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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Can't wait for the holiday joy in Wauwatosa? Dive into our guide for the best festive events! For Wauwatosa connoisseurs and newcomers, our guide is the recipe for holiday delight.

Popular events during the season include the Wauwatosa Holiday Market, where local artisans and vendors showcase unique gifts and treats that capture the spirit of the holidays. Featuring breathtaking music and stunning visuals, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra delivers a dynamic concert experience that is sure to resonate with audiences of all ages. And the beloved classic, The Nutcracker, is something you definitely don't want to miss as it brings the enchanting tale to life on stage. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Wauwatosa Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Tree lighting ceremony with hot chocolate and mulled wine.

Description:

Join us at the Village Tree Lighting on December 4, 2024, as we officially usher in the holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony. Enjoy hot chocolate and mulled wine from Draft & Vessel while gathering around the tree. The event features a music performance by McKinley Elementary students and a visit from Santa. The ceremony concludes with a countdown to light the tree, followed by visits with Santa at Root Common Park.

Where: Wauwatosa | More Info: Village Tree Lighting

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Holiday celebration in a zoo setting

Description:

The Milwaukee County Zoo transforms into an illuminated destination with hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights, featuring themed areas, live entertainment, and festive food options.

Where: Milwaukee | More Info: Wild Lights

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Immersive holiday-themed activities in a beautifully contained light maze.

Description:

The SnowGlobe Holiday Festival at Milwaukee's Ballpark Commons offers a captivating holiday experience with a SnowGlobe-inspired light maze, Christmas cocktails and pop-up bars, a Christmas village, VIP and private event experiences, visits with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, an ice-skating trail, live entertainment, and a build-your-own-buddy activity.

Where: Franklin | More Info: SnowGlobe Holiday Festival

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Wauwatosa Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Traditional European food and live music in a festive village setting.

Description:

The Wauwatosa Holiday Market offers authentic European food, unique shopping, family-friendly events, and live entertainment. Enjoy hot pretzels, grilled sausages, ice cold beer, hot mulled wine, and hot chocolate. Live music by bands like Copper Box and The Polkaholics adds to the festive atmosphere.

Where: Wauwatosa | More Info: Wauwatosa Holiday Market

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Holiday celebration with sips, treats, and in-store specials in a charming village setting.

Description:

Stroll through the historic Village of Wauwatosa, sampling beverages and treats while enjoying in-store specials and discounts at local shops and restaurants.

Where: Wauwatosa | More Info: Holiday Sip & Stroll

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Promoting local commerce through exclusive deals and specials.

Description:

Support local businesses by shopping in the Village of Wauwatosa on Small Business Saturday. Enjoy exclusive deals and specials at independently owned shops and restaurants.

Where: Wauwatosa | More Info: Small Business Saturday

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Traditional European-style Christmas market with local food and craft vendors.

Description:

The West Allis Christkindlmarkt is a traditional European-style Christmas market featuring over 60 vendors, including Wisconsin specialty food retailers and artisan craft vendors. The event includes live music and a variety of local food trucks and beer from local breweries.

Where: West Allis | More Info: West Allis Christkindlmarkt

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Unique handmade gifts from local creatives.

Description:

Hover Craft is a premier handmade holiday shopping event featuring over 120 local artists, crafters, and makers selling unique, high-quality gifts. The event offers a variety of food and drink options, including Colectivo Coffee and a full bar, and is held at the Historic Pritzlaff Building in downtown Milwaukee.

Where: Milwaukee | More Info: Hover Craft

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Exclusive showcase of local and regional handmade goods.

Description:

The Handmade Holiday Mini Market at the Brookfield Conference Center features 50 local and regional artists, makers, and creatives selling fine art, functional art, and handmade goods. The event offers a beautiful setting with a coffee and mimosa bar, making it an ideal place to shop and enjoy.

Where: Milwaukee | More Info: Re:Craft: Mini Market

Event Organizer?

Wauwatosa Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

Live music performances from a decorated train.

Description:

The CP Holiday Train Stop in Wauwatosa features a brightly decorated train with professional musicians performing free concerts to raise money and awareness for local food banks.

Where: Wauwatosa | More Info: CP Holiday Train Stop

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Grammy Award-winning holiday concert with multimedia effects.

Description:

Mannheim Steamroller presents a holiday tradition featuring Christmas classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound, with dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting.

Where: Milwaukee | More Info: Mannheim Steamroller

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What to Expect:

Period costumes and special effects bring Dickens' timeless tale to life.

Description:

A classic adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" featuring Matt Daniels as Ebenezer Scrooge, with enchanting music, dance, costumes, scenery, and special effects. The story follows Scrooge as he is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, leading him to a transformative change in his life.

Where: Milwaukee | More Info: A Christmas Carol

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.

Description:

The Nutcracker is a timeless holiday classic featuring Tchaikovsky's beloved score performed live by the Milwaukee Ballet, with elaborate sets and costumes, and a cast of over 200 dancers and students.

Where: Milwaukee | More Info: The Nutcracker

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Interactive rock opera with pyrotechnics and lasers.

Description:

Trans-Siberian Orchestra presents a spectacular holiday tour featuring a rock opera based on "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve," with a new and larger presentation of the beloved holiday tradition. The show includes a rocking, blazing, and laser-lit second set containing more of TSO's greatest hits and fan-favorites.

Where: Milwaukee | More Info: Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Event Organizer?

Wauwatosa Other Holiday Activities

Wauwatosa Gift Guide

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Wauwatosa Holiday News

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