Every week, Milwaukee With Kids answers a simple question for families across the area: What are we going to do this weekend? From indoor activities to outdoor adventures, we’ve got you covered. For the full weekend list, make sure to visit the Milwaukee With Kids website.
Feeling festive?
Deck the Streets and Village
Milwaukee Public Museum
Nov. 16-Jan. 25 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Experience the magic of the holiday season inside two of the museum’s most beloved exhibits, where the walkthrough turn-of-the-century streetscapes have been transformed into a winter wonderland. Stroll through the Streets of Old Milwaukee and European Village, attend a concert by the Florentine Opera, learn about European traditions or snap a pic with Santa as part of the museum’s special programming during the holiday season.
The Brickyard Holiday Marketplace
Bavarian Bierhaus
Nov. 16 | 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Come and check out this new collaborative event between handmade artisans and art-centric brick-and-mortar locations from around the Milwaukee area. Admission includes a food-and-beverage credit from Barvarian Bierhaus, plus a BrickBox packed with $200+ fun perks from 40 art-centric local shops. There will be more than 100 makers and local shops at this indoor/outdoor holiday market, plus Kids Kreate Gift Stations, an appearance by Kris Kringle and festive extras like a holiday polka band, gourmet hot cocoa and more.
Germantown Christmas Festival
Fireman’s Park
Nov. 15 | 1:30-4:45 p.m.
Kick off the season by gathering your family, friends and neighbors for a day of holiday fun that starts with a parade at 1:30 p.m., followed by the full festival at Fireman’s Park. Enjoy music, pictures with Santa and other costumed characters, a variety of food to keep you warm and even an appearance by the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile. It all wraps up at 4:30 p.m. with an official tree-lighting ceremony.
Santa’s Mailbox
Cathedral Square Park
Now through Dec. 14
Downtown has a magical connection to the North Pole right in Cathedral Square Park. Make a day of it by grabbing some hot cocoa from a local spot, jump on The Hop, and drop your child’s letters and wish lists into Santa’s Mailbox to have them sent directly to the North Pole. No postage required, but be sure to include a return address to receive a personalized reply from the big man himself.
On the stage
Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Skylight Music Theater
Nov. 14-Dec. 28
Follow biblical superstar Joseph, blessed with prophetic dreams, through his trials, tribulations, and triumphs after his jealous brothers sell him into slavery. This high-spirited show is perfect for ages 6 and up and features several local children’s choirs as part of a spectacular celebration of family, forgiveness and the power of dreams.
Dog Man author Dav Pilkey
Riverside Theater
Nov. 16 | 1-2:30 p.m.
This in-person event will feature a visual presentation and live drawing session featuring best-selling author and illustrator Dav Pilkey. There will also be trivia with special prizes, photo ops with Dav and Dog Man, activity stations, exclusive giveaways and more. Each ticket includes parking, a pre-signed copy of Dog Man: Big Jim Believes and exclusive Dog Man swag.