Milwaukee area Christmas concerts: Your 2025-2026 guide

The greater Milwaukee area offers an exceptionally rich holiday concert season, with more than 75 public performances running from late November 2025 through early January 2026. The flagship event is the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra's Hometown Holiday Pops (December 13-21), while free options abound including Festival City Symphony's Pajama Jamboree and the Holiday Lights Festival. Major highlights span from intimate candlelit church concerts to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's arena spectacular at Fiserv Forum on December 27.

Milwaukee's holiday music scene encompasses world-class professional ensembles, beloved community traditions, and touring productions that rival any major metropolitan area. Whether seeking Baroque masterworks, contemporary rock-infused holiday shows, or family sing-alongs, this season delivers remarkable variety across dozens of venues from downtown's Bradley Symphony Center to suburban performing arts centers throughout Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Washington counties.

The Milwaukee Symphony anchors the season

The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra presents the most comprehensive holiday programming in the region at the Bradley Symphony Center (212 W. Wisconsin Ave.). Their celebrated Hometown Holiday Pops runs December 13-14 and 19-21 with seven performances, conducted by Ryan Tani and featuring soprano LaKisha Jones, the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus (celebrating its 50th anniversary season), and the Milwaukee Handbell Ensemble. Performances include audience sing-alongs, Santa appearances, and optional Brunch with Santa ($40/person) for Sunday matinees. Contact the box office at 414-291-7605 or tickets@mso.org.

Additional MSO holiday offerings include Home Alone 2: Lost in New York In Concert (November 28-30) with live orchestral accompaniment of John Williams' score, and The Commercialists: A Charlie Brown Christmas (December 5) featuring local jazz favorites performing Vince Guaraldi's beloved soundtrack with on-stage seating and bar service.

The Wisconsin Philharmonic Orchestra presents "An American Christmas" on December 14 at 3:00 PM at the Oconomowoc Arts Center, conducted by Maestro Alexander Platt with narrator James Groh (TMJ4 News). The program features works by Leroy Anderson, Irving Berlin, and Mel Torme, concluding with Handel's Hallelujah Chorus. Guest choirs include Waukesha North High School, Brookfield East High School, and the Waukesha Choral Union. Tickets at 262-560-3172 or theoac.net.

Festival City Symphony offers a completely free family concert—the Jingle Bell Holiday Pajama Jamboree—on December 3 at 7:00 PM at the Bradley Pavilion (Marcus Performing Arts Center). Children are encouraged to wear pajamas and bring teddy bears for this one-hour program of holiday favorites ending with a sing-along.

Choral concerts fill Milwaukee's sacred spaces

Bel Canto Chorus of Milwaukee presents their annual "Resounding Joy: Christmas at the Basilica" December 5-7 at the Basilica of St. Josaphat (2333 S. 6th Street). This 80-minute program features the 100-voice chorus with Stained Glass Brass, the Bel Canto Boy Choir, and guest performers from Homestead High School's Treble Choir. The stunning Polish Romanesque basilica provides one of the most breathtaking concert settings in the Midwest. Four performances include Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 PM, a Saturday noon concert, and a Sunday 4:00 PM finale. Tickets at belcanto.org or 414-481-8801.

Chant Claire, the 70-voice chamber choir under Benjamin Bedroske, presents "Drop Down, Ye Heavens" December 20 (7:00 PM) and December 21 (3:00 PM) at Immanuel Presbyterian Church (1100 N. Astor St.). The program features the American premiere of David McGregor's "Heavens, Distil Your Balmy Showers," commissioned by the Choir of the Chapels Royal at the Tower of London. Tickets range from $16-30. The ensemble also performs a free Christmas concert with the Stevan Sijacki Choir at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral on December 6.

Vanguard Milwaukee presents its fourth annual production of "All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914" December 11-22 at Calvary Presbyterian Church (935 W. Wisconsin Ave.). Ten male voices perform this a cappella theatrical work telling the true story of WWI soldiers who laid down arms on Christmas Eve, featuring 30+ songs including "Stille Nacht" and "Auld Lang Syne." Approximately 75 minutes; recommended for ages 10+.

The Milwaukee Choristers (90-voice community chorus since 1933) present "With Glory and Good Will" December 12-13 at 7:30 PM at the Saber Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin, featuring Taylor Scott Davis' Magnificat with the Concord Chamber Orchestra. Post-concert reception included.

Churches across the region offer sacred music

Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist (812 N. Jackson St.) hosts "Milwaukee Sings at Christmas" on December 14, featuring cherished carols with messages of hope and salvation. Free admission with free-will offering. Contact Joseph Smaldino at jsmaldino@ffpmke.org.

Florentine Opera presents "Carols & Classics" December 11 at 7:30 PM at St. Paul's Episcopal Church (914 E. Knapp St.), featuring Baumgartner Studio Artists and the Milwaukee Children's Choir. Additional Florentine holiday events include "Celebrating the Season in Song" at The Milwaukee Club (December 3) and a free performance at Milwaukee Public Museum (December 8 at 1:00 PM, included with museum admission).

Wisconsin Lutheran College presents their beloved Christmas Festival Concert December 5-6 at 7:30 PM and December 7 at 2:30 PM at Schwan Concert Hall (8815 W. Wisconsin Ave.). More than 80 musicians perform sacred choral music. Tickets $15 at 414-443-8802.

The Lutheran Chorale of Milwaukee performs "Emmanuel Lives" November 30 at 2:00 PM at Atonement Lutheran Church (4500 N. Sherman Blvd.)—free with goodwill offering. Wisconsin Lutheran High School hosts multiple free concerts: Chamber Ensembles (December 4), Band & Orchestra (December 7), and the Sacred Choral Christmas Concert "Songs of Emmanuel" (December 14). All livestream at wlhs.org/livestream.

Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon presents a Service of Lessons and Carols December 14 at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM, featuring the 68-voice Seminary Chorus. Free and open to the public.

Major venues showcase holiday spectaculars

Venue Event Dates Tickets Marcus Center Milwaukee Ballet's Nutcracker Dec 6-26 From $44 Pabst Theater A Christmas Carol (50th Anniversary) Nov 25-Dec 24 $82-140+ Fiserv Forum Trans-Siberian Orchestra Dec 27 (3pm & 7:30pm) From $71 Riverside Theater Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Dec 21, 3pm Contact venue Miller High Life Theatre Cirque du Soleil: 'Twas the Night Before... Nov 26-30 $75-250+

Milwaukee Ballet's "The Nutcracker: Drosselmeyer's Imaginarium" returns to the Marcus Center's Uihlein Hall December 6-26 with nearly 200 dancers, the Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra performing live, and the Milwaukee Children's Choir. A sensory-friendly performance on December 11 at 6:00 PM offers adapted lighting and sound for $20 tickets.

Milwaukee Repertory Theater's "A Christmas Carol" celebrates its 50th anniversary at the Pabst Theater through December 24. Matt Daniels returns as Scrooge in this production featuring live music, dance, elaborate costumes, and theatrical effects. Running time approximately 2 hours 10 minutes; recommended for ages 6+. Teen Night on December 12 offers $15 tickets including pre-show dinner.

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra brings "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO & More" to Fiserv Forum December 27 with two performances (3:00 PM and 7:30 PM). The arena spectacular features pyrotechnics, lasers, and a 25th anniversary salute to "Beethoven's Last Night." A portion of proceeds benefits Hunger Task Force, and the post-show signing line returns for the evening performance.

Suburban venues deliver holiday programming

Schauer Arts Center in Hartford (147 N. Rural St.) presents an eclectic December lineup:

• Celtic Angels Christmas (December 8, 7:00 PM) featuring Irish dancing

• "Who Brought the Humbug" (December 13, 7:00 PM) interactive variety show

• Cherish The Ladies Celtic concert (December 18, 7:00 PM)

• A Carpenters' Christmas tribute (December 21, 2:00 & 6:00 PM)

• Free Lux-Hartford Community Chorus Concert (December 7, 3:00 PM)

Sharon Lynne Wilson Center in Brookfield hosts the Milwaukee Symphony on December 12 at 7:30 PM in the intimate Harris Theater. Waukesha Civic Theatre presents Joel Kopischke's Holiday Parody Show December 5-21. Sunset Playhouse in Elm Grove stages NUNCRACKERS December 4-21.

Free events and family favorites round out the season

Free Holiday Events:

• Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival: November 20, 2025-January 1, 2026—over 500,000 lights throughout downtown including the Ornament Trail on Wisconsin Avenue

• 112th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting: November 21 at Cheer District, 5:00 PM festivities, 6:00 PM lighting

• Holidays on The Hop: Sundays December 7, 14, 21—live music aboard Milwaukee's streetcar (4-6 PM)

• Canadian Pacific Holiday Train: December 10, 4:00 PM at Harwood Ave Crossing, Wauwatosa

• Santa's Christmas Cavalcade: December 6 & 12, departing Milwaukee Public Market at 5:00 PM

Milwaukee County Zoo's Wild Lights runs nightly November 21-December 31 (5:30-9:00 PM) with over 300,000 LED lights across 11 themed zones. Special events include Cheers! Wild Lights (21+) December 11 with beer sampling and an outdoor showing of Home Alone 2, plus Dogs After Dark December 17. Tickets: adults $18, children $16 online.

Mitchell Park Domes presents "Twelve Days of Christmas: A Playful Parody" November 22-January 4 with evening light shows on select dates and Storyteller Santa appearances. The Holiday Folk Fair International at State Fair Park (November 21-23) celebrates 82 years with 60+ ethnic groups, traditional performances, and authentic cuisine.

Black Arts MKE presents the 10th anniversary production of Langston Hughes' "Black Nativity" December 11-14 at Wilson Theater (Vogel Hall), telling the Nativity through scripture, poetry, dance, and gospel music from the African American perspective. Tickets $62.

Practical planning information

Primary Box Office Contacts:

Organization Phone Website Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra 414-291-7605 mso.org Marcus Center 414-273-7206 marcuscenter.org Pabst Theater Group 414-286-3663 pabsttheatergroup.com Bel Canto Chorus 414-481-8801 belcanto.org Fiserv Forum 414-227-0511 fiservforum.com Florentine Opera 414-291-5700 x224 florentineopera.org First Stage 414-267-2966 firststage.org

Money-saving tips: MSO offers 15% off when purchasing 4+ holiday tickets (expires December 2). Cirque du Soleil code "CHEER" provides 20% off select seats. Most church concerts are free or request free-will offerings. The Wilson Center and Schauer offer subscriber discounts.

North Shore churches offer notable Christmas Eve services: United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay features all ensembles on December 14 at 10:00 AM followed by complimentary brunch. Fox Point Lutheran Church offers four Christmas Eve services including the family-friendly "Pageant in a Bag" at 3:00 PM. Christ Church Mequon (Episcopal) presents up to eight Christmas Eve services with traditional Anglican worship.

Conclusion

Milwaukee's 2025-2026 holiday concert season represents remarkable breadth—from the Milwaukee Symphony's polished Holiday Pops to intimate candlelit church performances, from family-friendly free events to rock-opera arena spectaculars. The concentration of professional-caliber ensembles (MSO, Milwaukee Ballet, Bel Canto, Florentine Opera) rivals larger metropolitan areas, while community organizations like Festival City Symphony and the Milwaukee Choristers ensure accessibility. Strategic ticket purchasing—particularly for the MSO's multi-concert discount and popular sellouts like the Nutcracker sensory performance—will reward early planners. The free options alone (Holiday Lights Festival, Holidays on The Hop, Festival City Symphony, numerous church concerts) could fill every December weekend without spending a dollar.