Santa Claus has landed safely in Milwaukee! We’re keeping track of all the stops he’s making around Southeastern Wisconsin. Here’s a running list of the places you can meet Santa this year:
1. Pabst Mansion
Nov. 27, Dec. 4, 11, 18, 2022, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Admission: Adults $20; Seniors/Military/Students $18; Children 6-17 $13; Members and Children 5 and Under FREE
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Delight in the wonderment of Christmas at the Pabst Mansion where no two Christmases are the same. From glitz and glam to train tracks and teddy bears around the tree, each room is decked from tip to mistletoe.
Father Christmas travels south to visit the Pabst Mansion each Sunday from 3:30pm-5:30 p.m. Create magical memories with holiday treats and letters to Santa (included with general admission).
Limited space available; advance ticket purchase highly recommended. Tickets will be exchangeable up to 48 hours in advance, non-refundable.
2. Mayfair Mall
2500 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa, WI 53226
Nov. 18-Dec. 23, 2022 (closed Nov. 24, Dec. 24)
Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sundays, Noon-6 p.m.
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Pre-booking your Santa Magic photo experience at Mayfair Mall is highly encouraged, and you’ll even receive a free phone call from St. Nick when you book online. Walk-up visits are available as space permits.
On December 4 (9-10 a.m.), children and families with special needs can visit Santa in a sensory-friendly environment with an inclusive atmosphere. Reservations are required for this private photo experience. Donations will be collected on behalf of Autism Speaks.
Bring your favorite fur friends to visit Santa on Pet Nights: Nov. 21, Nov. 28, and Dec. 5 (4-7 p.m.). Donations will be collected on behalf of The Humane Society of the United States.
3. Southridge Mall
5300 S. 76th St., Greendale, WI 53129
Nov. 19-Dec. 25, 2022
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Head to Center Court in Southridge Mall to welcome Santa on Saturday, Nov. 19. Santa will arrive by the Choo Choo Express at 11:45 a.m. and start taking photos at Noon.
The first family to take a photo with Santa will receive a special gift with exclusive deals to help you start your holiday shopping. Three families will randomly receive a gift certificate for their photos with Santa. The first 25 kids will receive a gift bag.
Jester Fun will be twisting up holiday-themed balloons and glitter tattoos. There also will be a craft area for families to make an ornament together to kickoff the holiday season.
4. Brookfield Square Mall
95 N. Moorland Rd., Brookfield, WI 53005
Nov. 18-Dec. 24, 2022 (Closed Thanksgiving)
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, Noon-6 p.m. (Special Hours: Saturday, December 24, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., 2 p.m.-4 p.m.)
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All kids and kids-at-heart can meet and greet Santa at Center Court. Brookfield Square offers three different photo packages. You can have photos taken of your pets with Santa on Mondays (4-7 p.m.)
Note: Santa takes a break to feed the reindeer from 2 to 3 p.m., Monday thru Saturday, and 2:30 to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Visits are always free, though photo packages are available for purchase. Reservations for Santa are encouraged, but not required.
5. The Corners of Brookfield
Brunch With Santa at Cafe Hollander
Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Santa Claus is coming to town! Enjoy Brunch with Santa at Café Hollander Brookfield. Call 262-785-4490 for more information, or visit Cafe Hollander’s website.
Meet Santa at Kendra Scott
Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, 9-11 a.m.
Admission: $10 (Under 2 FREE)
Enjoy some holiday cheer with Santa at Kendra Scott! Santa will be onsite from 9 to 11 a.m., and each ticket will be valid for a half-hour time slot. Capture moments with Santa, enjoy sweets and treats and create arts and crafts. Tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. on Monday, November 21.
6. Cheer District
Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022
Admission: Adults $50; Children 3-11 $25; Children Under 3 FREE
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The Deer District has transformed to the “Cheer District” for the holiday season, and the MECCA Sports Bar & Grill will host a Breakfast with Santa on December 11, presented by We Energies.
The event will include pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, an appearance from Bango, a breakfast buffet featuring build-your-own pancake and French toast stations, and a cookie decorating kit. Make reservations now!
7. Cabela’s
1 Cabela Way, Richfield, WI 53076
Nov. 5-Dec. 24, 2022
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Santa’s Wonderland continues at Cabela’s this year, so you can get some of your holiday shopping done and get a FREE 4×6 studio-quality photo of your kid with Santa at the same time! Additional photo packages available for purchase and instant in-store printing. Advance reservations are recommended.
During your visit, families can mail their letter to Santa and receive free giveaways while supplies last. Families can also enjoy the amazing aquariums and wildlife displays found in every Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s store.
8. The Pfister Hotel
424 E. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202
Dec. 4, 10-11, 17-18, 2022, 8-9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Admission: Adults $63; Children (3-10 years) $30, 2 and under FREE (tax and gratuity not included)
Website
The Pfister’s Breakfast with Santa is back by popular demand! Guests have the opportunity to share a jolly breakfast collection with Santa and his elves in The Pfister’s festive ballroom. Chefs will be in the room griddling up chocolate chip and blueberry pancakes with all the trimmings, along with everyone’s traditional buffet favorites.
In addition to photos with Santa, which are highly encouraged, every child will receive a special gift and will be able to make crafts while composing a handwritten letter to Santa. Smaller seating groups for each date will ensure that everyone has an exceptional experience.
Reservations required with full pre-payment by credit card. Reservations are refundable if canceled 72 hours prior to the event.
9. Little Sprouts Play Café
Shorewood: 4606 N. Wilson Dr., Shorewood, WI 53211
Mequon: 1406 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon, WI 53092
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Private Playtime With Santa
Dec. 1-10, 2022
You and your group of friends can have an entire Little Sprouts Play Café to yourselves – and Santa! Add on family and friends to your reservation (up to 16 total people with a maximum of 8 kids). Playtime includes open play, singing and a hot cocoa bar. Kids will have the opportunity to hand-deliver their letters to Santa and get a photo taken with him. Santa will also bring a small gift for each child.
Breakfast With Santa
Dec. 4 and Dec. 11, 2022, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
This year’s new event will include a breakfast buffet with donuts, bagels, fresh fruit, yogurt, breakfast sausage, egg bites, mimosas and coffee. There will also be plenty of time for open play and visiting with Santa. He is also bringing a small gift for each child over 12 months.
Santa Family Movie Night (Mequon location only)
Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, 4:30-7 p.m.
For one night only, Santa will visit during Family Movie night! There will be an hour to play, eat and visit with Santa. All children (and families) will have plenty of time to chat with him and take as many pictures as you want. After Santa leaves, the movie (The Polar Express) will begin. Come dressed in your comfiest outfit – even PJs! Or bring them along and change after your picture with Santa.
Santa Deliveries
Dec. 9-10, 2022
For select zip codes. Santa will visit your house from a safe distance outside. Pictures are welcome! Santa will also drop off a Christmas gift bag filled holiday goodies – including Reindeer Food. Add on any extra gifts from the Little Sprouts Toy Store to your order, and Santa will deliver them gift-wrapped. If you’re purchasing two or more Santa Delivery Bags for your family, you can use code SANTADELIVERY to get 35% off each bag.
10. Ruckus & Glee
805 N. 68th St., Wauwatosa, WI 53213
Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, 1-5 p.m.
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Santa is in the house! Santa’s elves gave us the message that Santa is stopping by Ruckus & Glee for four hours on the day after Thanksgiving. So stop on by, share a Christmas list with Santa, and snap all the pics you want – for FREE!
11. Santa’s Workshop
Downtown Cedarburg
Nov. 25-26, Dec. 2-3, 10, 16-17, 20, 23, 2022
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Each year, a charming 15×15-foot gingerbread house graces Cedarburg’s Washington Avenue for the entire Christmas season. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be stopping by Santa’s Workshop on select days from Nov. 25 to Dec. 23. Kids are encouraged to drop off letters to Santa.
On Tuesday, December 23, Santa and Mrs. Claus will spend the evening in Cedarburg, walking around and posing for photos!
Note: Santa will be at the Cedar Creek Settlement on Friday, December 9.
12. Natty Oaks
11505 W. National Ave., West Allis, WI 53227
Nov. 29-Dec. 22, 2022 (Saturday-Sunday, Tuesday-Thursday)
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Natty Oaks offers three cozy, clear-view chalets, so your family can have a fun, unique holiday experience. Each outdoor chalet seats up to six adults and features an adorable mini fireplace to keep everyone warm, even on a snowy night. Eat fresh popcorn and warm up with a complimentary carafe of hot cocoa or hot cider.
During your one-hour visit, you will get a special personalized visit from Santa! He will visit with your family for 15 minutes, providing the perfect opportunity to take photos and ask questions about the North Pole. An elf will be on hand to take photos for you (using your camera).
You can also catch the big guy himself as he’s walking through 12,000 square feet of Christmas lights displays around the property.
13. Cruisin’ Santa Claus (Greenfield)
Dec. 12-15, 2022
Beginning nightly at 6 p.m.
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Back by popular demand, Santa will be cruisin’ through Greenfield neighborhoods with Mrs. Claus and some friends. Below is a list of dates and the areas of Greenfield the Cruisin’ Santa Claus parade will be in:
- Monday, December 12: Southeast
- Tuesday, December 13: Far West
- Wednesday, December 14: East
- Thursday, December 15: North Central
Actual routes will be posted on the City of Greenfield website once they have been finalized. The Santa Tracker will also be available each evening, so you can see in real time where parade is located on the route.
14. Downtown Milwaukee
Santa’s Christmas Cavalcade
Saturday, Dec. 3, and Friday, Dec. 9, 2022 (starting at 5:15 p.m.)
See Santa and Mrs. Claus on this festive route riding atop a vintage fire truck. The route departs from the Milwaukee Public Market and travels throughout downtown. Sarah Fierek will also be on board, singing jazzy holiday tunes. On Dec. 9, the Cavalcade will feature Black Santa.
Cocoa with the Clauses
Presented by Madison Medical Affiliates
Cathedral Square Park, 520 E. Wells St., Milwaukee, WI 53202
Sat, Dec. 10, 2022, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Santa and Mrs. Claus return for this annual cocoa klatch. The free outdoor event is a chance for kids to share their wish lists, and for moms and dads to grab keepsake photos. Elves and other holiday characters will also be there! Plus, complimentary cookies and hot cocoa will be provided, thanks to Taste of Home.
15. Very Merry Milwaukee (Milwaukee County Historical Society)
910 N. Old World Third St., Milwaukee, WI 53203
Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Admission: FREE (Photos with Santa are $10 each or 2 for $15)
Website
At this family-friendly event, you can see Billie the Brownie and the MCHS holiday exhibit, take your picture with Santa, make an ornament, and write a letter to Rudolf and his friends. Cookies, brownies, and hot chocolate will be for sale in Mrs. Claus’ kitchen.
Afterward, John Gurda will be available to sign copies of his new book (Brewtown Tales: More Stories from Milwaukee & Beyond) and answer questions from Noon to 1:30 p.m.
16. MOTOR Bar & Restaurant
Harley-Davidson Museum, 401 W. Canal St., Milwaukee, WI 53203
Sunday, Dec. 11 and Dec. 18, 2022, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
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Bring the family for breakfast with Santa, then take part in an audio-guided experience that will dive into Harley-Davidson history, demos on H-D® IRONe™ (a kid-size electric balance bike), airbrush tattoos, LEGO kits and more.
Along with the usual lunch menu, a breakfast menu will be available. Gingerbread houses can be purchased to decorate for $20 each.
17. Old World Wisconsin
W372 S9727 Hwy 67, Eagle, WI 53119
December 3-4, 10-11, 2022, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Admission: Adults/Seniors $19.99; Children 5-12 $13.99; Under 5 FREE
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During Home for the Holidays at Old World Wisconsin, you can listen to traditional holiday brass carols, sip a hot cup of cider or wassail, and enjoy some holiday shopping. But keep a watchful eye out for the Krampus! If you’ve been nice, make sure to stop by Santa’s workshop to say hello and take the perfect family photo.
Stroll through Crossroads Village, decked in holiday greenery, full of festive stories and merry memories. Explore a rich mosaic of ethnic traditions and discover how they continue to be part of our modern celebrations.
18. Sprecher Brewery
701 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale, WI 53209
Nov. 20, 27; Dec. 4, 11, 2022 (tours at noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.)
Admission: Adults $12, Minors $8
Website
Soda with Santa is a time-honored tradition and a fun, family-friendly event at Sprecher Brewery! On Sundays during the holiday season, you can get your photo taken with Santa, then go on a brewery tour with craft beer samples for the adults and unlimited soda samples for everyone. You can start getting samples after check-in, so you can enjoy beer or soda while you wait for your picture.
While you’re on the tour, Sprecher uses your Santa picture to create a custom label (choose from two designs. Then they put that label on as many 12-packs of 16 oz. Root Beer bottles as you choose to purchase (12 bottle minimum; $2.25 per bottle).
19. Menomonee Falls Christkindl Market
Centennial Plaza, Downtown Memonomee Falls
Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Photos: $25 for 5 digital portraits
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Everything German and Christmas awaits you on the corner of Appleton and Main in downtown Menomonee Falls. Get professional portraits with Santa in the building next to Centennial Plaza, where you can purchase German-style brats and beer, Glühwein, hot chocolate, German desserts, and Christmas greenery.
There will also be a music tent featuring German bands, dancers and games. Beistle Bros will offer carriage rides at the waterfall on Main Street.
20. Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel [SOLD OUT]
Simone Ballroom, 139 E. Kilbourn Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202
Dec. 17-18, 2022, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Tickets: Adults: $49, Children (Age 3-10): $24, Children 2 and under: Free (Tax and gratuity not included)
Website
Start a new holiday tradition at Saint Kate’s “Brunch with Santa” and create lifelong memories! Chefs will be griddling up chocolate chip and blueberry pancakes with all the trimmings, along with traditional buffet favorites.
In addition to photos with Santa, which are highly encouraged, every child will receive a special gift and will be able to make crafts while composing a handwritten letter to Santa. Reservations required.
Do you know where Santa will be this year? Email us the information at hello@mkewithkids.com.
There’s more!
Experience Gift Ideas
Holiday Light Displays
Santa’s Mailboxes
Magical Holiday Experiences
Local Toy Stores
Sleigh Rides
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