Many tourists flock to Milwaukee during the summer. However, there are numerous December activities in Milwaukee that fair-weather fans will miss.
Milwaukee Holiday Lights
The Milwaukee Holiday Lights are the best way to get into the Christmas spirit. Enjoy the animated sculptures, interactive displays, and twinkling lights throughout downtown displayed between mid-November and New Year’s Day. Witness over half a million lights from Cathedral Square to Zeidler Union Square to Pere Marquette Park!
Christmas Brewery Tour
Milwaukee boasts a rich brewing heritage, so much so that the city’s baseball team is named the Milwaukee Brewers in homage to this legacy. Many of the city’s breweries organize special Christmas events for beer enthusiasts during the holiday season. One noteworthy brewery that fully embraces the Christmas spirit is the Miller Brewery, adorning its premises with magnificent Christmas lights.
Visiting the Miller Brewery allows you to delve into 165 years of brewing history in the Miller Valley. While on the tour, you can also savor some of the city’s finest beers, providing a delightful warmth during the holiday season.
However, it’s worth mentioning that a brewery tour might not be the most child-friendly activity in Milwaukee during December. Even though soft drinks are available during the Miller Brewery tour, the venue is unsuitable for strollers.
Read: Downtown Milwaukee Breweries
See A Christmas Carol by Milwaukee Repertory
If you’re in Milwaukee with kids during December, a fantastic family-friendly option is to attend the annual performance of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” presented by the Milwaukee Repertory. This beloved play has become a December tradition in Milwaukee, narrating the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, a grumpy factory owner who despises Christmas. When visited by the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, he undergoes a transformation, rekindling his love for the holiday.
Despite being a local production, this performance is far from amateur; cast members have been lauded as “extraordinary” by theater critics, including those at Broadway World. “A Christmas Carol” is undeniably one of the must-see winter attractions in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Its extensive run makes this play particularly appealing for December activities in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Repertory stages the production numerous times, starting from the end of November and continuing through Christmas Eve.
Eat Breakfast with Santa
Some December activities in Milwaukee help essential causes. The Milwaukee Public Market supports the Penfield Children’s Center by organizing a special breakfast with Santa event. It’s a beautiful chance for your children to spend quality time with Santa, sharing their gift wishes and showcasing their year’s good behavior.
Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture these priceless moments, as it’s one of the most enjoyable holiday activities for kids in Milwaukee.
Moreover, this event offers excellent value. Most children can participate for just $15, and kids under three can join for free.
Witness Santa's Christmas Cavalcade
On December 11th, Santa and Mrs. Claus embark on a delightful ride atop a vintage fire truck, spreading the joy of Christmas throughout downtown Milwaukee. Joining them is Sarah Fierek, a local singer who will serenade the crowds with jazz-infused holiday classics.
Santa’s festive entourage departs from the vibrant Milwaukee Christmas market the Milwaukee Public Market, and tours the areas illuminated by the Christmas light festival. You can glimpse this enchanting procession during the early evenings, as it passes by some of the finest December attractions in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
If you find it challenging to locate the entourage, simply gaze skyward, where you’ll witness the commencement of one of Wisconsin’s premier winter events. The vintage fire truck is closely followed by a pickup truck adorned with powerful lights that seem to reach for the stars.
Ice Skate at Red Arrow Park
During the most romantic time of the year, there are numerous enchanting date ideas to explore for December activities in Milwaukee. Ice skating at Red Arrow Park stands out among the most enjoyable December activities for couples.
Red Arrow Park is an ideal spot if you’re looking to teach your partner how to ice skate. The rink features several plastic penguins equipped with handles to provide added stability and help them learn to skate safely.
Red Arrow Park Skating also ranks among the most budget-friendly Milwaukee Christmas activities. It’s also one of my personal favorites for winter outings with kids. If you bring your own skates, admission is free, allowing you to enjoy the experience as often as you’d like.
Read: Milwaukee’s Top 5 Parks
Holiday Pops with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
In December, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra performs “Holiday Pops” at the Bradley Symphony Center. Sing along to Christmas classics and carols led by conductor Byron Stripling. Holiday Pops offers Sound Bites chef’s table service on select Friday and Saturday showings. If you wish to enjoy Sound Bites, buy your tickets well in advance.
Milwaukee Ballet's The Nutcracker
The Milwaukee Ballet’s yearly rendition of The Nutcracker is not to be missed. For those who don’t know, The Nutcracker is the story of a young German girl who dreams about a Nutcracker Prince who battles a Mouse King with seven heads.
The Nutcracker doll was said to be a defense against evil spirits in German culture. The ballet was written centuries ago, and the Milwaukee Ballet’s version is said to be the best performance in Milwaukee.
Directed by Michael Pink, this performance has been reimagined with innovative choreography, captivating stage designs, and enchanting costumes. It undeniably ranks among Milwaukee’s most extraordinary and enjoyable December activities, especially if children accompany you
Historic Third Ward Christmas
The Historic Third Ward is Milwaukee’s most artistic and fashionable district. It’s the city’s premier destination for immersing yourself in art, shopping, and savoring cuisine at top-notch restaurants. This area adeptly preserves its cherished history while offering the best contemporary attractions.
Come Christmas, the Historic Third Ward transforms into a mesmerizing winter wonderland. The neighborhood is adorned with dazzling lights, and a grand Christmas tree takes center stage, creating an unforgettable spectacle.
The district’s array of independent shops ensures they are well-stocked, allowing you to complete your Christmas shopping without leaving this vibrant locale. Additionally, they organize a variety of outdoor, family-friendly holiday entertainment.
For your children, there’s no better place than “Christmas in the Ward” to meet Santa or have thrilling encounters with Rudolf and his reindeer.
Pabst Mansion
The Pabst Mansion will immerse you in a fairy tale. The gorgeous 19th-century estate was the home of the wealthiest Wisconsinites. The Mansion is decorated for Christmas and open to the public from November 16th to January 16th.
Sign up for a Twilight Tour and watch the sunset before witnessing the Mansion in all its glory with the Christmas lights illuminating the estate. You don’t have to worry about being rushed, as all tours are self-guided. Purchase your tickets today before they sell out.
It should be no surprise that there is no shortage of December activities in Milwaukee. Dive into our blog to discover other fun things to do in Milwaukee!
