North Shore
Family Adventures

Holiday Guides

Explore our holiday guides stories and guides.

66 stories

Fourth of July in Milwaukee’s North Shore 2026

Celebrating the Fourth of July in Milwaukee's North Shore offers a variety of family-friendly events, including parades, live music, and spectacular fireworks displays. Here's a guide to the festivities in several North Shore communities:

4th of July in Port Washington 2026: Parade & Fireworks

America turns 250 this year, and Port Washington is celebrating with the kind of hometown Fourth of July that feels straight out of a summer postcard: a downtown parade, decorated kids’ bikes, patriotic programming, family games, live music, a beer garden, and fireworks over Lake Michigan.

2026 Fourth of July Guide: Waukesha & Lake Country

Looking for the best places to celebrate the Fourth of July in Waukesha County and Lake Country? Whether you're searching for hometown parades, spectacular fireworks, lakefront celebrations, family festivals, boat parades, or patriotic traditions, you'll find something happening all weekend long as communities celebrate both Independence Day and America's 250th birthday.

Fourth of July at Elkhart Lake: Your 2026 Guide

Plan your Fourth of July at Elkhart Lake with this 2026 guide to the boat parade, lakefront fireworks, the Fireman's Picnic, the famous Sunday parade, and live music—about an hour from Milwaukee.

Memorial Day Weekend 2026: Parades, Parks, Fests, and Trips

Looking for fun things to do with kids Memorial Day weekend 2026 near Milwaukee? From the IKEA Kite Festival and Field of Flags to Brewers games, Falls Memorial Fest, Wisconsin Dells, and Bay Beach, here's your complete family guide.

Milwaukee 414 Day 2026: the complete guide

Your 414 Day 2026 guide covers the Deer District festival, $4.14 deals at restaurants and breweries, Milwaukee County Zoo discounted admission, the Brewers' 414-themed game, free ice cream spots, family-friendly activities, live events, pre-414 weekend happenings including limited-edition sneaker drops and makers markets, and subscription and ticket promotions.

Groundhog's Day 2026: Your complete guide

The greater Milwaukee area offers three confirmed Groundhog's Day prediction ceremonies on February 2, 2026, plus dozens of winter events in the surrounding days perfect for families celebrating the occasion.

Galentine's Day 2026 in greater Milwaukee

Galentine's Day 2026 falls on Friday, February 13th , giving you and your best girlfriends the perfect excuse to celebrate friendship before Valentine's Day weekend takes over.

The ultimate Milwaukee area Valentine's Season getaway guide

Valentine's Day 2026 falls on Saturday, February 14—prime weekend timing that means early reservations are essential. Many properties offer packages throughout February, giving couples flexibility beyond the single holiday. The guide below moves from Milwaukee outward, organized by driving distance to help you plan the perfect escape.

Valentine's Day flowers in Greater Milwaukee: A Complete Guide

Finding the perfect Valentine's Day flowers in the Milwaukee area has never been easier —with over 50 florists, grocery stores, and online services delivering across the region. Whether you're looking for a $9.99 dozen roses at Trader Joe's or a $275 luxury arrangement from a boutique florist, this guide covers every option from Mequon to Oak Creek.

Milwaukee Restaurants Open New Year's Day 2026

Finding a great restaurant on New Year's Day in Milwaukee doesn't have to be stressful. While many independent restaurants close to give staff a post-NYE break, dozens of excellent options across the metro area welcome families on January 1st—from upscale hotel brunches to beloved brunch spots, supper clubs, and reliable chains.

Milwaukee Family New Year’s Eve Guide: Ring in 2026 with Kids

The greater Milwaukee area offers more than a dozen family-friendly events on December 31, 2025, with celebrations timed specifically for young children —including "noon countdowns," early evening festivities, and even free fireworks at 8:00 PM

Christmas Volunteer Guide for Greater Milwaukee Families

Greater Milwaukee offers dozens of meaningful ways to volunteer on December 24-25, from serving holiday meals at downtown Milwaukee's largest community feast to delivering hot dinners to seniors in their homes. This guide covers confirmed opportunities for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2025 across Milwaukee, Waukesha, and surrounding communities—organized by type so you can find the right fit for your family.

Nativity scenes and displays in the Greater Milwaukee area

From life-sized Vatican replicas to historic 18th-century Italian crèches, the greater Milwaukee area offers an extraordinary variety of nativity scenes and Christmas displays worth visiting with your family this season.

Milwaukee Area's Best Christmas Lights Synced to Music

Radio-synchronized Christmas light displays illuminate the greater Milwaukee area this holiday season , offering families a magical drive-through experience where dazzling LED shows dance in perfect harmony with holiday music broadcast through your car stereo.

Give Local This Giving Tuesday: North Shore Nonprofits

This Giving Tuesday on December 2, 2025, residents of Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, Fox Point, Bayside, Mequon, and Glendale have exceptional opportunities to invest in their own backyard—supporting organizations where every dollar stays local and impacts their neighbors directly.

414 Things to Do in Milwaukee's North Shore for 414 Day

In the spirit of 414 Day, we brainstormed, explored, and maybe got a little carried away, creating a list of precisely 414 things you can do, see, and experience right here in Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, Glendale, Fox Point, Bayside and River Hills.

Earlier season · 2026

Milwaukee's ultimate New Year's Dining Guide 2025-2026

The Milwaukee area offers more than 130 restaurants taking reservations for New Year's Eve 2025 and New Year's Day 2026, ranging from lavish six-course tasting experiences to family-friendly celebrations under $40.

Earlier edition · 2025

Milwaukee Christmas Restaurant Guide 2025: Where to Dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Milwaukee-area restaurants will welcome you on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2025, from elegant hotel brunches to beloved neighborhood spots. Whether you're craving prime rib in a grand ballroom, interactive hibachi with the kids, or takeout Chinese (a time-honored tradition), this comprehensive guide covers every option across the greater Milwaukee area.

Earlier edition · 2025

Milwaukee grocery store hours for Christmas 2025

Nearly every major grocery store in the Milwaukee area will close on Christmas Day 2025, but most remain open on Christmas Eve with reduced hours—some closing as early as 4 PM. This comprehensive guide covers exact hours, locations, and smart strategies to help your family navigate holiday shopping without last-minute stress.

Earlier edition · 2025

Hanukkah in Milwaukee's North Shore: Complete 2025 Guide

Hanukkah 2025 runs December 14-22 this year , and Milwaukee's North Shore communities are lighting up with family-friendly celebrations, giant menorahs, gelt drops, and latke-filled festivities. From Glendale's spectacular Chanukah Festival to nightly menorah lightings in Whitefish Bay, here's everything your family needs to plan eight nights of community celebration.

Earlier edition · 2025

Santa Visits in Greater Milwaukee: Winter 2025 Guide

The Milwaukee area offers more than 60 Santa experiences this December, ranging from free community visits to premium photo sessions on Harley-Davidson motorcycles. After extensive research, this guide organizes every option by type with the specific dates, prices, and logistics families need to plan their perfect holiday outing.

Earlier edition · 2025

Milwaukee Area Mall Hours & Santa Photo Guide: Winter 2025

Malls in greater Milwaukee host full Santa photo experiences this season , running from mid-November through Christmas Eve. Mayfair Mall, Southridge Mall, and Brookfield Square each offer professional Santa photos with reservation options, sensory-friendly hours, and pet photo opportunities.

Earlier edition · 2025

Milwaukee North Shore Holiday Gift Guide 2025

The North Shore's best family-friendly gifts are hiding in plain sight right in your own neighborhoods. This comprehensive guide showcases businesses, experiences, and treasures from nature memberships that inspire year-round exploration to locally-owned toy stores where staff still wrap presents by hand.

Earlier edition · 2025

Best Christmas Tree Farms Milwaukee 2025 Guide

Find the best Christmas tree farms and vendors in Milwaukee, Franklin, Cedarburg, Waukesha & Burlington. Complete 2024 guide to cut-your-own farms, pre-cut lots, tree varieties, prices & care tips for the perfect family Christmas tree.

Earlier edition · 2025

Where to Get 2025 Advent Calendars in the Milwaukee Area

Milwaukee shoppers have access to over 50 local retailers offering advent calendars from budget chocolate options to $860 luxury beauty collections , with standout local options including MobCraft Beer's craft beer calendar and Fazio's anniversary chocolate collection.

Earlier edition · 2025

Breakfast with Santa in Greater Milwaukee 2025: A Family Guide

The holiday season brings magical breakfast with Santa experiences throughout Greater Milwaukee. Whether you're seeking elegant hotel settings, unique museum adventures, or budget-friendly community events, this comprehensive guide covers all the places where families can share a festive meal with jolly old Saint Nick during November-December 2025.

Earlier edition · 2025

Milwaukee North Shore Holiday Events Guide 2025

The Milwaukee North Shore suburbs transform into a festive winter wonderland throughout late November and December 2025, offering everything from traditional tree lightings and Santa visits to brewery celebrations and nature preserve winter hikes.