Free Holiday Activities in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Often dubbed the "City of Festivals," Milwaukee doesn't disappoint for the winter holiday season. There are a myriad of holiday events, concerts, festivals, lightings, and shows to take in from November through January. No matter what your age, background or budget, you are guaranteed to be able to find an event or two to help you celebrate the holiday season with cheer. Below we have listed the events and activities taking place this year that are free and open to the public. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

MILWAUKEE HOLIDAY LIGHTS FESTIVAL
November 16th - January 7th
Downtown Parks

This year, various parks and squares in downtown will be lit with over 450,000 lights and hundreds of activities during the largest of our free events, the 8th annual Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival. Especially dazzling for the young and young at heart, this year's displays will include some returning favorites as well as a few new animated light scenes. The event runs from November 16th through January 7th. The Festival Kick Off will take place on November 16th at 6:00pm in Pere Marquette Park with a grand flipping of the switch as well as live music and a brilliant fireworks display.

For $1, you can enhance your festival experience by hooking up with the Jingle Bus Connection - a Coach bus tour that takes you through all the lit parks as well as past some of the decorated downtown areas. Catch the Jingle Bus from the Hilton Milwaukee City Center, the festival's Official Warming House. Enter from the Hilton's 6th Street entrance to receive free hot cocoa, cookies and a warm place to await your tour. Children aboard the Jingle Bus will also receive free coloring books and crayons.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT PARK
November 16th - January 7th
Cathedral Square Park (Located at North Jefferson and East Wells Streets)

Over 30 area schools will place their mark on "Community Spirit Park" as they deck our evergreens with handmade ornaments. Grouped with several other fresh evergreens, these trees will surround a 50-foot tree of ever-changing, energy efficient LED lights.

FAIRYTALE DREAMS
November 16th - January 7th
Pere Marquette Park (Located at West Kilbourn and Old World Third Streets)

Get ready to be whisked away in this whimsical scene as toy soldiers come alive. Other magical highlights include a holiday wizard, an animated fountain scene, a castle spectacular and more! Dreams do come true. It all takes place in Pere Marquette Park.

HOLIDAY CIRCUS FUN
November 16th - January 7th
Zeidler Union Square (Located on West Michigan between 3rd and 4th Streets)

Round up the troupe and head to "Holiday Circus Fun." With an animated carousel display, elephant sculpture, tightrope walker, trapeze scene, and the return of everyone's favorite giant red teddy bear, this three-ring circus will have you cheering for more!

BRILLIANT NIGHT, DAZZLING LIGHTS
November 17, 2006 6-8p.m.
Bay Shore Town Centre

This year for the first time, Bay Shore Mall will be lighting up for the holidays. Expected to become a cherished holiday tradition for future generations, this light show will begin with a festive holiday parade including an appearance by Santa. At the end of the parade, a lighting ceremony will be held to adorn an elegant 50' tree. Following the tree lighting, an enchanting evening of family merriment with holiday music, sidewalk vendors selling roasted nuts and cocoa, and of course, Santa to light up the night.

ORNAMENTS & ADORNMENTS
November 17, 2006 - November 19, 2006
Milwaukee Art Museum

9th Annual Juried and Invitational Holiday Show. Over 70 artists' work on display in a wide selection of jewelry, hand-wovens and knits, baskets, ceramics and gift items. Fri. Preview 5:30-8p.m., Sat. 10a.m.-5p.m., Sun. 10a.m.-5p.m.

MILWAUKEE HOLIDAY PARADE
November 18, 2006 at 9:30 AM
Downtown

Geared for all ages, the Milwaukee Holiday Parade is held a few weeks before Christmas to help combat the Wisconsin cold. However, last year temps on parade day reached the 50s and found the thousands who turned out for the event singing and dancing along the parade route rather than bundled and shivering in the cold. The 80th annual parade will feature 100 units including marching bands, floats, vehicles, military units, and, of course, Santa himself. Parade organizers estimate the entire spectacle will take about an hour to pass a given point. Begun in 1927, the parade has become a cherished Milwaukee Holiday tradition. The parade will be televised on Fox 6. The parade route begins near N. Prospect and Kilbourne and runs through downtown.

M&I BANK ANNUAL HOLIDAY DISPLAY
November 27, 2006 - January 2, 2007
M&I Bank Lobby

The whimsical holiday display features over 50 costumed Steiff animals including kangaroos, monkeys, bears and more. Open 9a.m.-8p.m. weekdays and from 9a.m.-4p.m. weekends, Christmas, and New Year's Day. The lobby will be closed after 5p.m. on Tues., Dec. 7; at 1p.m. on Sat, Dec. 9 and Sun, Dec. 24; and at 5p.m. on Tue, Jan. 2.

CHRISTMAS IN THE WARD
December 1 - December 2, 2006 Fri. 5-8p.m., Sat. 11a.m.-4p.m.
Historic Third Ward

Enjoy the holiday spirit of the Historic Third Ward with Santa, carriage rides, carolers, street entertainers and a wide variety of shops and galleries to explore. Explore the streets of this historic area of Milwaukee at your own leisure, but be sure not to miss the raffle, silent auction and cookie as you do. The tree lighting on Friday evening will be followed by a dazzling fireworks display.

SATURDAY CRAFTS
December 9, 2006 at 2:00PM
Atkinson Library

Children ages 6-12 can hear a holiday story and make a star ornament.

STROLLING SANTA
December 9, 2006 - December 17, 2006
Johnson Creek Premium Outlets

Strolling Santa visits Johnson Creek Premium Outlets spreading holiday cheer! Enjoy holiday musical entertainment as well.

HOLIDAY MOVIE & POPCORN
December 20, 2006 at 5:00PM
Villard Avenue Library

Enjoy a holiday movie and popcorn treat. For children ages 6-12.

HOLIDAY MOVIE & POPCORN
December 27, 2006 at 5:00PM
Martin Luther King Library

Enjoy a holiday movie and popcorn treat. For children ages 6-12.