It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Get into the holiday spirit with this weekend’s top events:
1. Santa’s Christmas Cavalcade
Downtown Milwaukee, starting at the Milwaukee Public Market
Saturday, December 2, 2023, departs at 5 p.m.
Admission: FREE
This Saturday and next, Santa and Mrs. Claus will ride atop a vintage fire truck on a festive route through downtown Milwaukee. Sarah Fierek will also be on board singing jazzy holiday tunes. This weekend’s Cavalcade will feature a Black Santa.
The route departs from the Milwaukee Public Market at 5 p.m., then travels east on Wisconsin Avenue to the lakefront. The Cavalcade passes by Pere Marquette Park, Cathedral Square Park, Zeidler Union Square, Catalano Square, and Light the Hoan between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.
2. Christmas in the Ward
Catalano Square, 147 N. Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Friday, December 1, 2023, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Admission: FREE
This event features a magical tree lighting in Catalano Square (which is actually a triangle shape – go figure), live music, costumed characters, a fireworks show over the Milwaukee River, and more.
You can visit with Santa Claus in Jolly’s Outdoor Gingerbread House (suggested $5 donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities), and meet live reindeer with Mrs. Claus. Santa’s elves will be on hand to answer questions like “Do reindeer really fly?” and “Is Rudolph’s nose really red?”
Refreshment options include festive fare from Historic Third Ward restaurants and food trucks, hot chocolate, and a cookie sale to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Adults, don’t miss the “hot cocoa cocktails,” local brewery offerings, and — new for this year — mulled wine, courtesy of Cafe Benelux.
3. Home for the Holidays (Old World Wisconsin)
W372 S9727 Hwy 67, Eagle, WI 53119
December 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 2023, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Admission: Adult / Teens / Seniors $20; Children (5-12) $14; Child Under 5 FREE (Society members receive a 10% discount)
Stroll through the charming 19th century Crossroads Village, decked out in holiday greenery and full of festive stories and merry memories.
Step inside and experience the past brought to life as you explore the rich mosaic of traditions that immigrants brought to Wisconsin.
You’ll learn how those cherished customs helped build community and continue to live on in celebrations today. Make new, merry memories with friends and family in this fun for all ages event that includes live music, food and crafts against the beautiful winter backdrop of the Kettle Moraine State Forest.
Advance registration required.
4. Tree Lightings
There are a number of holiday tree lightings going on all over the Milwaukee area this weekend, including ceremonies in Sussex, Greenfield and Brookfield.
The West Allis Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held Saturday, December 2, at City Hall Centennial Plaza (4 p.m.). Celebrate the season with choral performances and snacks. After the ceremony, the Christmas parade will make it’s way down Greenfield Avenue through downtown West Allis.
5. Bluey’s Big Play
Miller High Life Theater, 500 W. Kilbourn Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53203
December 2-3, 2023, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Admission: $20-$80 (Children under 2 do not need a ticket but must sit in a lap and not occupy their own seat.)
When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag.
Bluey’s Big Play is a brand-new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series, with an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush.
Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show made just for you, featuring brilliantly created puppets. This is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before, brought to real life.
Run time is approximately 50 minutes, with no intermission.
6. Holidays on The Hop (FIRST WEEKEND!)
Downtown Milwaukee
Saturday, December 2, 2023, 3-5 p.m.
Admission: FREE
Back for a fourth season in downtown Milwaukee, “Holidays on The Hop” features live music onboard the streetcar, giveaways, and festive décor on streetcar shelters. Riders will also be treated to free holiday cookies.
This weekend, there will be a holiday-themed performance by the JL Russell Jazz Trio. No tickets or vouchers needed to ride. Just hop on and hop off!
7. Family Free Day at the Zoo
Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226
Saturday, December 2, 2023, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Admission: FREE (parking fees still apply)
Whether it’s been years, months or days since you’ve been to the Zoo, there is always something new to explore. Family Free Days are a perfect opportunity for you, along with your family and friends, to come and enjoy the Zoo, free of charge (parking and concession fees still apply).
See why winter is one of the best times to visit the Zoo and get up close with the animals!
Subscribe to MKE With Kids
It’s free! We send the Weekend Guide to your inbox every Thursday morning. Plus, you’ll be the first to know about important news and updates.
Events Calendar
There’s so much more happening this weekend! Our Events Calendar is packed with daily events for kids and families. And it can be sorted by location!
Did you like this article?
Check out “101 Best Things to do in Milwaukee With Kids“.
[…] To see the full Weekend Guide for Jan. 26-29 by Milwaukee with Kids, click here. […]