Gingerbread workshops and activities in greater Milwaukee: 2025 holiday guide

Discover festive fun in Milwaukee’s North Shore this holiday season with hands-on gingerbread house workshops and magical displays. Perfect for family memories in 2025!

The Pfister Hotel Sugar & Spice Gingerbread Workshop

The Pfister's pastry team hosts families for 2-hour decorating sessions priced at $55 per pre-assembled gingerbread house—each ticket accommodates up to 6 family members, making this excellent value for larger groups.

Weekend sessions take place December 14-15 and 21-22 and Tuesday-Thursday evenings December 9-11 and 16-18. Call 414-273-8222 immediately to confirm exact 2025 dates and availability. Previous years offered two daily timeslots: 10:15 AM-12:15 PM and 1:15 PM-3:15 PM.

The experience includes pre-assembled gingerbread houses, generous decorating supplies (colorful candies, icing, cereals, cookies), piping bags for detailed work, hot chocolate, hot apple cider, coffee, sweet treats including cookies and brownies, and take-home boxes for safe transport. The panoramic Milwaukee skyline views from the 23rd floor and professional pastry team guidance elevate this beyond typical craft activities. No cleanup required—the hotel manages all supplies and mess.

Booking: Reserve at thepfisterhotel.com/holidays or through Tock at exploretock.com/the-pfister-hotel. Email customercare@marcushotels.com or call 1-800-558-8222 for reservations.

Location: The Pfister Hotel, 424 E. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202

Free library programs await December announcements

Milwaukee Public Library plans to offer "Chop it Like It's Hot: Gingerbread Houses" in their Makerspace facilities for elementary-aged children (6-12 years) and teens (13-18 years). This free program provides materials to build gingerbread houses that become part of the library's "gingerbread town" display, combining hands-on creation with community art participation. Registration required once dates announced—monitor mpl.org/events regularly starting late November. Call 414-286-3000 for updates.

Brookfield Public Library (1900 N. Calhoun Road, Brookfield) offers gingerbread house decorating for ages 3+ with required parent participation. This free program includes all supplies—gingerbread houses, icing, and candy—while supplies last, making early registration essential when dates are announced. Previous years scheduled this in December. Check lsfbrookfieldlibrary.libnet.info/events or call 262-782-4140.

Why so few library programs? Gingerbread workshops require significant supply budgets, extensive prep time, and cleanup management that strain library resources, leading most to focus on simpler holiday crafts instead.

The Osthoff Resort Cooking School holiday cookie classes

Located 60 miles north in Elkhart Lake, The Osthoff Resort offers "Holiday Cookie Bake & Exchange" on December 11 and December 20, 2025, from 11:00 AM-2:00 PM at $69 per person. While this three-hour class covers multiple holiday cookies (sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, anise cookies), it includes gingerbread as one component rather than focusing exclusively on gingerbread houses.

The experience targets beginner to intermediate bakers ages 16+ with limited class sizes of 10-14 people, providing chef-facilitated hands-on learning, a glass of wine or beer, cookie exchange opportunities, and take-home decorated cookies. Private classes available for groups of 10+ at $49.99-$99.99 per person. Book at 920-876-5830 or osthoff.com/resort-amenities/cooking-school/.

Location: The Osthoff Resort, 101 Osthoff Ave., Elkhart Lake, WI 53020

Specialty stores still finalizing December schedules

Sur La Table in Glendale (480 W. Northshore Drive, Bayshore Town Center) historically offers holiday baking classes November-December but has not yet posted specific 2025 gingerbread classes. Their in-store classes start at $69 per person with hands-on format, professional chef instruction (Chef Alicia McQuade), and detailed recipes. Students work in groups of up to 4 at shared workstations. Call 414-332-2037 to inquire about December gingerbread class additions or monitor surlatable.com/locations/wi/glendale/cooking-classes-165.html.

Williams Sonoma locations (Mayfair Mall area in Wauwatosa) have historically offered Saturday morning Gingerbread House Decorating Classes in early December at $29.95-$35 per person, including Williams Sonoma Gingerbread House Kits with hands-on decorating for all ages. No 2025 schedule confirmed yet—call your local Williams Sonoma store directly as classes fill quickly and availability varies by location. Check williams-sonoma.com for updates.

Michaels Craft Stores (multiple Milwaukee locations including 3545 S 27th St, Milwaukee, 414-644-8010, plus Brookfield, Wauwatosa, New Berlin) and JoAnn Fabric stores offer Wilton cake decorating classes that sometimes include seasonal gingerbread events in early December. Classes provide all materials with prices varying by event. Check with individual stores starting late November for specific holiday decorating events—visit michaels.com or joann.com and search by zip code for local schedules.

Milwaukee Public Market's Madame Kuony's Kitchen (400 N. Water Street, Milwaukee, 414-336-1111) regularly hosts seasonal holiday baking classes at $49-$89 per person but has not yet announced specific 2025 gingerbread classes. Monitor milwaukeepublicmarket.org/class/cooking-classes starting late November—classes taught by market vendors and area chefs typically include recipe samples, printed recipes, water, and optional wine/beer for purchase.

Cookie decorating venues with potential gingerbread options

Lakeside Cookie Co. operates locations in Cedarburg (W63N706 Washington Ave.) and Mequon (6300 W Mequon Rd.) offering extensive cookie decorating classes year-round. While primarily focused on sugar cookies, they may offer gingerbread-themed classes during the holiday season.

Adult classes range from Basic Cookie Decorating ($40-50 per person, 2 hours, 6 coordinating cookies, no experience necessary) to Intermediate Classes requiring previous experience with advanced techniques like stenciling and airbrushing. Private classes provide one-on-one instruction, while private parties accommodate minimum 10 people for 2 hours with 6 cookies per person on themes of your choosing.

Kids' options include birthday parties (2 hours, 6 cookies per child, 10 kits included, private party room fitting 20 kids, $28 per additional kit), tours plus Paint Your Own Cookie for ages 4-7 (90 minutes, $15 per additional child), tours plus decorating for ages 8-12 (90 minutes, 2 sugar cookies, $25 per additional child), and tours plus mini-classes for ages 8+ (90 minutes, 4 cookies, $40 per additional child).

Book at lakesidecookieco.com/classes to check for holiday gingerbread class offerings. The bakery includes tours with some options and offers 15% discounts on Meri Meri party supplies for birthday parties.

Museums, parks, and recreation departments: minimal gingerbread programming

No Milwaukee-area museums offer hands-on gingerbread workshops despite extensive research of Milwaukee Public Museum, Betty Brinn Children's Museum, and Discovery World. The Milwaukee Public Museum's "Deck the Streets and Village" (November 16, 2025-January 25, 2026) decorates Streets of Old Milwaukee and European Village exhibits with docent tours about European holiday traditions including gingerbread history, but provides no hands-on activities. Museum admission varies; free on Kohl's Thank You Thursdays. Call 414-278-2728 or visit mpm.edu/celebrate-holidays-mpm.

Milwaukee County Parks (414-257-7275, county.milwaukee.gov/EN/Parks) focuses holiday programming on China Lights at Boerner Botanical Gardens and outdoor winter activities rather than craft workshops. Individual community centers like King Community Center (1531 W. Vliet St.) and Kosciuszko Community Center (2201 S 7th St) may offer programs not extensively advertised online—contact centers directly to inquire about December 2025 holiday programming.

Municipal recreation departments in West Allis-West Milwaukee (414-604-4900, wawmrec.com), Brookfield, Mequon-Thiensville, Grafton, Oak Creek, Greenfield, and Franklin showed no confirmed gingerbread programs in current research. These departments typically publish winter/holiday program guides in October/November—check individual municipality websites for December 2025 updates.

Other library systems including Wauwatosa Public Library (414-831-5531), Frank L. Weyenberg Library in Mequon (262-242-2593), Cedarburg Public Library, North Shore Library in Glendale (414-351-3461, currently undergoing renovation), Shorewood Public Library, and Whitefish Bay Public Library (5420 N. Marlborough Drive) showed no specific gingerbread programs in November 2025 research, though libraries frequently add holiday programming closer to December. Call children's departments directly in late November as programs may not be extensively advertised online.

Shopping centers, churches, and community organizations: no confirmed events

All major Milwaukee-area malls lack gingerbread programming. Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa (2500 N. Mayfair Road, mayfairmall.com) offers Santa photos November 26-December 24, 2025, via North Pole Picture Co. but no gingerbread workshops. Brookfield Square (95 N. Moorland Road, shopbrookfieldsquaremall.com) and Southridge Mall in Greendale (5300 S. 76th Street, southridgeshoppingmall.com) similarly lack gingerbread activities despite general holiday programming.

No church-sponsored gingerbread events were confirmed through research of greater Milwaukee area churches, though many host general holiday events, craft fairs, and bazaars. Churches may add events closer to the holiday season not yet published online—contact individual churches directly in late November to inquire about potential gingerbread opportunities.

Community organizations including Rotary clubs (Rotary Club of Milwaukee, Rotary Club of Mitchell Field), garden clubs (Garden Club of Greater Milwaukee at gardenclubgreatermilwaukee.org offers holiday floral workshops like wreath-making but not gingerbread), and women's clubs (Wauwatosa Woman's Club, Elm Grove Woman's Club) showed no confirmed gingerbread events. Elm Grove Woman's Club hosts "Christmas in the Grove" on December 7, 2025 (13885 Watertown Plank Rd, Elm Grove) but not specifically gingerbread-focused.

Historical note: Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha County previously held an annual "Gingerbread Build" at The Corners of Brookfield with house decorating competitions, last documented in 2020, but no 2025 confirmation found.

Virtual and take-home gingerbread kits: no local options identified

No local Milwaukee-area bakeries or businesses were confirmed to offer take-home gingerbread house kits specifically marketed for the 2025 season through web research. National retailers (Target, Michaels, grocery stores) will stock pre-packaged kits from major manufacturers, but these aren't local businesses.

Contact local bakeries directly in November 2025 to inquire about seasonal kit offerings: National Bakery & Deli, C Adam's Bakery, Amaranth Bakery & Café, Simma's Bakery, Black Twig Bakery, and others may produce kits without extensive online advertising.

Spectacular gingerbread displays: free viewing experiences

Milwaukee Public Market MATC Parade of Gingerbread Houses

Milwaukee's most beloved gingerbread tradition features elaborate creations by Milwaukee Area Technical College Baking and Pastry Arts students displayed in the Main Atrium at 400 N. Water Street. This free annual event running since 1996 typically occurs early-to-mid December (estimated December 6-12, 2025, though 2025 dates listed as "coming soon").

Dozens of intricate gingerbread houses—from whimsical designs to Milwaukee landmark replicas (past years included Miller Park, Bucks Arena, Calatrava Art Museum)—compete for industry professional judging and public "People's Choice" voting. Silent auction allows bidding on houses with proceeds benefiting MATC Foundation scholarships for baking programs. No registration required for viewing during regular market hours. Check milwaukeepublicmarket.org for confirmed 2025 dates or call 414-336-1111.

North Shore Boulangerie gingerbread village with Lunch with Santa

This French bakery creates a spectacular professional gingerbread village featuring cozy homes, glowing lights, and an animated ice skating rink with moving elements, designed by pastry chef Christina Schubert as a 10+ year tradition. The display runs throughout December through early January at the Shorewood location (4401 N. Oakland Avenue, 414-963-2153) and can be viewed free through storefront windows or inside the café during business hours (7 AM-6 PM daily). A second location exists in Mequon at 11120 Weston Drive.

Lunch with Santa ticketed events (separate from display viewing) offer prix fixe meals at $35 for adults, $25 for children (includes personalized gingerbread man) with seatings typically at 9 AM, 11 AM, and 1 PM. Call 414-963-2153 between 3-5 PM daily for reservations—specific 2025 dates not yet announced but historically includes select Saturdays and Sundays in December. Visit northshoreboulangerie.com for updates.

Cedarburg Santa's Workshop: iconic 15-foot gingerbread house

A 15-foot charming gingerbread house anchors Cedarburg's renowned Christmas celebration (rated among America's favorite Christmas towns) at W63 N645 Washington Avenue at the historic Kuhefuss House location. This free viewing experience allows families to peek through windows to see fireplace and toys when Santa isn't present, or enter for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus during confirmed appearance times.

2025 Santa appearance schedule confirmed:

• Friday, November 21: Santa and Mrs. Claus walking through Cedarburg, 5-8 PM

• Friday, November 28: 4-7 PM

• Saturday, November 29: 11 AM-2 PM

• Saturday, December 6: 11 AM-2 PM

• Friday, December 12: 4-7 PM

• Saturday, December 13: 11 AM-2 PM

• Friday, December 19: 4-7 PM

• Saturday, December 20: 11 AM-2 PM

• Monday, December 22: 4-7 PM

Walk-up reservations only taken 15 minutes before each workshop opens on a first-come, first-served basis—arrive early as time slots fill quickly on busy days. Some families arrive well before opening to secure spots. Volunteers work to accommodate as many families as possible, though not all can be seen on peak days. Part of broader Cedarburg Christmas events at cedarburgchristmas.com/santas-workshop.

Day trip destinations beyond Milwaukee metro

Waelderhaus Gingerbread Festival in Kohler

Located approximately 1 hour north in Kohler, the alpine-style Waelderhaus hosts dozens of creative gingerbread houses made by local schools and community groups November 28-December 30, 2025. This free community competition features live holiday music on weekends (typically at 2 PM) in a stunning historic venue. Hours vary by day—research Kohler tourism for specific contact details.

Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva

About 45 minutes from Milwaukee, the Grand Geneva Resort (Lake Geneva) presents its annual Gingerbread House Walk November 23-December 31, 2025, from 8 AM-8 PM daily. This free display features community-created gingerbread houses plus a 6-foot replica of the resort's iconic clock tower. While outside the specified greater Milwaukee search area, this offers a worthy excursion for families seeking extensive gingerbread viewing.

Strategic booking recommendations and timeline

November 11-20: Call The Pfister Hotel (414-273-8222) immediately to confirm exact 2025 workshop dates and book before sessions sell out at $55 per house. Contact Sur La Table (414-332-2037) and Williams Sonoma locations to inquire about December gingerbread class additions. Check Osthoff Resort availability for December 11 or 20 cookie classes (920-876-5830).

November 20-30: Monitor Milwaukee Public Library (mpl.org/events, 414-286-3000) and Brookfield Public Library (lsfbrookfieldlibrary.libnet.info/events, 262-782-4140) for "Chop it Like It's Hot" and gingerbread house program announcements with registration dates. Check Milwaukee Public Market website (milwaukeepublicmarket.org) for confirmed MATC Parade of Gingerbread Houses dates. Call local bakeries about take-home kits. Contact Michaels, JoAnn, and Williams Sonoma stores for holiday class schedules.

December 1-5: Confirm North Shore Boulangerie Lunch with Santa dates and make reservations (414-963-2153, call 3-5 PM). Finalize Cedarburg Santa's Workshop visit plans based on confirmed schedule. Book remaining spots at any venues with late availability.

Throughout December: Visit free displays at Milwaukee Public Market (estimated Dec 6-12), North Shore Boulangerie (all month), Cedarburg Santa's Workshop (multiple dates through Dec 22), and Waelderhaus/Grand Geneva for day trips.

Price comparison and best options by category

Best value for families: The Pfister Hotel at $55 per house accommodating up to 6 people (approximately $9-$11 per person for larger families) offers the most comprehensive premium experience with 2 hours of decorating time, all supplies, refreshments, and elegant 23rd-floor setting.

Free options: Milwaukee Public Library and Brookfield Public Library programs (dates TBA), MATC Parade of Gingerbread Houses viewing (estimated Dec 6-12), North Shore Boulangerie display viewing (all month), Cedarburg Santa's Workshop viewing (multiple dates), Waelderhaus display (Nov 28-Dec 30), and Grand Geneva display (Nov 23-Dec 31).

Budget-friendly paid classes: Lakeside Cookie Co. kids' classes at $15-$40 per child, potential Williams Sonoma classes at $29.95-$35, and craft store classes at Michaels and JoAnn (prices vary, typically under $40).

Mid-range experiences: Sur La Table classes when announced (typically $69+), private classes at various venues for groups.

Premium adult experiences: The Osthoff Resort at $69 per person for 3-hour cookie baking including gingerbread (Dec 11 or 20), Sur La Table classes (when announced).

For young children (ages 3-8): Brookfield Public Library free program (ages 3+ with parent), The Pfister Hotel (all ages), Lakeside Cookie Co. kids' options (ages 4+), Milwaukee Public Library (ages 6+).

For teens and adults: Milwaukee Public Library teens program (ages 13-18), The Osthoff Resort (ages 16+), Sur La Table classes (all ages), private classes at multiple venues.

For serious bakers: The Osthoff Resort Cooking School with professional chef instruction, Sur La Table hands-on classes, Milwaukee Public Market classes when announced.

For luxury seekers: The Pfister Hotel exclusively—the only upscale hotel in Milwaukee offering gingerbread workshops despite research of Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, Kimpton, Hotel Metro, and Saint Kate properties.

Why Milwaukee's gingerbread scene remains limited

Research revealed only one premium hotel workshop, two library programs, and several specialty cooking school options despite extensive investigation of restaurants, breweries, community centers, malls, churches, and organizations across Milwaukee proper and all specified suburbs (Wauwatosa, Brookfield, Mequon, Grafton, Cedarburg, West Allis, Greenfield, Oak Creek, Franklin, Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, Fox Point, Glendale).

Gingerbread workshops demand significant resources—supply budgets for multiple houses, extensive prep time assembling structures, dedicated space for decorating stations, and substantial cleanup that strain venue capacity. Most Milwaukee institutions choose simpler holiday crafts or focus resources on professional displays like the MATC competition that showcase culinary education while requiring less facilitation.

The region's brewing heritage and winter sports culture may also shift holiday programming toward beer-themed events and outdoor activities rather than indoor baking crafts. Milwaukee's gingerbread tradition emphasizes viewing professional culinary artistry over mass participation DIY experiences.

Many 2025 December schedules remain unpublished as of mid-November—libraries, cooking schools, and craft stores typically finalize holiday programming 3-6 weeks before December. Additional opportunities may emerge in late November, making regular website monitoring and direct phone contact essential for families seeking last-minute options.

Complete contact directory by venue type

Hotels:
The Pfister Hotel: 414-273-8222, thepfisterhotel.com/holidays, 424 E. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, 53202

Cooking Schools/Classes:
The Osthoff Resort Cooking School: 920-876-5830, osthoff.com/resort-amenities/cooking-school/, 101 Osthoff Ave., Elkhart Lake, 53020
Sur La Table Glendale: 414-332-2037, surlatable.com, 480 W. Northshore Drive, Bayshore Town Center, Glendale, 53217
Milwaukee Public Market Madame Kuony's Kitchen: 414-336-1111, milwaukeepublicmarket.org/class/cooking-classes, 400 N. Water Street, Milwaukee, 53202
Lakeside Cookie Co.: lakesidecookieco.com/classes, Cedarburg W63N706 Washington Ave., 53012 and Mequon 6300 W Mequon Rd., 53092

Specialty Stores:
Michaels Milwaukee: 414-644-8010, michaels.com, 3545 S 27th St, Milwaukee, 53221 (plus Brookfield, Wauwatosa, New Berlin locations)
JoAnn Fabric: joann.com (multiple locations)
Williams Sonoma: williams-sonoma.com (Mayfair Mall area, Wauwatosa)

Libraries:
Milwaukee Public Library: 414-286-3000, mpl.org/events
Brookfield Public Library: 262-782-4140, lsfbrookfieldlibrary.libnet.info/events, 1900 N. Calhoun Road, Brookfield, 53005
Wauwatosa Public Library: 414-831-5531, wauwatosalibrary.org, 7635 West North Avenue, Wauwatosa, 53213
Frank L. Weyenberg Library: 262-242-2593, flwlib.org, 11345 N. Cedarburg Road, Mequon, 53092
North Shore Library: 414-351-3461, northshorelibrary.org, 6800 N. Port Washington Road, Glendale, 53217
Whitefish Bay Public Library: wfblibrary.org, 5420 N. Marlborough Drive, Whitefish Bay, 53217
Cedarburg Public Library: cedarburglibrary.org, W63 N589 Hanover Avenue, Cedarburg, 53012
Shorewood Public Library: shorewoodlibrary.org

Museums:
Milwaukee Public Museum: 414-278-2728, mpm.edu/celebrate-holidays-mpm, 800 West Wells Street, Milwaukee, 53233
Betty Brinn Children's Museum: 414-390-5437, questions@bbcmkids.org, bbcmkids.org, 929 E. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, 53202
Discovery World: 414-765-9966, discoveryworld.org, 500 N. Harbor Drive, Milwaukee, 53202

Parks/Recreation:
Milwaukee County Parks: 414-257-7275, county.milwaukee.gov/EN/Parks, 9480 W. Watertown Plank Road, Wauwatosa, 53226
West Allis-West Milwaukee Rec: 414-604-4900, wawmrec.com, 2450 S. 68th St., West Allis, 53219

Displays:
Milwaukee Public Market: 414-336-1111, milwaukeepublicmarket.org, 400 N. Water Street, Milwaukee, 53202
North Shore Boulangerie: 414-963-2153, northshoreboulangerie.com, 4401 N. Oakland Ave., Shorewood, 53211 and 11120 Weston Dr., Mequon, 53097
Cedarburg Christmas: cedarburgchristmas.com/santas-workshop, W63 N645 Washington Ave., Cedarburg, 53012

Shopping Centers:
Mayfair Mall: mayfairmall.com, 2500 N. Mayfair Road, Wauwatosa, 53226
Brookfield Square: shopbrookfieldsquaremall.com, 95 N. Moorland Road, Brookfield, 53005
Southridge Mall: southridgeshoppingmall.com, 5300 S. 76th Street, Greendale, 53129

Act quickly for limited opportunities

Milwaukee's 2025 gingerbread landscape presents a surprisingly constrained market dominated by a single premium workshop, two pending library programs, and several outstanding professional displays. The Pfister Hotel's Sugar & Spice Gingerbread Workshop represents your only confirmed luxury hands-on option—call 414-273-8222 immediately to resolve date conflicts in published sources and secure reservations before the $55-per-house sessions sell out.

Free alternatives demand vigilant monitoring: Milwaukee Public Library and Brookfield Public Library programs await December announcements requiring quick registration action once posted, while the MATC Parade of Gingerbread Houses (estimated December 6-12) and North Shore Boulangerie display offer exceptional viewing without participation. Cedarburg's Santa's Workshop provides a unique 15-foot gingerbread house experience with confirmed dates through December 22, though walk-up reservations and early arrival prove essential for high-demand Santa appearance times.

The research reveals a structural gap in Milwaukee's holiday programming—no museums, parks departments, churches, malls, or major community organizations offer gingerbread activities despite comprehensive investigation. Specialty cooking schools and craft stores may add late-season classes not yet advertised, making direct phone contact in late November your best strategy for discovering additional opportunities.

Three action items for maximum success: First, book The Pfister immediately while availability exists. Second, establish a late-November monitoring routine checking library websites and calling Sur La Table, Williams Sonoma, Michaels, JoAnn, and local bakeries for schedule updates. Third, plan free display visits to Milwaukee Public Market, North Shore Boulangerie, and Cedarburg to experience Milwaukee's gingerbread artistry even if hands-on workshops remain elusive. The region's emphasis on professional displays over DIY participation reflects Milwaukee's strong culinary education traditions—embrace viewing masterpieces created by MATC students and professional pastry chefs as a valuable alternative to making your own.