Holiday events
Milwaukee Annual Christmas Tree Lighting: November 16, City Hall on the corner of Water and Wells. Entertainment from local choirs, ensembles, and theater groups, begins at 5:00 p.m. with a short program at 5:15 p.m. and the tree lighting at 5:29 p.m. After the tree lighting, cross the Kilbourn Avenue bridge to the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival kickoff in Pere Marquette Park.
Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival: Nov. 16, 2016-Jan. 1, 2017. The event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 16 in Pere Marquette Park. There’s pre-show entertainment at 5:30 p.m., a program at 6:30 p.m, and the tree lighting and fireworks at 7:00 p.m. For just $2, take the 40-minute Jingle Bus ride, which showcases the lights displays as well as iconic downtown landmarks.
Holiday Folk Fair International: Nov. 17-19. The folk fair features three days of traditional music, dance, and food with a music pavilion, international stage, cooking demonstrations, world cafe, coffee house, interactive exhibits, vendor booths, and much more.
Milwaukee Holiday Parade: Saturday, Nov. 18 at 9:30 a.m. The parade features more than 100 units including floats, marching bands, local celebrities, costumed characters, giant helium balloons, live animals, specialty vehicles, and of course, Santa.
Deck the Streets of Old Milwaukee: Nov. 18-Jan. 29. The Milwaukee Public Museum transforms the Streets of Old Milwaukee into a holiday wonderland with a Victorian-era touch featuring holly, ribbons, wreaths, garlands, bells, and more. The exhibit kicks off on Saturday, November 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with crafts, interactive exhibits, live music, and a visit from Santa. Santa will also be visiting the Streets of Old Milwaukee on December 2.
Annual Tree Lighting @ Bayshore Town Center: Saturday, November 18 at 6:00 p.m. Watch the tree lighting in the Bayshore Town Square, which may include an appearance from Santa. Afterward, grab a bite to eat or do a little holiday shopping.
Candy Cane Lane: Nov. 25-Dec. 26, 6:00-9:00 p.m. weekdays, 5:00-10:00 p.m. weekends. There are more than 300 homes that participate in the annual Candy Cane Lane. View decorations in West Allis from 92nd to 96th Street between Montana Avenue and Oklahoma Avenue. The event is free, but donations to the MACC fund are always appreciated.
Nov. 4: Veterans Day Parade
Nov. 4: Family Free Day at the Milwaukee County Zoo
Nov. 4-5: Journal Sentinel Food & Wine Experience
Nov. 5: Sticky Fingers Food Competition and Feast
Nov. 5: Grace Fine Art & Craft Festival
Nov. 11-12: Trainfest
Also, don’t forget to check out the winters’ farmers market, which kicks off Nov. 4! Located in the Mitchell Park Domes Annex, the market runs every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. through April 14. 50 weekly vendors supply produce, eggs, meat, poultry, and dairy products as well as locally produced jams, honey, baked goods, maple syrup, cider, sauces, and soups. Market admission and parking are free. Coat check is available. Regular Domes admission applies to enter the conservatories.
Are you looking for even more things to do in Milwaukee on the cheap?
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[Disclaimer: I do not work for the city of Milwaukee. I am not paid to promote any of the events listed on this page. I’m simply a resident of southeast WI who loves Milwaukee and enjoys attending and generating exposure for events in Milwaukee.]