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.
Top picks
Santa’s Christmas Cavalcade
Downtown Milwaukee
Dec. 6, 12 | 5-7:45 p.m.
See Santa and Mrs. Claus on this festive route riding atop a vintage fire truck. The North Pole’s most famous residents will depart from the Milwaukee Public Market's Water Street entrance and travel east on Wisconsin Avenue to the lakefront before passing Pere Marquette Park, Cathedral Square Park, Zeidler Union Square, Catalano Square and Light the Hoan.
Friday Night Holiday Lights
Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum
Dec. 5, 12 | 4-8 p.m.
Experience the magic of the season as you stroll through the Villa’s beautifully decorated gardens set aglow with twinkling lights and festive charm. Enjoy a cozy cup of hot chocolate, and take in the sights and sounds of the holidays in this enchanting evening setting.
The Snowyard
Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
Through mid-February
In this wintery wonderland, simple, everyday cardboard turns into something extraordinary, and it’s all powered by imagination! This pop-up exhibit features a mountainside sock skating rink, snowman stacking, snow-fort building, and seasonal Be A Maker activities like a 3-D polar bear and a unique snowflake with yarn.
Live shows
Milwaukee Ballet’s The Nutcracker: Drosselmeyer’s Imaginarium
Marcus Performing Arts Center
Dec. 6-26
Hailed as “equal parts smart and magical” (Milwaukee Magazine), this fantastical production invites you to let your imagination run free for the holidays. As one of Milwaukee’s favorite holiday traditions, The Nutcracker guarantees an enchanting evening of festive fun for all ages. Nearly 200 dancers, including students from the Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy, will illuminate the incredible artistic talent found right here in our city.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Concert
Riverside Theater
Dec. 5-7
Join this evening of music and magic featuring a live orchestra performing John Williams’ enchanting score to accompany the story of Harry Potter as he learns he’s a wizard destined for greatness and leaves for his first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The Flamenco Nutcracker
South Milwaukee PAC
Dec. 6 | 3 and 7 p.m.
Experience the passion of Flamenco in this holiday favorite for all ages presented by Milwaukee’s own Studio K Flamenco. An international cast of award-winning musicians and dancers visit Milwaukee for this one-time event where you can learn about Hispanic holiday traditions and join in with a celebratory “OLE!.” Follow the clicking castanets of the Sugar Plum Fairy, the soulful guitar of Grammy-nominated guitarist Andrés Vadin, and internationally known dancer and choreographer Manuel Gutierrez in the role of the Matador Prince.
Holidays on the Hop
The Hop Milwaukee Streetcar
Dec. 7, 14, 21 | 4-6 p.m.
The Hop is once again spreading the spirit of the season this December. The streetcar will play host to live, holiday-themed music performances and cookie giveaways on three Sunday afternoons during the holiday season. This series features live music right on board the streetcar from Marquette University Meladies & Milwaukee Choristers (Dec. 7), JL Russell (Dec. 14) and Sarah Fierek (Dec. 21). Riders are also treated to free holiday cookies, courtesy of Baird Center and Levy Restaurants.
Resounding Joy
Basilica of St. Josaphat
Dec. 5-7
The voices of Bel Canto Chorus join with brass, percussion and organ to help you feel the resonance of the season through a dynamic mix of choral works, with a cappella settings and festive carol sing-alongs. Experience the full spectrum of emotions that Christmas brings, from the joy and hope that resonate through each carol to the stillness and reverence found in the Nativity story.
More holiday fun
Christmas in the Ward
Historic Third Ward
Dec. 5 | 5:30-8:30 p.m.
This family-friendly event features a tree-lighting ceremony, fireworks over the river, a visit from Santa and his reindeer, live entertainment, festive food and drinks, and way more than we can fit into this space. Check out the full schedule and all the holly-jolly details here.
Santa Cycle Rampage
Bay View
Dec. 6 | 9:30 a.m.
Thousands of Santas, reindeer and elves hit the streets for this festive slow-rolling bike parade that’s joyful, funny and free to watch along the route. Families are invited to join the Elf Cycle Frenzy — a 3.5-mile, kid-friendly ride that ends with hot cocoa, snacks and holiday activities. But these aren’t just rides; they’re’s a fundraiser that powers the Wisconsin Bike Fed’s bicycle education programs. In 2024 alone, those programs reached more than 2,000 people with hands-on bike safety lessons, giving them confidence and memories that last a lifetime.
Allis in Winterland
West Allis City Hall Art Gallery
Dec. 6 | 3-4 p.m.
Join this annual Christmas movie-inspired afternoon as City Hall Art Gallery becomes a cinematic, family-friendly event complete with decorations, activities and more. This year’s theme is the 2004 Tom Hanks classic, The Polar Express, plus you can write your letter to Santa and drop it into the North Pole mailbags for hand-delivery to the big man himself.
MATC Parade of Gingerbread Houses
Milwaukee Public Market
Dec. 5-14
Step into a winter wonderland as talented students from the Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) Bakery Program present a dazzling display of gingerbread houses. These intricate and imaginative creations, crafted with care and expertise, bring holiday cheer to life through the artistry of MATC’s culinary students. Support local talent, embrace the holiday spirit and perhaps even get inspired for your own gingerbread creations (or bid in the auction to take one home!).
Very Merry Milwaukee
Milwaukee County Historical Society
Dec. 7 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Join this holiday celebration for the whole family and experience the magic of the season. Kids and parents can take photos with Santa, make festive holiday crafts, and sip on delicious hot chocolate while enjoying cookies straight from Mrs. Claus’ kitchen. This free event will help you kick off the holiday season with family fun, treats and memories to last a lifetime.
Holly Jolly Jubilee & Gingerbread Village
Apple Holler
Dec. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21
Apple Holler’s Holly Jolly Jubilee is a fun, family-friendly experience that celebrates everything we love about the holidays, complete with a special visit from Santa himself. You can sing along with Kris Kringle and his elves, take a train ride on the Candy Cane Express, sip warm apple cider, snap a photo with Santa’s sleigh and create your own ornament to take home.