Waukesha Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Waukesha and surrounding areas
Waukesha comes alive for Christmas 2025 as neighborhoods and landmarks, including the scenic downtown and nearby Old World Wisconsin, host festive events and winter attractions beneath glowing Christmas lights. Experience Old World Wisconsin: Home for the Holidays, the Waukesha Christmas Parade and the Country Christmas Drive Through & Walking Nights for family fun and seasonal performances. From interactive activities and craft markets to evening light displays and holiday concerts, Waukesha offers things to do that bring community traditions and holiday magic to life for visitors of all ages.
Find the best Waukesha Christmas happenings this year!
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Christmas Markets
27 eventsOver 100 artisan vendors offering handmade holiday goods.
Christmas Lights
18 eventsWorld's largest Christmas light maze
Christmas Parties
11 eventsSold-out wine walk with 20+ tasting locations and holiday lights.
Christmas Shows
10 eventsReimagined Nutcracker production with new sets and costumes
Other Christmas Activities
33 eventsCity-wide holiday celebrations with diverse events and light displays.
Editor's Picks (6)
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The Nutcracker
(Milwaukee)
Reimagined Nutcracker production with new sets and costumes
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Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival
(Milwaukee)
Over half a million brilliant bulbs illuminate downtown.
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Enchant Christmas - Milwaukee
(Franklin)
World's largest Christmas light maze
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Milwaukee Holiday Happenings
(Milwaukee)
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.
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Mistletoe Market
Over 100 artisan vendors offering handmade holiday goods.
This Week / Coming Up (6)
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Also Near Waukesha
West Allis
See all in West Allis →Wauwatosa
- Wauwatosa Holiday Sip & Strolls
- Village Tree Lighting and Holiday Market Grand Opening
- Holidays In the Village
Waukesha Christmas FAQ
The biggest annual Christmas events include the Waukesha Christmas Parade held downtown in early December and the Country Christmas light display at Ingleside Hotel. These events draw large crowds and feature festive activities for all ages.
Waukesha honors its community with traditions like the lantern walk at the Christmas Parade, remembering those lost in past events. The Country Christmas trail is also a unique local tradition showcasing extensive holiday light displays on wooded grounds.
Neighborhoods near the Country Christmas trail and various residential areas throughout Waukesha are known for their festive neighborhood displays. These areas offer charming and accessible light shows that are popular with families and visitors.
Downtown Waukesha is the primary hub for Christmas markets and local artisan vendors, especially during the holiday season. Markets often coincide with other festive events, making it easy to enjoy shopping and seasonal activities in one place.
Free or low-cost activities include visiting neighborhood light displays, attending the Waukesha Christmas Parade, and enjoying downtown holiday events like tree lightings and caroling. These options provide festive fun without a large expense.
Families can enjoy events like Breakfast with Santa, wagon rides through the Country Christmas trail, and family Christmas activities downtown. These events offer kid-friendly entertainment and opportunities to create lasting holiday memories.