Enjoy the magic of the holidays in Waukesha with our detailed guide. From Waukesha natives to wandering souls, our guide showcases both traditional and unique holiday experiences.
The Christmas Parade dazzles with cheerful floats and the jingling sounds of the season. For an old-world charm and delightful gifts, explore the enticing offerings of the Old World Christmas Market. And definitely don't forget the resplendent displays at the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Waukesha
See these and even more events listed below!Waukesha Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven parade with local participants
Description:
Waukesha's Christmas Parade brings the community together in a vibrant display of holiday spirit. Local businesses, schools, and organizations create colorful floats that roll through the historic downtown streets. The parade showcases the city's rich history, dating back to its founding in 1834. Children can catch candy tossed from passing floats, adding a sweet touch to the experience. The event culminates with Santa's arrival, signaling the official start of the holiday season in Waukesha.
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Nearby Events
Old World Christmas Market (Elkhart Lake)
What to Expect:
Authentic European-style market in a resort setting
Description:
Elkhart Lake's Old World Christmas Market transports visitors to a traditional European holiday bazaar. Set in the charming Osthoff Resort, the market features artisans and vendors from around the world. Shoppers can browse handcrafted ornaments, nutcrackers, and unique gifts while savoring the aroma of roasted almonds. The market pays homage to the area's German heritage, which dates back to the mid-19th century. You'll find yourself immersed in Old World traditions as you explore the bustling stalls and sample international cuisine.
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Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival (Milwaukee)
What to Expect:
City-wide light display across three downtown parks
Description:
Milwaukee's Holiday Lights Festival illuminates the city's downtown with a dazzling array of lights spread across three parks. The festival transforms Cathedral Square Park, Pere Marquette Park, and Zeidler Union Square into glowing winter landscapes. Visitors can hop on the Jingle Bus for a narrated tour of the displays, learning about Milwaukee's holiday traditions. The festival, which began in 1998, has become a cherished annual tradition, drawing thousands to the heart of the city to bask in the glow of over half a million lights.
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Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival
German Christmas Market (Oconomowoc)
What to Expect:
Authentic Christkindlmarket experience in Wisconsin
Description:
Oconomowoc's German Christmas Market recreates the atmosphere of a traditional Christkindlmarket right in the heart of Wisconsin. The market features wooden stalls selling authentic German crafts, ornaments, and delicacies. Visitors can warm up with a mug of glühwein while listening to live German music. The event honors the city's German roots, which date back to its founding in the 1830s. Children can participate in lantern-making workshops, a beloved German holiday tradition.
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Christmas at the Inn (Delafield)
What to Expect:
Historic inn transformed into a Victorian Christmas setting
Description:
Christmas at the Inn in Delafield offers a glimpse into holiday celebrations of the past. The historic Delafield Hotel, built in 1907, is adorned with period-appropriate decorations, transporting visitors to a Victorian-era Christmas. Guests can explore elegantly decorated rooms, each showcasing different aspects of 19th-century holiday traditions. The event features live performances of classic carols, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere. You'll discover the rich history of Delafield while experiencing the charm of a bygone era.
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Country Christmas Light Show (Pewaukee)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light show with indoor village and model train display
Description:
Pewaukee's Country Christmas Light Show combines outdoor and indoor attractions for a comprehensive holiday experience. The mile-long drive-through trail features over a million twinkling lights and animated displays. After the drive, visitors can explore the Christmas Village, complete with a working model train display. The event, which began in 1996, has grown into one of Wisconsin's largest holiday light shows. Children can meet Santa and his live reindeer, adding an extra touch of North Pole magic to the experience.
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Wisconsin Christmas Carnival of Lights (Caledonia)
What to Expect:
Interactive light show with synchronized music
Description:
Caledonia's Wisconsin Christmas Carnival of Lights offers a unique, interactive light experience. The drive-through display features over 1.5 million lights synchronized to holiday music, creating a mesmerizing audio-visual spectacle. Visitors can tune their car radios to a dedicated station to fully immerse themselves in the show. The event supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation, embodying the spirit of giving. You'll encounter towering light sculptures and animated displays that bring holiday stories to life.
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Wisconsin Christmas Carnival of Lights
Kettle Moraine Christmas Bird Count (Eagle)
What to Expect:
Citizen science project combining birdwatching and holiday tradition
Description:
Eagle's Kettle Moraine Christmas Bird Count blends holiday tradition with environmental conservation. Participants join a nationwide effort to catalog winter bird populations, contributing valuable data to ornithological research. The event takes place in the scenic Kettle Moraine State Forest, formed by glacial activity over 10,000 years ago. Birdwatchers of all skill levels can spot species like cardinals, chickadees, and woodpeckers. You'll gain a deeper appreciation for Wisconsin's winter wildlife while participating in a long-standing scientific tradition.
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Kettle Moraine Christmas Bird Count
Holiday Train (Hartland)
What to Expect:
Festively decorated train that collects food donations
Description:
Hartland's Holiday Train combines the excitement of a brightly lit locomotive with the spirit of giving. The Canadian Pacific train, adorned with thousands of LED lights, rolls into town, collecting food donations for local food banks. Visitors can enjoy a free concert performed from a boxcar stage, featuring live holiday music. The event, part of a larger North American tour, has raised millions of pounds of food since its inception in 1999. Children can watch in awe as the illuminated train arrives, creating lasting holiday memories.
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Holiday Folk Fair International (West Allis)
What to Expect:
Multicultural holiday celebration showcasing global traditions
Description:
West Allis's Holiday Folk Fair International celebrates the diverse holiday traditions of cultures from around the world. The event features performances, exhibits, and demonstrations that showcase how different communities celebrate the season. Visitors can sample international cuisine, watch traditional dances, and purchase unique cultural gifts. The fair, which began in 1943, promotes cultural understanding and appreciation. You'll discover how holidays are celebrated across the globe, broadening your perspective on seasonal traditions.
Website:
Holiday Folk Fair International
Fireside Christmas Show (Fort Atkinson)
What to Expect:
Professional dinner theater production with a holiday theme
Description:
Fort Atkinson's Fireside Christmas Show combines fine dining with Broadway-caliber entertainment. The professional cast performs a holiday-themed musical revue, featuring classic and contemporary songs. Guests enjoy a gourmet meal before the show, setting the stage for an evening of entertainment. The Fireside Theatre, which opened in 1964, has become a Wisconsin institution known for its high-quality productions. You'll be captivated by the talented performers as they bring holiday cheer to life on stage.