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.

Important Note: Many venues have not yet announced their specific 2025 dates as of late October. For venues listing 2024 dates, these are annual traditions that typically follow similar schedules each year. Contact venues directly starting in early November 2025 for confirmed dates and reservations.

Upscale Hotel Experiences

SAINT KATE - THE ARTS HOTEL

Join Santa for a festive brunch in the elegant Simone Ballroom at Milwaukee's contemporary arts hotel. This upscale experience features chef-made waffles griddled on-site with all the trimmings, plus traditional buffet favorites. Each child receives a special gift from Santa, and families can enjoy holiday crafts and letter-writing stations. Photos with Santa are highly encouraged in this creative, artistic atmosphere.

Confirmed Dates: December 13 & 14, 2025 (Saturday & Sunday)
Time: Two seatings at 9:00-10:30 AM and 11:30 AM-1:00 PM
Pricing: Adults $72, Children (3-10) $35, Under 2 Free
Reservations: Required with pre-payment. Call 877-704-5340 or book at exploretock.com/saintkate
Location: 139 E. Kilbourn Avenue, Milwaukee

THE PFISTER HOTEL

Experience a beloved Milwaukee tradition in the historic Grand Ballroom of this AAA Four-Diamond hotel. The elegant Victorian-era setting provides the backdrop for a magnificent breakfast buffet featuring made-to-order chocolate chip and blueberry pancakes, roasted chicken vesuvio, and cabernet braised beef. Children enjoy holiday crafts, letter writing to Santa, and each receives a special gift. Smaller seating groups ensure an exceptional experience.

Typical Dates: Multiple December weekends (2024: December 7, 8, 14, 15)
Time: Two seatings at 8:30-10:00 AM and 11:00 AM-12:30 PM
Pricing: Adults approximately $40-45, Children (3-10) $25-30, Under 2 Free
Reservations: Required with full pre-payment; refundable if canceled 72 hours prior
Contact: 877-704-5340 or 414-935-5950 | thepfisterhotel.com
Location: 424 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee

Unique Museum Adventures

HARLEY-DAVIDSON MUSEUM - MOTOR BAR & RESTAURANT

Create unforgettable memories with breakfast at the world's only Harley-Davidson Museum. This distinctive experience includes a festive brunch buffet, letter writing to Santa, cookie decorating, and holiday movies. The highlight? Photos with Santa sitting on an actual Harley-Davidson motorcycle! Each breakfast purchase includes free museum admission for kids to explore the incredible motorcycle exhibits afterward.

Typical Dates: Sundays in December (2024: December 1, 8, 15)
Special Features: Photo on Harley motorcycle, free museum admission
Reservations: Required through OpenTable
Contact: 414-287-2778 | h-dmuseum.com
Location: 401 W. Canal Street, Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE COUNTY ZOO

This extremely popular family favorite combines breakfast with Santa with the chance to visit zoo animals. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and merry elves greet families in a festive setting. Fred Turk entertains with holiday carols while you dine. Each child receives a stuffed animal gift and individual photos with Santa are included. Don't miss the 24+ Christmas trees decorated by local schools with unique animal themes displayed throughout the zoo. Tickets sell out quickly - register immediately when sales open in early November!

Typical Dates: Multiple December weekends (Saturdays & Sundays)
Special Features: Stuffed animal gift, decorated Christmas trees, zoo access
Important: Limited capacity - purchase tickets immediately when available
Contact: 414-256-5412 | milwaukeezoo.org
Location: 10001 W. Bluemound Road, Milwaukee

DISCOVERY WORLD

Santa shares enchanting stories during special Storytime sessions at this lakefront science and technology museum. Santa appears at scheduled times and strolls throughout the building between sessions, spreading holiday cheer. Families enjoy access to all Discovery World exhibits including the Reiman Aquarium and interactive STEM activities, combining science learning with holiday magic.

Typical Dates: December Sundays (2024: December 8 & 22)
Time: Storytime sessions at 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 1:30 PM
Cost: Included with general admission
Special Features: Science exhibits, aquarium, STEM activities
Contact: 414-765-9966 | discoveryworld.org
Location: 500 N. Harbor Drive, Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MUSEUM

Sustainer-level members and above enjoy an exclusive "Cocoa & Candy Canes with Santa" event in a private room. This members-only experience features visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, hot cocoa, candy canes, and holiday-themed arts and crafts. Families can explore the beautifully decorated Streets of Old Milwaukee and European Village exhibits, creating a Victorian-era holiday atmosphere. Planetarium shows are also available during your visit.

Typical Date: Early December Saturday (2024: December 7), Noon-2:00 PM
Cost: FREE for Sustainer-level members and above
Reservations: Required, call 414-278-6170; typically open November 1
Special Features: Members-only, Victorian atmosphere, planetarium access
Location: 800 W. Wells Street, Milwaukee

MITCHELL PARK DOMES (THE DOMES)

Experience Storyteller Santa in the stunning botanical garden setting featuring thousands of poinsettias and holiday displays. This unique experience is part of the larger Holiday Show celebrating multiple cultural traditions including Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Winter Solstice. The three climate-controlled domes provide a magical backdrop with live music events, late-night viewing hours, and spectacular light shows.

Typical Dates: Select dates late November-December (2024: November 30, December 1, 7, 15)
Time: 1:00-3:00 PM
Admission: Milwaukee County Residents $8 Adults, $6 Juniors/Seniors; $5 last Thursday of month
Special Features: Botanical garden setting, multicultural holiday celebration, "Holiday Parade" floral show
Contact: 414-257-5600 | milwaukeedomes.org
Location: 524 S. Layton Boulevard, Milwaukee

Restaurants & Dining Venues

HARBOR HOUSE

Enjoy an upscale lakefront dining experience with stunning views of Lake Michigan, the Milwaukee Art Museum, and the city skyline. Executive Chef Michael Genre creates a specially curated three-course brunch menu for this sophisticated Santa event. This New England-style seafood restaurant provides an elegant alternative to traditional buffet-style breakfasts.

Typical Date: Mid-December Sunday (2024: December 15)
Time: 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Special Features: Premier lakefront views, three-course menu, sophisticated atmosphere
Location: 550 N. Harbor Drive, Milwaukee

MAGGIANO'S LITTLE ITALY

This Italian restaurant chain hosts family-friendly breakfast featuring traditional Italian-American favorites. Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet, coffee, tea, and assorted juices while children participate in gingerbread house decorating, cookie decorating, crafts, and letter writing to Santa. Photos with Santa included.

Typical Dates: Early-mid December Saturdays (2024: December 7, 14)
Time: 9:00 AM start
Special Features: Gingerbread house decorating
Reservations: Required through Maggiano's website
Location: Mayfair area, Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MARKET

Start your day with a festive breakfast in the Historic Third Ward, then enjoy photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus as they spread holiday cheer throughout the Market from 11AM-1PM (free for all visitors). This charitable event benefits Penfield Children's Center, and parking validation is available.

Typical Date: Late December (2024: December 21)
Time: Breakfast 9:00-11:00 AM
Pricing: Adults & Over 10 $35, Children 3-10 $15, Under 3 Free
Special Features: Charity benefit, Historic Third Ward location, extended photo opportunities
Reservations: Required online
Location: 400 N. Water Street, Milwaukee

McBOB'S PUB & GRILL

This neighborhood pub and grill offers a special holiday-themed brunch menu in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. Santa visits for two hours, giving families plenty of time to enjoy their meal and visit with him. The late December timing makes this perfect for families looking for a last-minute pre-Christmas event.

Typical Date: Late December Sunday (2024: December 22)
Time: Santa visits 11:00 AM-1:00 PM
Special Features: Casual neighborhood atmosphere, close to Christmas
Location: 4919 W. North Avenue, Milwaukee

Community & Parks Events

MILWAUKEE COUNTY PARKS COMMUNITY CENTERS

Enjoy an affordable family event at either the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center or Kosciuszko Community Center. This budget-friendly breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, juice, and coffee. Families can take selfies with Santa (bring your phone), participate in holiday games and raffles, and every child receives a gift bag with a toy. Sponsored by local organizations including Chris Abele, MarJon Beauchamp, and the Milwaukee Parks Foundation.

Typical Date: Mid-December Saturday (2024: December 14)
Time: 9:30 AM-12:00 PM
Pricing: $5 per person presale (cash only)
Locations: King Community Center (1531 W. Vliet St.) or Kosciuszko Community Center (2201 S. 7th St.)
Contact: Kosciuszko 414-645-4624 | county.milwaukee.gov/parks

Brookfield & Western Suburbs

BROOKFIELD SQUARE - CAFÉ HOLLANDER

This popular restaurant at The Corners of Brookfield hosts a casual Saturday brunch with Santa. Tables are first-come, first-served, so arrive early! Order from the regular brunch menu while Santa visits with families and poses for photos.

Date: Saturday, December 7, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM-2:00 PM
Special Features: First-come, first-served; no reservations
Location: The Corners of Brookfield

INGLESIDE HOTEL

This Lake Country hotel with an indoor water park hosts brunch with Santa in their Lake Country Ballroom. The experience includes a delicious buffet with sweet and savory favorites, photo opportunities with Santa, arts and crafts activities, and cookie decorating. Part of their annual Country Christmas celebration.

Season: December weekends
Reservations: Required, call 262-547-0201
Special Features: Hotel with water park, full buffet experience
Location: Waukesha

OLD WORLD WISCONSIN

Experience a truly unique breakfast in the historic 1897 octagonal Clausing Barn. This full breakfast buffet includes French toast, waffles, eggs, bacon, and pastries. Each child receives a special take-home gift. After breakfast, enjoy the full "Home for the Holidays" celebration with horse-drawn wagon rides, Victorian Santa encounters, Krampus sightings, and hands-on ornament making in a picturesque 1800s village setting with bonfires and festive greenery.

Confirmed Dates: December 6-7 and 13-14, 2025
Time: 8:00-10:00 AM
Pricing: Adults $52, Teens $52, Seniors $40, Children 5-11 $27, Under 5 Free
Special Features: Historic barn setting, full winter celebration, horse-drawn wagons
Reservations: Required at wisconsinhistory.org
Location: Eagle, WI (regional Greater Milwaukee area)

Wauwatosa & Near North Suburbs

DAVE & BUSTER'S

Combine breakfast with arcade entertainment at this family fun center! The Holly Jolly Breakfast includes Santa's breakfast buffet with beverages, plus a $10 Power Card with unlimited video game play. Each guest receives a personal photo with Santa and can enjoy holiday-themed activities throughout the arcade.

Confirmed Date: Saturday, December 7, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM
Pricing: $32.31 per person
Special Features: Arcade access with unlimited games, entertainment venue
Special Offer: Purchase $50 in gift cards, receive $10 bonus card
Location: 2201 N. Mayfair Road, Wauwatosa

MALLARDS BAYSHORE

This family restaurant in Glendale offers an extended breakfast window with a delicious buffet and Santa visit. The flexible hours (10 AM-2 PM) allow families to choose a convenient time.

Typical Date: Mid-December (2024: December 14)
Time: 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Reservations: Highly recommended, call 414-509-5555
Location: 5689 N. Bayshore Drive, Glendale

North Shore

SPRECHER BREWERY - SODA WITH SANTA

This beloved family event combines a full brewery tour with photos with Santa that are transformed into custom Sprecher Root Beer labels—perfect holiday gifts or keepsakes. Tour the historic fire-brewing facility, enjoy unlimited craft soda samples (and beer samples for adults 21+), receive a commemorative tour glass, and meet Santa. Your photo with Santa becomes a custom label applied to 12-packs of 16-ounce Sprecher Root Beer bottles during your tour.

Confirmed Dates: Sundays November 17, 24, December 1, 8, and 15, 2025
Times: Three sessions at 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM
Pricing: Adults $17, Minors $11 (plus $1 ticketing fee)
Custom Root Beer Labels: $2.25 per bottle (minimum 12 bottles per label design)
Included: Commemorative glass, brewery tour, unlimited soda samples, 4 beer samples (21+)
Special Features: Custom photo labels, world-famous root beer, fire-brewing tour
Reservations: Required in advance; book at sprecherbrewery.com
Contact: events@sprecherbrewery.com
Location: 701 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale

NORTH SHORE KIWANIS PANCAKE BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Support local youth charities at this community-focused breakfast hosted by the North Shore Kiwanis Club. Enjoy delicious pancakes, fresh scrambled eggs, sausage, juice, milk, and coffee in the welcoming cafeteria of Dominican High School. Children can visit with Santa for photos (bring your camera!), enjoy face painting, listen to story-telling, and participate in raffles. All proceeds benefit local youth and community programs. Tickets available at the door or purchase in advance.

Typical Date: Early December Saturday (2024: December 7)
Time: Morning hours
Special Features: Raffles, face painting, story-telling, community fundraiser
Tickets: Available at door or advance purchase at Winkies (629 E. Silver Spring Dr., Whitefish Bay)
Beneficiary: All proceeds support local youth charities
Location: Dominican High School Cafeteria, 120 E. Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish Bay

CAFÉ HOLLANDER MEQUON

Sunday brunch with Santa in a casual restaurant setting. Tables are first-come, first-served. Order from the regular menu while Santa visits with families and poses for photos. No reservations accepted, so plan to arrive early.

Typical Date: Sunday, December 8
Time: 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Special Features: First-come, first-served seating
Location: Café Hollander, Mequon

LITTLE SPROUTS PLAY CAFÉ

This unique venue combines a 90-minute playdate with brunch! Children enjoy open play time while adults savor brunch including mimosas and coffee. Santa visits and gives each child a small gift. Children can hand-deliver letters to Santa. Parents take their own photos in this casual café setting with play area.

Typical Dates: Multiple December dates
Pricing: Children over 12 months $40, Adults $25, Under 12 months Free
Special Features: Play café setting, open play time, hand-deliver letters to Santa
Reservations: Required; advance tickets non-refundable
Location: Little Sprouts Play Café, Mequon

NORTH SHORE BOULANGERIE

Enjoy a prix fixe lunch while admiring the gingerbread village display at this charming bakery and café. Santa visits during the lunch service for photos and holiday cheer.

Typical Dates: Mid-to-late December (2024: December 14 & 22)
Time: 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Special Features: Gingerbread village display, prix fixe lunch
Location: North Shore area

Oak Creek & Southern Suburbs

OAK CREEK LIONS CLUB ⭐ FREE EVENT

This generous community event offers a completely FREE pancake breakfast with Santa! Enjoy freshly made, hand-tossed pancakes, eggs, sausage, juice, milk, and coffee. Santa visits throughout the morning for photos (bring your camera!). Donations of non-perishable food items are welcomed and donated to local food pantries. No tickets or registration required.

Date: First Sunday in December (December 7, 2025)
Time: 8:00 AM-11:00 AM
Cost: FREE (donations accepted)
Special Features: Free admission, food pantry donations welcome, no registration needed
Location: Lower Legion Hall, 9327 South Shepard Avenue, Oak Creek (just north of Shepard & Ryan Road)

OAK CREEK COMMUNITY CENTER

The community center hosts a breakfast featuring French toast, sausage, fruit, donuts, coffee, and juice. Families receive a perfect keepsake photo with Santa. Limited to 250 tickets.

Typical Date: Early December Sunday (2024: December 8)
Time: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Pricing: Adults $15, Children 2-10 $10, Under 2 Free
Special Features: Limited capacity (250 tickets)
Contact: 414-768-5840 for tickets at front desk
Location: Oak Creek Community Center

Greenfield, West Allis & Central Suburbs

GREENFIELD COMMUNITY CENTER

The Greenfield Parks & Recreation Department hosts a community breakfast with Santa featuring food, photos, and holiday fun in a friendly neighborhood setting.

Typical Date: Mid-December Saturday (2024: December 13)
Time: 9:30 AM-11:30 AM
Contact: Greenfield Parks & Recreation
Location: Greenfield Community Center

NATTY OAKS

Experience multiple options at this West Allis venue featuring Santa Chalets (private bookings for up to 6 people), "Dine in a Dome" experiences, and traditional breakfast with Santa. The entire venue is transformed with 12,000 square feet of dazzling Christmas lights, and Santa makes surprise visits through the magical light display.

Typical Dates: Early-to-late December (2024: December 2-22)
Special Features: Santa Chalets, holiday lights display, multiple experience options, gluten-free available
Reservations: Book through santachalets.com
Location: 11505 W. National Avenue, West Allis

Germantown & Northwest Suburbs

KIWANIS OF GERMANTOWN

This exceptional community event features an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast with all the trimmings, plus live reindeer outside! Enjoy music from Germantown musical groups, fun crafts, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Each child receives a goodie bag from Santa. Arrive at the start of your timeslot due to venue capacity.

Typical Date: Mid-December Sunday (2024: December 15)
Pricing: Adults $10, Children 2+ $8, Under 2 Free (purchase ticket to ensure goodie bag)
Special Features: LIVE REINDEER (8:30-11:30 AM), multiple time slots, musical entertainment
Reservations: Advance tickets ONLY through Eventbrite (sales open Monday, November 18 at 9:00 AM); NO tickets at door
Location: The Florian Event Venue, Germantown

Muskego & Southwest Suburbs

MUSKEGO LAKES COUNTRY CLUB

Enjoy breakfast favorites at this country club setting along with printed pictures with Santa, an arts and crafts station, and letter-writing activities. A complete family experience in an upscale venue.

Typical Date: Early December Saturday (2024: December 7)
Time: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Special Features: Printed photos included, arts & crafts, letter writing
Reservations: REQUIRED - email cjclemence@muskegolakes.com or call 414-425-6500 ext. 6
Location: S100 W14020 Loomis Road, Muskego

Planning Tips for 2025

Book Early: Popular events like the Milwaukee County Zoo, The Pfister Hotel, and Germantown Kiwanis sell out quickly. Register as soon as tickets become available.

Watch for Announcements: Most venues announce their 2025 schedules in late October through mid-November. Check venue websites and social media pages regularly.

Price Range: Events range from FREE (Oak Creek Lions Club) to $72 per adult (Saint Kate). Most fall in the $25-45 range per person with children's discounts.

Reservation Requirements: Most events require advance reservations with pre-payment. Few accept walk-ins. Cancellation policies vary—typically 48-72 hours notice for refunds.

Photo Opportunities: Some venues provide professional photos (additional cost), while others encourage bringing your own camera. Ask when booking.

Special Dietary Needs: Many venues offer gluten-free or vegetarian options. Contact venues directly to discuss accommodations.

Peak Dates: The weekends of December 6-7, 13-14, and 20-21 are most popular. Consider weekday events when available for smaller crowds.

Quick Reference by Experience Type

Most Unique Photo Op: Harley-Davidson Museum (Santa on motorcycle)
Best Value: Oak Creek Lions Club (FREE)
Most Elegant: The Pfister Hotel, Harbor House
Best for Active Kids: Dave & Buster's (arcade games)
Most Educational: Discovery World, Milwaukee Public Museum
Best Views: Harbor House (lakefront)
Historic Charm: The Pfister Hotel, Old World Wisconsin
Unique Feature: Kiwanis of Germantown (live reindeer)
Botanical Beauty: Mitchell Park Domes
Animal Lovers: Milwaukee County Zoo

Create magical holiday memories at any of these wonderful Greater Milwaukee breakfast with Santa events this 2025 season!