Milwaukee Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Milwaukee and surrounding areas
Milwaukee lights up the holiday season in 2025 with festive charm around the lakefront and the Historic Third Ward. The Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival, The Nutcracker, and A Christmas Carol bring seasonal performances and community holiday activities framed by sparkling Holiday lights. Discover winter festivals, Christmas markets, and family-focused things to do that highlight local crafts, seasonal foods, and neighborhood celebrations for a cozy festive season.
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Christmas Markets
27 eventsHistoric Third Ward's annual Christmas celebration with tree lighting and fireworks.
Christmas Lights
20 eventsOver half a million brilliant bulbs illuminate downtown.
Christmas Parties
10 eventsHands-on cookie decorating for families.
Christmas Shows
9 eventsReimagined Nutcracker production with new sets and costumes
Other Christmas Activities
32 eventsCity-wide holiday celebrations with diverse events and light displays.
Editor's Picks (6)
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The Nutcracker
Reimagined Nutcracker production with new sets and costumes
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Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival
Over half a million brilliant bulbs illuminate downtown.
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Making Spirits Bright Drive-Through Holiday Lights Show
(Sheboygan)
Drive-through holiday lights show benefiting a food bank.
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Enchant Christmas - Milwaukee
(Franklin)
World's largest Christmas light maze
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Milwaukee Holiday Happenings
City-wide holiday celebrations with diverse events and light displays.
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East Troy Railroad Museum Christmas Trains
(East Troy)
Historic electric train rides through Wisconsin countryside.
This Week / Coming Up (6)
Christmas Giving Opportunities Near Milwaukee
Give back this holiday season with volunteering and charitable opportunities in Milwaukee.
Salvation Army Waukegan Holiday Giving
The Salvation Army's Waukegan Corps invites the community to participate in their annual...
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Also Near Milwaukee
Wauwatosa
- Wauwatosa Holiday Sip & Strolls
- Village Tree Lighting and Holiday Market Grand Opening
- Holidays In the Village
West Allis
See all in West Allis →Milwaukee Christmas FAQ
The Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival and major holiday markets in downtown parks are among the city’s largest annual Christmas events, drawing visitors from across the region.
Milwaukee’s holiday traditions include the annual tree lighting at Pere Marquette Park, festive light displays along Wisconsin Avenue, and community-driven events like the Jingle Bus tour.
Downtown Milwaukee, West Allis (Candy Cane Lane), and select residential neighborhoods are known for their festive Christmas light displays.
Christmas markets and local makers can be found in downtown parks, select neighborhood events, and special holiday gatherings throughout Milwaukee.
Free holiday activities in Milwaukee include the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival, neighborhood light displays, and many holiday markets with free admission.
Families with kids enjoy the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival, interactive displays downtown, and special events like the Jingle Bus tour and holiday markets with kid-friendly activities.