Your 2022 Holiday Fun Guide: Lights Displays, Magical Experiences, and More

The holidays are officially here, and it’s time to put the “most” in the most wonderful time of the year.

Find the best holiday lights, the most magical experiences, the cutest Santa’s mailboxes, and more.

Consider this your holiday headquarters!

Holiday Lights

From Wild Lights at the Milwaukee County Zoo, to the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival downtown, to Candy Cane Lane in West Allis, and all the way out to Country Christmas in Pewaukee and Enchantment in the Park in West Bend, we’ve got the lowdown on the most bedazzling holiday lights in Southeastern Wisconsin.

See the 15 Best Milwaukee Holiday Lights Displays >>

Magical Holiday Experiences

The CP Train is back this year! Plus, stroll through the poinsettias at the Domes Holiday Show, watch the fireworks at Christmas in the Ward, be entranced by the Nutcracker, and more.

See all 11 Magical Holiday Experiences Your Kids Will Love >>

Live Theater

A live theater production is sure to spark your holiday spirit, and there’s no shortage around Milwaukee. Choose from “A Jolly Holiday: Celebrating Disney’s Broadway Hits” at the Skylight Music Theatre, First Stage’s, “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”, “Elf”, and more!

7 Live Holiday Shows Your Kids Will Love >>

Meet Santa

Santa has landed safely in Milwaukee! He’ll be making stops all over town, including Santa’s Cavalcade in downtown Milwaukee, the Pabst Mansion, the Pfister Hotel, the Cheer District, and more.

See all 20 Places to Meet Santa in the Milwaukee Area >>

Santa’s Mailboxes

Colectivo Coffee cafe North Pole Mailbox letters to Santa Milwaukee Wisconsin — Make your list, and check it twice! Santa Claus is placing his bright red mailboxes all over town for your children’s letters and wish lists.

You’ll find new mailboxes at Colectivo Cafe locations, and you can get a free hot cocoa with a purchase when you drop off your letter. Plus, ride the hop to Cathedral Square Park, or drop your letter off in the fancy lobby of the Pfister Hotel.

See all 9 Mailboxes in Milwaukee >>

Tree Lightings

Milwaukee is lit! (Literally.)

We found Tree Lightings happening all over the city to dazzle you and your family. They are listed in chronological order and by month, for maximum busy-parent convenience.

See all 10 Dazzling Christmas Tree Lightings Around Milwaukee >>

Christmas Tree Farms

Sleigh Rides

It’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride in southeastern Wisconsin! Take a magical sleigh or sled ride in the great outdoors. From Apple Holler to Roden Barnyard Adventures, here are some good options for this unique wintry experience.

2022 Experience Gift Guide

This year, we’re highlighting unique experiences from 14 local partners that make great gifts, including Bug & Goose Play Cafe, Little Sprouts Play Cafe, First Statge,School of Rock in Shorewood, and more.

See all 14 Experiences That Make Great Gifts >>

Toy Stores & Children’s Boutiques

We know our readers love to shop local. Have you heard of these local toy stores and children’s boutiques? They’re thoughtfully curated and family-owned.