visits Pabst Mansion
Sun, November 30 – December 21 
3pm to 5pm
Pabst Mansion
414.931.0808 | pabstmansion.com
Father Christmas will stroll the Mansion to greet guests and pose for pictures.

Hoan for the Holidays
Various Dates
Hoan Bridge
lightthehoan.com
Celebrate the season as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks shines with holiday-centric colored lights. 

MIAD Holiday Sale
December 4 – 6
Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design
414.847.3200 | miad.edu
Each year during the first week of December, MIAD students and alumni show off their wares ranging from sculptures, 
paintings and photographs to jewelry, stickers, greeting cards and more. Shop their affordable offerings and 
view the on-campus galleries while you visit.

Christmas in the Ward
Fri, December 5 | 5pm to 8:30pm
Catalano Square
414.273.1173 | historicthirdward.org
Dash into the holiday season with festivities under the Historic Third Ward’s Christmas tree. This night is packed with live 
entertainment, food trucks, local shopping and photo ops alongside Santa and his reindeer.

Jingle Bus Tours
Fri – Sun, December 5 – 28
5pm to 9pm
(weather permitting)
Red Arrow Park
414.220.4700 | milwaukeeholidaylights.com
Marvel at Downtown’s spectacular sights aboard the convenient Jingle Bus. For $8 per person, visitors can take in the festive panorama while a narrator shares stories about the jolliest attractions and landmarks. Advance ticket purchases are encouraged.

Christmas Lights & Desserts Bus Tour
Fri – Sun, December 5 – 23
Various Locations
414.255.0534 | milwaukeefoodtours.com
Show off your ugly Christmas sweater and spread some holiday cheer on the Christmas Lights & Desserts sing-along! This Santa-approved bus tour is the perfect mix of tasty treats and lighthearted holiday spirit.

Santa’s Christmas Cavalcade
Sat, December 6 | Departs at 5pm
Fri, December 12 | Departs at 5pm
Downtown Milwaukee
414.220.4700 | milwaukeeholidaylights.com
See Santa and Mrs. Claus along their festive route riding atop a vintage fire truck. Sarah Fierek will also be on board singing jazzy 
holiday tunes. Route departs from the Milwaukee Public Market and travels throughout Downtown.

Santa Cycle Rampage
Sat, December 6 | 9:30am
Various Locations
414.626.1540 | wisconsinbikefed.org
Join more than 2,000 Santas, Mrs. Clauses, reindeer, grinches, snowmen, elves, dreidels and more for this 13-mile slow-rolling holiday party on wheels.

Holiday Fun for Families
at the H-D Museum
Sat, December 6, 13 & 20 | 10am to 4pm
H-D Museum
414.287.2789 | h-dmuseum.com
Celebrate the season with hands-on holiday activities for kids of all ages. Families can craft metal repousse ornaments, 
design moto-themed holiday cards, and make wearable paper reindeer headbands—all inspired by the art and mechanics of Harley-Davidson. Plus, kids can enjoy a scavenger hunt throughout the museum.

Christmas Around Milwaukee Bakery Bus
Fri – Sun, December 6 – 21
Various Locations
414.255.0534 | milwaukeefoodtours.com
The Christmas Around Milwaukee Bakery Bus will fill your bellies with holiday cookies and your hearts with good cheer while 
you make delicious memories. Great for a girls outing or a family celebration!

Holidays on The Hop
Sun, December 7, 14 & 21 | 4pm to 6pm
thehopmke.com
Enjoy live music and holiday cheer on Downtown’s free streetcar service. Guests include Marquette University’s The 
Meladies (Dec. 7), JL Russell (Dec. 14) and Sarah Fierek (Dec. 21). Each event also includes free holiday cookies.

Hover Craft: Handmade Holiday Shopping Extravaganza
Sun, December 7 | 12pm to 6pm
Pritzlaff Building
hovercraftmke.com
Brimming with one-of-a-kind handiwork, get your ticket online today!

“Very Merry” Celebration at the Milwaukee County Historical Society
Sun, December 7 | 10am to 1pm
Milwaukee County Historical Society
414.273.8288 | milwaukeehistory.net
Families are invited to bring their kids to take pictures with Santa and hear stories from Mrs. Claus. There will be festive 
food, jolly music and loads of fun for all ages. 

Breakfast with Santa at the H-D Museum
Sun, December 7, 14 & 21 | 10am to 2pm
H-D Museum – Rumble 
414.287.2789 | h-dmuseum.com
Celebrate the season with a festive family brunch and a visit from Santa Claus himself. Each reservation includes a hearty 
holiday brunch buffet, a cookie decorating station, letter writing to Santa, holiday movies, and a visit and photo opportunity with 
Santa (bring your own camera).

Slice of Ice
December through Early March 2026
(weather permitting)
Red Arrow Park
414.289.8791 | countyparks.com
Ice skate in the heart of Downtown at the “Slice of Ice” rink while surrounded by twinkling lights and dazzling 
décor. Skate rentals are $11 for adults and $9 for children. Ice skating is free with your own skates. 

Sugar & Spice 
Gingerbread Workshop
December 9 – 11 & 16 – 18
The Pfister Hotel
414.273.8222 | thepfisterhotel.com
Hosted by The Pfister Hotel’s talented pastry team, this delightful experience invites guests of all ages to decorate a beautifully pre-assembled gingerbread house with an abundant array of confections. Registration required.

Old Milwaukee Mixer
Thu, December 11 | 7pm to 9:30pm
Milwaukee Public Museum
414.278.2728 | mpm.edu
Eat, drink and be merry! 
Celebrate the season with an after-hours holiday mixer set in the glow of the Streets of Old Milwaukee and European Village exhibits. Savor curated small bites with perfectly paired seasonal drinks as you explore how winter traditions were celebrated in the Victorian era and beyond. Enjoy festive décor, a barbershop quartet, photo ops and more. Visit mpm.edu for tickets.

Cocoa with the Clauses
Sat, December 13 | 11am to 2pm
Cathedral Square Park
414.220.4700 | milwaukeeholidaylights.com
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, thanks to Educators Credit Union.

European Village Alive!
Sat, December 13 | 11am to 3pm
Milwaukee Public Museum
414.278.2728 | mpm.edu
Learn about the history of European holiday traditions from MPM's docents, dressed in period attire, who will share stories with visitors throughout the delightfully decorated European Village exhibit. Included with admission.

Brunch with Santa
December 13 & 14 | 9am & 11:30am
Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel
414.276.8686 | saintkatearts.com
Start a new holiday tradition at Saint Kate’s Brunch with Santa and create lifelong memories! Guests will have the opportunity to experience a plentiful brunch in Saint Kate’s festive ballroom and visit with the jolly man himself. Reservations required.

Cocoa & Claus
Sat, December 20 | 9am to 12pm 
Betty Brinn Children’s Museum 
414.390.5437 | bbcmkids.org
Snap photos with Santa, sip hot cocoa and stay for story time. Purchase tickets online.

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Dinner
December 24 & 25 | 4pm to 9pm
The Studio at Saint Kate – 
The Arts Hotel
414.270.4422 | saintkatearts.com
This holiday season, give yourself the gift of a hassle-free celebration. Visit The Studio for a prix fixe menu filled with festive favorites. Reservations required.

A Mason Street Grill Christmas
Wed, December 24 | 4pm to 9pm
Thu, December 25 | 1pm to 8pm
Mason Street Grill
414.298.3131 | masonstreetgrill.com
Experience classic American favorites in a sophisticated environment for Christmas Eve or Day.

Pfister Christmas Celebration Brunch
Thu, December 25 | 9am to 2:30pm
The Pfister Hotel 
414.273.8222 | thepfisterhotel.com
Enjoy a spectacular buffet featuring a delicious assortment of fresh seafood, Wisconsin’s finest cheeses, carved meats, omelets made to order, holiday salads and starters, a vast array of mouth-watering entrées, and decadent desserts loved by big and small elves alike. Reservations required.

Holiday Nights at Il Cervo
Ongoing
Il Cervo
414.279.6660 | ilcervorestaurant.com
Celebrate the season with handcrafted holiday cocktails and skyline views from Milwaukee’s rooftop Italian restaurant. Cozy 
up by the firepits and toast to the holidays high above the city.