12 Days Of Cheer In Milwaukee: Making This A December To Remember

The holiday season is officially here, and there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the magic in and around Milwaukee. To help get you in the spirit, we’ve rounded up a dozen festive ideas you can enjoy throughout the month — each one a fun, joyful way to celebrate the season close to home.

From twinkling light displays and holiday markets to cozy treats, local shopping spots, winter activities and seasonal shows, these 12 picks highlight what makes Milwaukee feel especially merry this time of year. Whether you check off one or all twelve, it’s all about slowing down, supporting local businesses and making memories.

1. Soak in the glow of the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival.

Now through Jan. 1, downtown Milwaukee shines with over half a million twinkling lights during this citywide celebration. Take a stroll through brilliantly lit scenes in Cathedral Square Park, Pere Marquette Park, Red Arrow Park and Zeidler Union Square, each with its own festive flair. For an extra-special evening, hop aboard the Jingle Bus tour (Fridays through Sundays in December), which offers guided tours in English and Spanish.

2. Wander through the shimmering displays at Wild Lights at Milwaukee County Zoo.

Visit the Milwaukee County Zoo on select nights from Nov. 21 through Dec. 31 to experience an illuminated wonderland with hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights. The forested paths are lined with animal-themed displays and glowing scenes that make the zoo feel completely new after dark. Timed-entry tickets can be reserved via the zoo’s Wild Lights ticketing page.

3. Catch a performance of ‘A Christmas Carol’ at The Pabst Theater.

Milwaukee’s favorite rendition of “A Christmas Carol” returns to the historic Pabst Theater on select dates from Nov. 25 through Dec. 24. Milwaukee Rep favorite Matt Daniels stars as Ebenezer Scrooge in this richly staged production filled with music, dance and soaring special effects. Check the show’s event page for performance dates and buy your tickets before they sell out.

4. Linger over coffee or cocktails at Haven Café.

Haven Café on North Van Buren Street lives up to its name as a warm, welcoming escape in the city—equally suited to a quiet morning or a relaxed afternoon or evening get-together. Start your day with Stone Creek coffee, breakfast sandwiches or a casual work session at a couch or communal table. Later on, the mood shifts seamlessly into craft cocktails, wine and spirit-free or cannabis-infused drinks that invite you to stay awhile. With its open, creative atmosphere, spinning records and board games, Haven is an ideal spot to regroup in between holiday shopping or sightseeing.

5. Lace up your skates at Wilson Ice Arena.

Wilson Ice Arena on South 20th Street offers daily public skating (except Sundays and select dates) on an NHL-sized rink, making it a go-to winter activity for locals of all ages. Open skate typically starts at 11 a.m. on weekdays and 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays, with affordable admission and on-site skate rentals. Whether you’re practicing your spins or just holding onto the boards with a friend, it’s an easy way to get moving during the chilly months.

6. Check everyone off your holiday shopping list at Swoon.

Swoon on West Vliet Street is a holiday shopper’s dream: a beautifully curated gift shop brimming with locally made clothing, toys, jewelry, pottery, candles and more. Open daily from 9:00 AM through 7:00 PM through Dec. 23, it’s the kind of place where you’ll find heirloom-worthy children’s toys and wearable art from Milwaukee designers side by side. Browse the shop in person or online to find things like handmade soaps, lotions and ceramics, which make thoughtful host gifts or stocking stuffers.

7. Make a night of lights and giving at Candy Cane Lane in West Allis.

From Nov. 28 through Christmas Day, a nearby West Allis neighborhood becomes the iconic Candy Cane Lane. More than 300 homes located from 92nd to 96th Streets and Montana to Oklahoma Avenues join in, creating an immersive drive- or walk-through light display that has been raising money for the MACC Fund for 40 years. Volunteers collect donations along the route. Check the Candy Cane Lane website for hours (which vary by day and weather) and tips on navigating traffic.

8. Celebrate the season with brunch and a lakefront view at Harbor House.

For a festive meal with a front-row view of Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee skyline, Harbor House delivers both atmosphere and flavor. Located on West Florida Street, this New England-style seafood restaurant is known for its fresh seafood (flown in daily), extensive oyster menu and Sunday brunch spreads. During the holidays, special events like Brunch with Santa add extra magic for families, pairing photos with Santa and lakefront dining in one outing.

9. Browse books, zines and local art at Lion’s Tooth.

Lion’s Tooth, a bookstore café and art space in Milwaukee’s Bay View, is a perfect December stop for readers and creatives alike. Specializing in graphic novels, small-press titles, zines and radical publications, this mission-driven shop champions local authors and artists. The cozy space often hosts readings, book clubs and art events, making it a welcoming community hub on chilly evenings. Check their events calendar for winter happenings, then grab a new read and settle in.

10. Step into a Gilded Age holiday at Christmas at Pabst Mansion.

Each year, the historic Pabst Mansion on West Wisconsin Avenue transforms into a lavishly decorated holiday showcase, with each room featuring its own theme, tree and ornate trimmings. Self-guided tours, available daily during the season, let you wander through at your own pace and take in the shimmering lights, elegant garlands, train displays and stunning architecture. Timed tickets and pricing details are available via the mansion’s online ticketing page, and advance reservations are recommended.

11. Experience the magic of ‘The Nutcracker’ by Milwaukee Ballet.

On select dates from Dec. 6 through 26, Milwaukee Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” fills the Marcus Performing Arts Center with swirling snowflakes, toy soldiers and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. This production features nearly 200 dancers, including students from Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy, showcasing the city’s homegrown talent. Explore showtimes and purchase seats through the ballet’s ticketing page.

12. Explore global traditions at the Milwaukee Public Museum’s holiday exhibits.

The Milwaukee Public Museum decks out its Streets of Old Milwaukee and European Village exhibits in full holiday splendor from mid-November through Jan. 25. Visitors can learn about European holiday traditions from costumed docents, catch performances like the Florentine Opera’s holiday concert, or join themed tours that explore how immigrants shaped today’s celebrations. Member events such as Cocoa & Candy Canes and European Village Alive! offer even more ways to engage with the season. Most activities are included with museum admission—just check the museum’s holiday events schedule for dates and details.

Stay warm, shop local and enjoy every twinkling moment — happy holidays, Milwaukee!

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