Christmas in the Ward
Visitors gather in Catalano Square to witness the holiday tree lighting ceremony and a rare winter fireworks display over the Milwaukee River. The celebration features live reindeer with Mrs. Claus, costumed characters Jolly and Ginger Gingerbread, and visits with Santa at Jolly's Gingerbread House. Guests can roast s'mores over an open fire, listen to live music from local choirs and bands, and enjoy hot cocoa, festive drinks, and food trucks.
What to Expect
Holiday tree lighting, live reindeer, and fireworks over the river.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Historic Third Ward
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Historic Third Ward Association
Food & Drink
Enjoy food trucks and festive fare, holiday cookies, hot chocolate, open-fire s’mores, and— for adults—cocoa cocktails, mulled wine, and local brews.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Festive and lively
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: A suggested $5 donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities for visiting Santa and having a picture taken; no admission price is stated.
- Hours: 5:30 to 8:30 PM.
Tips & Advice
- Download the Merry Map before you go so you can find the reindeer, the s'mores, Santa's house and the food trucks.
- Bring cash or a card, since both work for the cookie sale and the drinks.
- Dress warmly, because the whole celebration is outdoors on a December evening in Catalano Square and along the river.
- Bring a donation for Ronald McDonald House Charities if the kids plan to visit Santa in Jolly's Gingerbread House.
- Look at the 2026 program when it comes out in November, because times and entertainment can change.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there for kids?
Kids can visit Santa in Jolly's Gingerbread House, meet Jolly and Ginger Gingerbread, and see Mrs. Claus and her live reindeer. Santa's elves are there to answer reindeer questions, and there's s'mores roasting over an open fire in Catalano Square.
What food and drinks are there?
There's hot chocolate, and adults can get Cocoa Cocktails, Cafe Benelux mulled wine and local brews from Explorium. Food trucks park at Catalano Square, Third Ward restaurants serve holiday food, and a holiday cookie sale benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities.
How does the Santa visit work?
Kids of all ages can tell Santa their Christmas list in Jolly's Gingerbread House. A donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities is suggested.
What are the main moments of the night?
Santa lights the Historic Third Ward holiday tree, and later winter fireworks go off over the Milwaukee River. Local entertainers perform throughout the evening.
How do we find our way around?
Use the Merry Map, which you can view or download before the event.
More Christmas Events Near Milwaukee
More Christmas Events near Milwaukee
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.