Your Ultimate North Shore Hot Cocoa Guide

After the lights fade out, the cocoa game heats up. If you're looking for the perfect treat with the kids this weekend, you're in luck—the North Shore and downtown Milwaukee have some genuinely delightful spots serving festive, non-alcoholic hot cocoa that'll warm everyone up after driving through those dazzling displays. I've done the legwork so you can focus on the fun.

Here's the thing most families discover the hard way: many cafes close by 5 or 6 PM, which doesn't help when you're wrapping up lights at 7:30. So I've paid special attention to evening hours and highlighted the spots that'll actually be open when you need them.

More sweet treats: The best Belgian waffles in Greater Milwaukee

The North Shore's best bets for festive cocoa

Stone Creek Coffee Whitefish Bay

This is your go-to spot, and it's not even close. Stone Creek's Whitefish Bay location at 527 E. Silver Spring Drive stays open until 9 PM every single day—the best evening hours on the North Shore. That alone makes it gold for post-lights outings.

But here's what makes it special: there's a dedicated kids' play area, so the little ones can burn off some energy while you decompress with your hot chocolate made with Ghirardelli chocolate, steamed milk, and fresh whipped cream (around $3-4 for a medium). The space was renovated in 2023 with extensive local artwork throughout, creating an inviting, neighborhood-hangout vibe. There's even a walk-up window if you want to grab and go. This is the spot if you want minimal stress and maximum family-friendliness after a long evening of light-viewing.

Café Hollander Mequon

If you want to turn hot cocoa into an event, Café Hollander's Grand Café at 5900 W. Mequon Road is your destination. They're open until 10 PM daily, and their holiday menu includes a "Luscious Cocoa"—dark, decadent hot chocolate topped with marshmallows that's completely non-alcoholic (they also offer a spiked Peppermint Silk version for the adults, but the kid-friendly version holds its own).

The real draw here? Winter Domes. These heated outdoor igloos accommodate up to 6 guests for 90 minutes and include a complimentary welcome drink. You'll need reservations, but it's honestly one of the most memorable family winter experiences in the area. The Belgian-inspired restaurant has two dining floors and a rooftop patio, making it feel genuinely special without being stuffy. Kids are absolutely welcome in the domes.

Colectivo Coffee Shorewood

The Colectivo at 4500 N. Oakland Avenue is a Shorewood institution with a fun quirk worth knowing: their signature Peppermint Fluff Latte can be ordered as a "Chocolate Peppermint Fluff" version—essentially fancy hot chocolate with house-made peppermint marshmallow fluff. It's festive, photogenic, and delicious.

The catch is they close at 6 PM, so you'll need to hit this one before lights if you're doing an evening route. However, they often offer free hot chocolate for kids during special holiday events when you drop off letters at their North Pole mailbox—check their socials for dates. The space features a unique "crooked room" with wood details and solid patio seating when weather cooperates.

Fiddleheads Coffee Mequon

Tucked at 192 South Main Street in Thiensville (just over the Mequon border), this locally-owned spot has something rare: a fireplace. The rough-hewn hardwood floors and antique artwork give it an Old Vienna coffeehouse feel that screams "winter cozy." Their hot cocoa and mochas are solid, and it's one of the largest Fiddleheads locations with views of the Milwaukee River. Perfect for families who want atmosphere over fancy specialty drinks.

Kilwins at Bayshore

Here's a wildcard that kids will absolutely love: Kilwins at 5756 N. Bayshore Drive in Glendale has created "Choc-cuterie" hot chocolate boards. You get chocolate shreds for building your own rich cocoa, house-made marshmallows, chocolate-dipped Oreos, shortbread, peppermint bark, and more—all arranged beautifully. It's interactive, Instagram-worthy, and genuinely fun for families. The Bayshore location makes it easy to park and stroll.

Downtown options

Red Elephant Chocolate — the triple-chocolate experience

If you're venturing downtown anyway for the Holiday Lights Festival, Red Elephant Chocolate at 220 E. Buffalo Street (across from the Public Market) serves what they call "REAL Hot Chocolate"—and they mean it. It's chocolate three ways: rich hot chocolate base, chocolate whipped cream on top, and ground chocolate as garnish. USA Today named them among the country's best chocolate cafés.

They also offer unique CHAK'ATL cocoa bean beverages in flavors like Amazon River Gold and Ivory Coast Pearl, plus cocoa bean tea for the health-conscious. The Third Ward location is charming with café seating, and it's completely family-friendly. Call ahead to confirm evening hours.

Milwaukee Public Market — the all-in-one option

The Public Market at 400 N. Water Street stays open until 8 PM Monday-Saturday (6 PM Sunday), making it practical for post-lights visits. Inside, Anodyne Coffee offers quality hot chocolate, and Freese's Candy Shoppe—a Milwaukee institution since 1928—has Wisconsin-made Chocolate Shoppe ice cream and handmade chocolates alongside hot drinks. The market's upstairs Palm Garden seating area gives you space to spread out while kids gawk at all the food options.

Indulgence Chocolatiers — Friday and Saturday night gold

Here's a clutch detail: Indulgence Chocolatiers at 211 S. 2nd Street (Walker's Point, just south of downtown) stays open until 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Their artisan hot chocolate is made with handcrafted dark chocolate, and you can watch chocolatiers at work through the open kitchen. They also have a Shorewood location at 4525 N. Oakland Ave, though with earlier hours. For a Friday or Saturday post-lights run, the Walker's Point location is a gem.

Special events and experiences this season

Cocoa with the Clauses — free hot cocoa and cookies

Mark your calendar: December 13, 2024, from 11 AM to 2 PM at Cathedral Square Park, the Holiday Lights Festival hosts "Cocoa with the Clauses." This event offers free hot cocoa and cookies, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, face painting, elves, and live music. It's completely free and sponsored by Educators Credit Union. If you can swing a daytime outing, this is a no-brainer.

Milwaukee County Zoo Wild Lights

The Zoo Wild Lights (running through December 31, 5:30-9 PM) isn't just about lights—their hot cocoa game is solid. The Coffee Shop near the main entrance serves hot chocolate for $5.99, or grab a souvenir mug for $9.99 with $2.99 refills throughout the night. The Cocoa Camper inside has standard and spiked options. While there, kids can ride the carousel, take a train ride, and meet Santa. Adult tickets run $18-20; kids 3-12 are $16-18; under 2 free. Sensory-friendly nights and special "pajama party" events are also offered.

Slice of Ice at Red Arrow Park — skating plus cocoa

Red Arrow Park's ice rink at 920 N. Water Street opens December 13, 2024 and runs through winter. A new Biggby Coffee location just opened at the warming house (December 3, 2024), serving hot chocolate and treats while you watch skaters or warm up after a spin on the ice. Skating is free with your own skates; rentals are $8 for kids, $11 for adults. Open until 9 PM Sunday-Thursday, 11 PM Friday-Saturday.

Making the most of your hot cocoa outing

Plan around hours. Most North Shore coffee shops close by 6 or 7 PM. Your safest bets for post-lights are Stone Creek Whitefish Bay (9 PM), Café Hollander Mequon (10 PM), and if you're downtown, Indulgence Chocolatiers on Fri-Sat (10 PM) or the Public Market (8 PM).

Pair with a light route. If you're doing Shorewood/Whitefish Bay neighborhood lights, Stone Creek WFB is perfectly positioned. If you're hitting the Zoo Wild Lights, consider Kilwins at Bayshore on your way home—it's practically on the route.

Manage expectations with little ones. Hot drinks + tired kids + nice cafés = potential chaos. Stone Creek WFB's play area helps immensely. Café Hollander's domes contain the energy. The Public Market gives everyone options if one kid wants ice cream instead of cocoa.

Call ahead on holiday weeks. Christmas week and New Year's schedules vary wildly. A quick call saves a hangry meltdown in a parking lot.

Quick reference by situation

Latest evening hours: Café Hollander Mequon (10 PM) → Stone Creek WFB (9 PM) → Colectivo Lakefront (7 PM)

Best for wiggly kids: Stone Creek Whitefish Bay (play area) or Milwaukee Public Market (space to roam)

Most festive atmosphere: Café Hollander Winter Domes or Zoo Wild Lights Cocoa Camper

Best actual hot chocolate: Red Elephant triple chocolate, Indulgence Chocolatiers dark chocolate, or Kilwins build-your-own boards

Free options: Cocoa with the Clauses (Dec 13), Holiday Lights Festival kickoff events, Colectivo kids' cocoa during special holiday events

The bottom line

For most North Shore families doing post-lights cocoa this weekend, Stone Creek Coffee in Whitefish Bay is the move—open late, kids' area, quality cocoa, easy parking. If you want to make it an experience and can plan ahead, Café Hollander's Winter Domes are genuinely magical. And if you're downtown anyway for the Holiday Lights Festival walking route, Red Elephant Chocolate will give you the best actual hot cocoa in the city.

Now get out there, see some lights, and warm up with something delicious. That's what this season is all about.

Happy holidays from North Shore Family Adventures!