The Milwaukee area has 13 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Kickoff Extravaganza in Milwaukee on November 19 to Holiday Show in Milwaukee, which runs through January 3. 6 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Wisconsin, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 13 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Milwaukee for 2026, in Milwaukee, Waukesha and Wauwatosa
- First: Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Kickoff Extravaganza, Milwaukee, November 19. Runs latest: Holiday Show, Milwaukee, through January 3
- Free: Holiday Storytime & Cookie Decorating, Holiday Visit with Black Santa, DIY Gingerbread Buddies, DIY Gingerbread Houses, Holiday Cards Bonanza and Winter Cookie Decorating
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Wisconsin Christmas train rides page.
Milwaukee Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 13 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Milwaukee, Waukesha and Wauwatosa
- Season
- November 19, 2026 to January 3, 2027
- Free events
- 6
- Kinds of events
- holiday crafts, holiday event, holiday lights and story time with Santa
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Milwaukee Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Kickoff Extravaganza in Milwaukee on November 19; the last runs to January 3. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Kickoff ExtravaganzaMilwaukee · Nov 19
- Wild LightsMilwaukee · Nov 20 to Dec 31
- Deck the Streets and VillageMilwaukee · Nov 20 to Jan 3
- Holiday ShowMilwaukee · Nov 21 to Jan 3
- Winter WonderMazeWauwatosa · Nov 27 to Nov 29
- Storytime with SantaMilwaukee · Nov 28 to Dec 20
- Holiday Storytime & Cookie DecoratingWaukesha · Dec 5
- Holiday Visit with Black SantaMilwaukee · Dec 5
- DIY Gingerbread BuddiesMilwaukee · Dec 12
- DIY Gingerbread HousesMilwaukee · Dec 12
- European Village Alive!Milwaukee · Dec 12
- Holiday Cards BonanzaMilwaukee · Dec 17
- Winter Cookie DecoratingMilwaukee · Dec 19
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Milwaukee? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Christmas events for kids in Milwaukee
11 confirmed events for kids in Milwaukee, soonest first.
Milwaukee: Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Kickoff Extravaganza
Santa and Mrs. ClausMilwaukee Downtown, BID #21 · Milwaukee
- Host
- Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Pere Marquette Park, 900 N Plankinton Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203
- When
- Thursday, November 19, 2026, 5:30 pm
- Cost
- Not stated; Jingle Bus tour after the show is free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival begins with a Kickoff Extravaganza in Pere Marquette Park. Pre-show entertainment starts at 5:30 pm, and the main show at 6:30 pm features live music, dance routines, and other cheerful performances. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in time for a fireworks display that lights up the downtown sky.
After the show, guests can hop on a free Jingle Bus tour of downtown holiday displays. The festival runs through January 1, 2027, with more than half a million lights in downtown parks and along Wisconsin Avenue, including a forest of trees decorated by local schools in Cathedral Square Park and Santa's Celebration Square at Zeidler Union Square, where families can pose with Santa's electric reindeer. This is an outdoor evening event in November, so plan for cold weather.
Parent tip: Dress warmly for an outdoor evening show. If you cannot attend, the page notes a live broadcast on WISN 12 at 6:30 pm.
See dates and details from Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 (opens in a new tab)Milwaukee: Deck the Streets and Village
Holiday eventMilwaukee Public Museum · Milwaukee
- Host
- Milwaukee Public Museum (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Milwaukee Public Museum, 800 W Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53233
- When
- Friday, November 20, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (during museum hours)
- Cost
- Free with museum admission
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
For one final holiday season, the Milwaukee Public Museum is decking out its beloved Streets of Old Milwaukee and European Village. In the Streets, Victorian era decorations adorn the streetlamps and buildings while classic carols play. In the Village, families can look for traditional holiday items from different European heritages in nine of the homes.
The display is included with regular museum admission from November 20 through January 3. The museum also lists a free admission day on Thursday, December 3, with holiday decor and interactive stations, and a European Village Alive day on December 12 with costumed docents. Since the museum is closing in 2027, this is the last chance for families to share this holiday tradition. Note that the Streets Alive at Night holiday evenings are adults only.
Parent tip: For a free visit, the museum lists Kohl's Thank You Thursday on December 3, 10 am to 5 pm, with free admission for all visitors.
See dates and details from Milwaukee Public Museum (opens in a new tab)Milwaukee: Wild Lights
Holiday lightsMilwaukee County Zoo · Milwaukee
- Host
- Milwaukee County Zoo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226
- When
- Fri November 20, Fri November 27, Thu December 3, Wed December 9, Wed December 16 and Sat December 26, 2026, 5:30 to 9 pm
- Cost
- $15 adult, $15 child 3 to 12, under 3 free (early bird pricing through Nov 8, includes parking)
- Ages
- All ages; children 2 and under free
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Wild Lights turns the Milwaukee County Zoo into a glowing evening walk, with hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights along the forest and pathways and a variety of animal themed light displays. The event runs on select nights from November 20 through December 31, from 5:30 to 9 pm, with admission gates closing at 8:15 pm.
Santa visits Wild Lights on select nights, December 9 to 12 and 16 to 23. Note that December 10 is an adults only Cheers night and December 16 is Dogs After Dark. Early bird online tickets through November 8 are $15 for adults and children 3 to 12, with children 2 and under free, and all tickets include parking. The zoo is closed for Wild Lights on several nights, so check the calendar before you go.
Parent tip: Closed nights are Nov 23 to 26, Nov 29 to Dec 2, Dec 7 to 8, Dec 14 to 15, and Dec 24 to 25. The zoo also lists Drive Thru nights on Nov 22, Dec 6, and Dec 13.
See dates and details from Milwaukee County Zoo (opens in a new tab)Milwaukee: Holiday Show
Holiday showMilwaukee Domes Alliance, Mitchell Park Domes · Milwaukee
- Host
- Milwaukee Domes Alliance, Mitchell Park Domes (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Mitchell Park Domes, Show Dome, 524 S Layton Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53215
- When
- Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (daily; weekends and holidays until 4 pm; Dec 24 until 2 pm; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day), 9 am to 5 pm
- Cost
- Domes admission; price not stated
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Mitchell Park Domes in Milwaukee open their annual holiday show in the Show Dome on November 21, 2026, and it runs through January 3, 2027. The Show Dome closes November 9 to 20 for installation, and the theme for this year had not yet been announced on the calendar.
The Domes are open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm and on weekends and holidays from 9 am to 4 pm, with last admission an hour before closing. Christmas Eve hours are 9 am to 2 pm, and the Domes are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The calendar does not list admission prices or Santa appearances yet.
Parent tip: Arrive at least an hour before closing for last admission. Check the Domes calendar later in November for added Santa or family events.
See dates and details from Milwaukee Domes Alliance, Mitchell Park Domes (opens in a new tab)Milwaukee: Storytime with Santa
Story time with SantaDiscovery World · Milwaukee
- Host
- Discovery World (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Discovery World, 500 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202
- When
- Sat November 28 and Sun December 20, 2026, 11 am to 1:30 pm
- Cost
- Free with museum admission
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Discovery World, the science and technology museum on Milwaukee's lakefront, hosts Storytime with Santa on two weekend days this season. Santa reads in the museum theater at 11 am, 12 pm and 1 pm, so families can pick the session that fits their visit.
Between readings, Santa walks through the building spreading holiday cheer, which gives kids a chance to spot him while exploring the exhibits. The storytime is included with general admission, and Discovery World members get in free. The museum suggests buying admission in advance to save. No age range or registration is listed, so it works as an add-on to a regular museum day. Because the readings happen in the theater, they make a natural break between exhibits for younger children.
Parent tip: Buy general admission in advance to save; members are free. Head to the theater a few minutes before 11 am, 12 pm or 1 pm.
See dates and details from Discovery World (opens in a new tab)Milwaukee: Holiday Visit with Black Santa
Story time with SantaFreeMilwaukee Public Library · Milwaukee
- Host
- Milwaukee Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Villard Square Branch Library, 5190 N 35th St, Milwaukee, WI 53209
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 11 am to 3 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Young children 0 to 5, elementary 6 to 12, all ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Villard Square Branch Library welcomes Black Santa for a special holiday story time at 11 am. After the story, families can spend time with Santa, share holiday wishes, and take a photo together. The library describes the visit as a celebration of representation and holiday joy for everyone.
Kids can also write a letter to Santa and drop it into his special mailbox bound for the North Pole. The afternoon wraps up with warm cocoa and cookies for friends and family. The event runs from 11 am to 3 pm and is listed for young children, elementary age kids, and all ages. Milwaukee Public Library programs are free and open to everyone, so this is an easy, low cost outing for families on the north side.
Parent tip: Arrive by 11 am to catch the story time, since Santa visits and photos follow it. Bring a camera for the photo with Santa.
See dates and details from Milwaukee Public Library (opens in a new tab)Milwaukee: DIY Gingerbread Buddies
Holiday craftsFreeMilwaukee Public Library · Milwaukee
- Host
- Milwaukee Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Atkinson Branch Library, 1960 W Atkinson Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53209
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 2 to 3 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Young children 0 to 5, elementary 6 to 12
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Atkinson Branch Library invites the whole family to a sweet holiday celebration built around gingerbread. Each child receives the edible tools needed to create a gingerbread buddy of their own, then decorates it during this hands on program.
The session lasts one hour on a Saturday afternoon and is aimed at young children and elementary age kids, which makes it a manageable outing for preschoolers with short attention spans. Parents can help little ones with icing and decorations while older kids work on their own designs. Milwaukee Public Library programs are free and open to everyone. Since the gingerbread house program at the Capitol Branch runs the same afternoon, families who want a bigger project can choose that one instead.
Parent tip: Supplies are given per child, so arrive on time to make sure each child gets a kit.
See dates and details from Milwaukee Public Library (opens in a new tab)Milwaukee: DIY Gingerbread Houses
Holiday craftsFreeMilwaukee Public Library · Milwaukee
- Host
- Milwaukee Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Capitol Branch Library, 3969 N 74th St, Milwaukee, WI 53216
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 1 to 3 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Young children 0 to 5, elementary 6 to 12, all ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Capitol Branch Library is hosting a hands on gingerbread house session on a Saturday afternoon in mid December. The library provides the ingredients, and families bring the creativity to design and decorate their own houses. It is a relaxed, drop in style program that suits a range of ages.
The calendar lists the program for young children, elementary age kids, and all ages, so siblings of different ages can work side by side. The session runs for two hours, which leaves time to plan, build, and add plenty of decorations. Milwaukee Public Library programs are free and open to everyone. This is a good choice for families who want a classic holiday craft without buying a kit or cleaning up a sticky kitchen afterward.
Parent tip: Plan to bring a flat box or tray to carry your finished house home.
See dates and details from Milwaukee Public Library (opens in a new tab)Milwaukee: European Village Alive!
Holiday eventMilwaukee Public Museum · Milwaukee
- Host
- Milwaukee Public Museum (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Milwaukee Public Museum, 800 W Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53233
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 11 am to 3 pm
- Cost
- Free with museum admission
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
On Saturday, December 12, the Milwaukee Public Museum brings its European Village to life for the holidays. Museum docents dressed in period attire are stationed at homes throughout the decorated village, sharing the history of European holiday traditions with visitors.
The program runs from 11 am to 3 pm and is included with museum admission. It is a good fit for school age kids who are curious about how families in other countries celebrate, and it ties in with the museum's Deck the Streets and Village holiday display, which runs all season. With the museum closing in 2027, this is the final year for the program at the current building. Plan extra time to explore the rest of the museum while you are there.
Parent tip: Combine this with a walk through the decorated Streets of Old Milwaukee, also included with admission.
See dates and details from Milwaukee Public Museum (opens in a new tab)Milwaukee: Holiday Cards Bonanza
Holiday craftsFreeMilwaukee Public Library · Milwaukee
- Host
- Milwaukee Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Mitchell Street Branch Library, 906 W Historic Mitchell St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
- When
- Thursday, December 17, 2026, 3 to 4 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Elementary 6 to 12, all ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Mitchell Street Branch Library is hosting an after school card making session a week before Christmas. Kids create their own holiday cards and write cheerful messages for family members or friends, a nice way to practice writing while making something personal to give.
The program runs for one hour on a Thursday afternoon and is listed for elementary age children as well as all ages, so younger siblings can join in with a parent's help. Milwaukee Public Library programs are free and open to everyone. Because the session is short, free, and right after school, it fits well into a weekday routine, and families leave with handmade cards ready to mail or hand out to loved ones over the holidays.
Parent tip: Bring a list of names and addresses if your child wants to mail the finished cards.
See dates and details from Milwaukee Public Library (opens in a new tab)Milwaukee: Winter Cookie Decorating
Holiday craftsFreeMilwaukee Public Library · Milwaukee
- Host
- Milwaukee Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Villard Square Branch Library, 5190 N 35th St, Milwaukee, WI 53209
- When
- Saturday, December 19, 2026, 1 to 3 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Villard Square Library is hosting a winter cookie decorating afternoon the weekend before Christmas. Families can create sweet treats together, enjoy a cozy atmosphere, and celebrate the season with friends and neighbors. The library lists the program for all ages, so grandparents, parents, and kids can all take part.
The event runs for two hours on a Saturday afternoon, which makes it easy to drop in when it fits your schedule. Milwaukee Public Library programs are free and open to everyone. It pairs well with the library's Black Santa visit earlier in December if you are looking for more than one holiday outing at the same branch. This is a simple, low key activity that works well for families with young children who enjoy hands on projects.
Parent tip: Bring a container if you hope to take decorated cookies home.
See dates and details from Milwaukee Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Waukesha
1 confirmed event for kids in Waukesha, soonest first.
Waukesha: Holiday Storytime & Cookie Decorating
Holiday story timeFreeWaukesha Public Library · Waukesha
- Host
- Waukesha Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Waukesha Public Library, Program Room A/B, 321 Wisconsin Ave, Waukesha, WI 53186 (near Milwaukee)
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 to 11 am
- Cost
- Free, no registration
- Ages
- Children
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Waukesha Public Library hosts a festive Saturday story time for children in Program Room A/B. Kids will hear holiday stories and sing seasonal songs, then get to decorate a tasty cookie of their own, which makes it a sweet way to start a December weekend.
The program is free and registration is not required, so families can simply drop in. The library requires caregivers to stay with participating children under age 11. Because food is served, the library notes it cannot guarantee the cookies and toppings have not come into contact with tree nuts, soy or other allergens. For disability-related accommodations, call the library ahead of the event.
Parent tip: Check with the library about allergens before you go, and plan to stay with children under 11. Accommodation requests go to 262-524-3695.
See dates and details from Waukesha Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Wauwatosa
1 confirmed event for kids in Wauwatosa, soonest first.
Wauwatosa: Winter WonderMaze
Holiday lightsCity of Wauwatosa · Wauwatosa
- Host
- City of Wauwatosa (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Hart Park, 7300 W Chestnut St, Wauwatosa, WI 53213 (near Milwaukee)
- When
- Fri November 27, Sat November 28 and Sun November 29, 2026, 4 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Ticketed; price not stated
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Winter WonderMaze is a brand new holiday experience in Hart Park over Thanksgiving weekend. Families wander through a star lit maze made of more than 500 evergreen trees, with surprises around every corner as they work their way through together.
At the end of the maze, guests can reward themselves with a festive drink or treat, try a game of football bowling, and warm up by glowing fires. The maze is open from 4 to 8 pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, November 27 to 29. Tickets are sold through Discover Wauwatosa, linked from the city's event page. Kids who like puzzles and exploring will enjoy finding their way through the trees, and the evening hours mean the lights are at their best after dark.
Parent tip: Buy tickets in advance through the link on the city event page, and dress for an evening outdoors.
See dates and details from City of Wauwatosa (opens in a new tab)Looking further afield? Our Wisconsin Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Madison, WI. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonMilwaukee Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Milwaukee in 2026?
We confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Milwaukee for 2026 on each host’s own page: Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Kickoff Extravaganza in Milwaukee (November 19), Deck the Streets and Village in Milwaukee (November 20), Wild Lights in Milwaukee (November 20), Holiday Show in Milwaukee (November 21), Winter WonderMaze in Wauwatosa (November 27), Storytime with Santa in Milwaukee (November 28), Holiday Storytime & Cookie Decorating in Waukesha (December 5), Holiday Visit with Black Santa in Milwaukee (December 5), DIY Gingerbread Buddies in Milwaukee (December 12), DIY Gingerbread Houses in Milwaukee (December 12), European Village Alive! in Milwaukee (December 12), Holiday Cards Bonanza in Milwaukee (December 17) and Winter Cookie Decorating in Milwaukee (December 19). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?
For families in and around Milwaukee, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Kickoff Extravaganza (Thu, Nov 19, pre-show 5:30 pm, main show 6:30 pm, not stated; jingle bus tour after the show is free); Deck the Streets and Village (Daily during museum hours, Nov 20 to Jan 3, free with museum admission); Wild Lights (Select nights Nov 20 to Dec 31, 5:30 to 9 pm, $15 adult, $15 child 3 to 12, under 3 free (early bird pricing through nov 8, includes parking)); Holiday Show (Daily, Nov 21, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027, domes admission; price not stated); Storytime with Santa (Sat, Nov 28 and Sun, Dec 20; stories at 11 am, 12 pm and 1 pm, free with museum admission); Holiday Visit with Black Santa (Sat, Dec 5, 11 am to 3 pm (story time at 11 am), free); DIY Gingerbread Buddies (Sat, Dec 12, 2 to 3 pm, free); DIY Gingerbread Houses (Sat, Dec 12, 1 to 3 pm, free); European Village Alive! (Sat, Dec 12, 11 am to 3 pm, free with museum admission); Holiday Cards Bonanza (Thu, Dec 17, 3 to 4 pm, free); Winter Cookie Decorating (Sat, Dec 19, 1 to 3 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Milwaukee section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Waukesha, Wisconsin?
For families in and around Waukesha, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Holiday Storytime & Cookie Decorating (Sat, Dec 5, 10 to 11 am, free, no registration). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Waukesha section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin?
For families in and around Wauwatosa, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Winter WonderMaze (Fri to Sun, Nov 27 to 29, 4 to 8 pm, ticketed; price not stated). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Wauwatosa section of this page.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Milwaukee?
Yes. 6 of the 13 events here are free: Holiday Storytime & Cookie Decorating in Waukesha, Holiday Visit with Black Santa in Milwaukee, DIY Gingerbread Buddies in Milwaukee, DIY Gingerbread Houses in Milwaukee, Holiday Cards Bonanza in Milwaukee and Winter Cookie Decorating in Milwaukee. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Milwaukee this December?
Santa appears at Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Kickoff Extravaganza in Milwaukee (November 19), Wild Lights in Milwaukee (November 20), Storytime with Santa in Milwaukee (November 28) and Holiday Visit with Black Santa in Milwaukee (December 5). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Milwaukee?
Holiday story times on this page: Storytime with Santa in Milwaukee, Holiday Storytime & Cookie Decorating in Waukesha and Holiday Visit with Black Santa in Milwaukee. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.
Which Milwaukee Christmas events are best for toddlers?
These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Holiday Visit with Black Santa in Milwaukee (Young children 0 to 5, elementary 6 to 12, all ages), DIY Gingerbread Buddies in Milwaukee (Young children 0 to 5, elementary 6 to 12) and DIY Gingerbread Houses in Milwaukee (Young children 0 to 5, elementary 6 to 12, all ages).
Are there kids' Christmas events in Milwaukee on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes: Deck the Streets and Village in Milwaukee (through January 3), Wild Lights in Milwaukee (through December 31) and Holiday Show in Milwaukee (through January 3).
How much is Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Kickoff Extravaganza in Milwaukee?
Not stated; Jingle Bus tour after the show is free. Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Kickoff Extravaganza is on Thursday, November 19, 2026, 5:30 pm at Pere Marquette Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Deck the Streets and Village in Milwaukee?
Free with museum admission. Deck the Streets and Village is on Friday, November 20, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (during museum hours) at Milwaukee Public Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Wild Lights in Milwaukee?
$15 adult, $15 child 3 to 12, under 3 free (early bird pricing through Nov 8, includes parking). Wild Lights is on Fri November 20, Fri November 27, Thu December 3, Wed December 9, Wed December 16 and Sat December 26, 2026, 5:30 to 9 pm at Milwaukee County Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday Show in Milwaukee?
Domes admission; price not stated. Holiday Show is on Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (daily; weekends and holidays until 4 pm; Dec 24 until 2 pm; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day), 9 am to 5 pm at Mitchell Park Domes, Show Dome. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Winter WonderMaze in Wauwatosa?
Ticketed; price not stated. Winter WonderMaze is on Fri November 27, Sat November 28 and Sun November 29, 2026, 4 to 8 pm at Hart Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Storytime with Santa in Milwaukee?
Free with museum admission. Storytime with Santa is on Sat November 28 and Sun December 20, 2026, 11 am to 1:30 pm at Discovery World. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday Storytime & Cookie Decorating in Waukesha?
Free, no registration. Holiday Storytime & Cookie Decorating is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 to 11 am at Waukesha Public Library, Program Room A/B. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday Visit with Black Santa in Milwaukee?
Free. Holiday Visit with Black Santa is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 11 am to 3 pm at Villard Square Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is DIY Gingerbread Buddies in Milwaukee?
Free. DIY Gingerbread Buddies is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 2 to 3 pm at Atkinson Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is DIY Gingerbread Houses in Milwaukee?
Free. DIY Gingerbread Houses is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 1 to 3 pm at Capitol Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is European Village Alive! in Milwaukee?
Free with museum admission. European Village Alive! is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 11 am to 3 pm at Milwaukee Public Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday Cards Bonanza in Milwaukee?
Free. Holiday Cards Bonanza is on Thursday, December 17, 2026, 3 to 4 pm at Mitchell Street Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Winter Cookie Decorating in Milwaukee?
Free. Winter Cookie Decorating is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 1 to 3 pm at Villard Square Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Milwaukee?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Milwaukee Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.