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.

Shorewood's December 6 Winterfest brings Santa on a vintage sleigh through Oakland Avenue, while Whitefish Bay hosts its biggest event of the season on Black Friday with a parade and tree lighting. Mequon's Winter Wonderland on December 7 celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah with inclusive activities, and even smaller communities like Bayside offer nature-based winter experiences at Schlitz Audubon. These six interconnected communities—just minutes north of downtown Milwaukee—collectively present dozens of free and low-cost family activities, artisan markets, brewery tastings, and historic downtown shopping experiences throughout the season. Whether you're seeking quiet nature walks, bustling holiday markets, or traditional community celebrations, the North Shore delivers authentic Midwestern holiday charm with professional-level programming that rivals much larger destinations.

SHOREWOOD

Winterfest with Tree & Menorah Lighting

Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM (Main lighting ceremony at 5:45 PM)
Location: Multiple stops along Oakland Avenue, with main ceremony at Wood Square, Shorewood, WI 53211

Shorewood's signature holiday celebration brings Santa through the village on a vintage sleigh, stopping at local businesses along Oakland Avenue. The festivities culminate at Wood Square with simultaneous tree and menorah lighting ceremonies, featuring performances by Milwaukee Irish Dance Studio and cookie decorating stations sponsored by Metro Market Shorewood and Little Sprouts Play Café. Santa's tour includes stops at Blackbear Children's Boutique (3:30 PM), Scout Wine Merchants and Stone House Collective (4:15 PM) with free champagne and hot chocolate, Draft & Vessel (5:00 PM) offering complimentary hot chocolate or mulled wine, and Camp Bar Shorewood (6:15 PM). Letters to Santa can be dropped at the special mailbox outside Foxhole Craft Beer Shop & Kitchen.

Cost: Free admission
Contact: Shorewood BID at director@shorewoodwi.com or (414) 585-8100
Website: https://www.shorewoodwi.com/events/shorewoodwinterfest/

Small Business Saturday

Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025
Location: Oakland Avenue and Capitol Drive business districts, Shorewood

The Saturday after Thanksgiving brings special promotions throughout Shorewood's independently-owned boutiques and shops. Notable destinations include Blackbear Children's Boutique (4632 N Oakland Ave), SHOP women's boutique (4524 N Oakland Ave), Scout Wine Merchants (4655 N Oakland Ave), Stone House Collective, Olson House (Nordic-inspired home goods), Indulgence Chocolatiers, and North Shore Boulangerie. Many merchants offer extended hours and special shopping experiences.

Cost: Free to browse; purchases vary
Website: https://www.shorewoodwi.com/

Lake Bluff Elementary School Ice Rink

Location: 1600 E Lake Bluff Blvd, Shorewood, WI 53211
Season: December through February (weather-dependent)
Hours: Variable based on conditions; check Lake Bluff Ice Rink Facebook page

Free outdoor skating with a warming house offering 80 pairs of free rental skates in various sizes. The rink is maintained by volunteer "Ice Captains" and closes when ice conditions are unsafe (indicated by a red flag).

Cost: Free admission and skate rental
Details: Community gathering spot perfect for family skating

Draft & Vessel

Location: 4417 N Oakland Ave, Shorewood, WI
Phone: (414) 316-7660
Website: http://www.draftandvessel.com/

Craft beer bar featuring rotating daily draft lists, draft cocktails, wine, and cider. During Winterfest, offers free hot chocolate or mulled wine. The bar has no kitchen but allows food delivery and carry-in. Dog-friendly atmosphere with event room available for private gatherings.

North Shore Presbyterian Church Alternative Christmas Market

Typical Date: First Saturday in December (December 6 area)
Time: Starting at 11:30 AM
Location: 4048 N. Bartlett Ave, Shorewood, WI 53211
Phone: (414) 332-8130

Annual charitable gift market featuring approximately 12 social service organizations including Peace Learning Center, UNICEF, and Hunger Task Force. Shop for alternative gifts that support people in Milwaukee and worldwide, with light lunch, entertainment, and various pricing options available.

Cost: Free event; charitable gifts vary in price
Website: https://www.northshorepres.org/

Shorewood Public Library

Location: 3920 North Murray Avenue, Shorewood, WI 53211
Phone: (414) 847-2670
Website: https://www.shorewoodlibrary.org/

Check the library's events calendar for December holiday storytimes, craft programs, and family activities typically scheduled throughout the season. Part of the Milwaukee County Federated Library System with regular programming for all ages.

Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM, Friday 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Run Into the New Year 5K/10K

Date: Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: Shorewood, WI 53211
Registration: $40 (increases after September 30)

Part of Wisconsin's largest running series featuring both 5K and 10K distances. Registration includes gender-specific long sleeve shirt, finisher medal and food, professional chip timing, and free digital race photos. Perfect way to end the year with family.

Website: https://runsignup.com/Race/WI/Shorewood/RunintotheNewYear5k10kWalk

GLENDALE

Soda with Santa at Sprecher Brewery

Location: Sprecher Brewing Company, 701 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, WI 53209
Typical Dates: Multiple Sundays in late November through mid-December
Time Slots: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM
Phone: (414) 964-2739

Milwaukee's beloved holiday tradition invites families to tour the brewery and photograph with Santa. Create custom root beer labels featuring your Santa photo (12-pack minimum at $2.25/bottle). Advance tickets required for everyone attending, including unlimited soda samples and four eight-ounce beer samples for adults 21+.

Cost: Adults $17, Minors $11 (plus ticketing fee) - 2024 pricing
Details: Includes commemorative glass; arrive 10-15 minutes early for Santa photos
Bonus: Pick up custom labels Tuesday-Friday after your visit for a free 4-pack
Website: https://sprecherbrewery.com
Email: events@sprecherbrewery.com

Breakfast with Santa at Mallards Bayshore

Location: Mallards Restaurant, 5689 N. Bayshore Drive, Glendale, WI 53217
Typical Date: Mid-December
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Reservations: (414) 509-5555 (highly recommended)

Festive family breakfast buffet with Santa visit and photo opportunities. Delicious breakfast included with meet-and-greet time with Santa.

Details: Reservations strongly advised due to popularity

Bayshore Shopping Center

Location: 5800 North Bayshore Drive, Glendale, WI 53217
Phone: (414) 963-8780
Website: thebayshorelife.com

Open-air mixed-use shopping center featuring 75+ shops and restaurants with seasonal decorations throughout the holiday season. Check the website for specific 2025 holiday event announcements, historically including makers markets and holiday activities.

Features: Holiday shopping, self-guided Bayshore Art Walk, dining options for celebrations

Kletzsch Park

Location: 6560 N. Milwaukee River Parkway, Glendale, WI 53209
Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily

Popular 141-acre park along the Milwaukee River offering free winter activities including sledding on the hill, walking trails, Oak Leaf Trail access for biking and walking, cross-country skiing when conditions permit, and scenic waterfall views beautiful in winter. Free parking with seasonal portable restrooms.

Cost: Free admission

North Shore Library

Location: 6800 N. Port Washington Road, Glendale, WI 53217
Phone: (414) 351-3461
Website: northshorelibrary.org

Check for December children's programs, storytimes, and family activities. The library serves Glendale and surrounding communities with regular programming.

Holiday Closures: December 24-25 (Christmas), December 31 (New Year's Eve), December 12 (Staff Development Day)
Hours: Monday-Thursday 10 AM - 7 PM, Friday-Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM, Sunday closed

WHITEFISH BAY

Holiday Stroll, Parade & Tree Lighting

Date: Friday, November 28, 2025
Location: Silver Spring Drive (East Silver Spring Drive), Whitefish Bay, WI
Time: All-day shopping; evening parade and tree lighting

Described as "the biggest event of the season" for Whitefish Bay, this Black Friday celebration features daytime shopping specials at local businesses followed by an evening holiday parade ending with Santa's arrival and the community tree lighting ceremony. Whitefish Bay High School Choir sings Christmas carols while Fresh Coast Dancers perform. Businesses along the street serve hot cider and hot chocolate with family activities at participating merchants.

Cost: Free admission
Organizers: Merchants of Whitefish Bay, Village of Whitefish Bay, Whitefish Bay Civic Foundation
Website: https://merchantsofwhitefishbay.com/events-calendar/

WFB Winter Market - Holiday Market

Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Whitefish Bay Public Library, 5420 N. Marlborough Dr., Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
Phone: (414) 964-4380

Indoor farmers and artisan market featuring farm-fresh foods, winter produce, home-baked cookies and pies, apple cider, local artists, handmade crafts, and children's activities. Typical vendors include Second Story Bakery, Arts of the Heart DIY Paint Kits, VS Pandanggo Filipino foods, Moonlight Threads, Nature's Niche Farm, and Beijos Brazilian Sweets.

Cost: Free admission; purchases vary by vendor
Presented by: New Land Enterprises with Whitefish Bay Public Library
Website: https://wfbfarmersmarket.com/
Email: info@whitefishbayfarmersmarket.com

Silver Spring Drive Holiday Shopping District

Location: Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish Bay
Throughout: November-December 2025

Downtown shopping district featuring over 100 local businesses with unique holiday shopping experiences. Many merchants offer special holiday hours, gift wrapping, and seasonal promotions. Notable shops include Winkie's Toys & Variety (629B E Silver Spring Drive) with toys, games, Hallmark cards, ornaments, and candy counter, plus Yellow Wood (401 E Silver Spring Drive) for outdoor gear and winter accessories.

Website: https://merchantsofwhitefishbay.com/

Whitefish Bay Public Library

Location: 5420 N. Marlborough Dr., Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
Phone: (414) 964-4380
Website: https://www.wfblibrary.org/

Check the library website for December holiday programming including children's storytimes, family craft activities, holiday performances, and author events typically scheduled throughout the season.

Whitefish Bay Recreation and Community Education

Location: 5205 N. Lydell Ave, Whitefish Bay
Phone: (414) 963-3947
Website: https://www.wfbschools.com/community-recreation/

The Winter/Spring Program Guide typically releases in November with holiday classes, workshops, winter sports programs, family activities, and youth enrichment programs. Check the RecGram newsletter and website for specific December offerings.

BAYSIDE & NORTH SHORE NATURE

Bayside is a small residential village with limited holiday events within its borders, but offers excellent nature-based winter activities and easy access to regional celebrations.

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center

Location: 1111 E. Brown Deer Road, Bayside (Milwaukee), WI 53217
Phone: (414) 352-2880
Website: schlitzaudubon.org

Winter Solstice Hike

Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Cost: Members $17, Non-members $23

Guided hike marking the beginning of astronomical winter with discussion in the Pavilion Courtyard followed by a walk to Lake Michigan shore. The solstice occurs at 9:02 AM on December 21st.

Details: Registration required through schlitzaudubon.org

Illuminated Hike (Annual Event)

Typical Dates: Early-mid December (specific 2025 dates to be announced)
Typical Time: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Cost: Members $12, Non-members $18; children 2 and under free

Family-friendly winter evening where participants decorate paper lanterns and stroll gently lit trails, ending with bonfire and hot chocolate. Entirely outdoors with all ages welcome; children must be accompanied by adults.

Details: Check website in fall 2025 for confirmed dates

Year-Round Winter Activities

Admission: Members free, Adults $8, Ages 3-17 & Active Duty/Veterans $5
Hours: Daily 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Explore 185 acres with 6 miles of trails for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Features include a 60-foot observation tower, Lake Michigan shoreline, forests, wetlands, and prairies. Sunday afternoon Nature Ambassadors program (free with admission) offers reptile/amphibian encounters and guided hikes.

Mount Bayside (Ellsworth Park)

Location: Ellsworth Park, 600 E Ellsworth Ln, Bayside, WI
Activity: Sledding hill
Season: Winter months when snow is present

Free sledding at "Mount Bayside" with additional park amenities including ADA-accessible playground, baseball diamond, soccer fields, and tennis courts.

Cost: Free

MEQUON

Winter Wonderland 2025

Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025
Time: 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM (potentially to 6:30 PM)
Location: In Front of Mequon City Hall, 11333 N. Cedarburg Road, Mequon, WI 53092

Mequon's flagship holiday event is a major family-friendly celebration featuring Santa's arrival on a horse-drawn wagon with photos inside the historic Isham Day House (pre-registration recommended, walk-ins accepted). Uniquely inclusive, the event celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah with photos with Judah the Maccabee in front of a giant Menorah. Activities include cookie decorating, ornament making, carriage/wagon rides, gingerbread bounce house, fire pits, and continuous live music from MTSD Elementary & Middle School Orchestra, Christ Alone Choirs, Lakeshore & Steffen Choirs, and Homestead High School Choir. Food available for purchase from Mr. P's Grilled Cheese and Ruby Tap food trucks.

Cost: Free admission; food/beverages for purchase
Organizers: Mequon Festivals Committee
Website: https://www.cityofmequonwi.gov/bc-festivalscomm

Thiensville Village Christmas Tree Lighting

Date: Friday, December 5, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Walgreens Parking Lot, 278 North Main Street (corner N. Main St. & Freistadt Rd.), Thiensville, WI 53092

Annual tree lighting ceremony with holiday carols, hot chocolate and refreshments, children's coloring contest, and Santa & Mrs. Claus arriving on a Fire Department truck.

Cost: Free admission
Website: https://www.downtownthiensville.com/calendar/thiensville-village-christmas-tree-lighting

Mequon Nature Preserve

Location: 8200 W. County Line Road, Mequon, WI 53097
Phone: (262) 242-8055
Website: https://mequonnaturepreserve.org

Winter Activities

Six miles of free hiking trails (gravel, grass, and mulch; most ADA-accessible) open sunup to sundown every day including holidays. Features 40-foot observation tower with scenic views (1.0 mile round-trip), Marty's Playspace natural play area, and dog-friendly trails (on leash). Free snowshoe rentals available during winter months—email Amanda at amanda@mequonnaturepreserve.org to reserve. Off-road wheelchairs ("The Rig" and "The Grit") available for those with limited mobility—email Cory at coryg@mequonnaturepreserve.org.

Cost: Free admission and snowshoe rentals

Story & Craft

Date: Friday, December 12, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Description: Seasonally-themed book reading followed by guided hike and nature craft, geared for ages 2-9 but all ages welcome

Cost: Free; email Amanda to reserve spot
PieperPower Education Center Hours: Monday-Friday 10 AM - 2 PM (October-March)
Holiday Closures: November 27-28, December 22-31, January 1-2

Foxtown Brewing

Location: 6411 W. Mequon Road, Mequon, WI 53092
Website: https://foxtownbrewing.com
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 11:30 AM - 9 PM, Friday-Saturday 11:30 AM - 10 PM (closed Sunday-Monday)

Historic 1857 brewery building with two-level underground lager caves offering tours (sign up on website). Features live music nearly every weekend at The Annex, elevated pub fare including wood-fired pizzas, and 6-pack specials (Buy One Get One 50% Off on select varieties). Mug Club membership ($60 annual) includes Wednesday specials and holiday perks. Family-friendly atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating (seasonal). The Annex offers additional event space for 40+ guests, open Wednesday-Saturday at 4 PM.

Details: Growlers and 6-packs available to-go

Mee-Kwon Park Sledding

Location: 6333 W. Bonniwell Road, Mequon, WI
Activity: "Mule Hill" sledding and snowboarding

Long, shallow-grade hill perfect for family sledding, open during park hours when snow conditions allow.

Cost: Free

Mequon Public Market

Location: 6300 W Mequon Road, Mequon, WI 53092
Phone: (262) 665-7787
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11 AM - 8 PM, Friday-Saturday 11 AM - 9 PM
Website: https://mequonpublicmarket.com

Food hall and community gathering space with multiple vendors, restaurants, and event space. Hosts Chamber Young Professionals Family Game Night on December 10, 2025 at 5:30 PM.

Small Business Saturday

Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025

National shopping day with special deals in downtown Mequon (Port Washington Road area), East Towne Square boutique shopping center, downtown Thiensville shops, and Mequon Public Market. Contact Mequon-Thiensville Chamber of Commerce at https://www.mtchamber.org or (262) 242-3100 for participating businesses.

CEDARBURG

Cedarburg stands out as the crown jewel of North Shore holiday celebrations, recognized nationally as one of America's best Christmas towns. The entire historic downtown transforms into a "Hallmark-like setting" with extensive programming throughout the season.

A Cedarburg Christmas Season

Dates: Mid-November through December 24, 2025
Location: Historic Downtown Cedarburg, Washington Avenue
Website: https://www.cedarburgchristmas.com/

The entire Christmas season features twinkling lights, festive decorations, and holiday cheer throughout the historic district. Storefronts display seasonal scenes, rooftops are outlined with lights, streets filled with carolers. Named "Most Enchanting Christmastime Main Street in the Country" by OnlyInYourState.com and featured in "Best Christmas Towns" by Reader's Digest and Midwest Living.

Cost: Free to experience the ambiance

Holiday Luminaries

Dates: Friday evenings, November 21 - December 29, 2025
Time: Evening hours (weather-permitting)
Location: Downtown Historic Cedarburg, along Washington Avenue

Hundreds of glowing luminaries line the streets of downtown on Friday evenings, creating a magical pathway through the historic downtown.

Cost: Free
Presented by: Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce

Free Trolley Rides

Dates: Friday evenings, November 21 - December 19, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Downtown Historic Cedarburg, Washington Avenue (multiple stops)

Festive trolley with stops throughout downtown to help shoppers transport purchases. See trolley map for specific stops.

Cost: Free
Sponsored by: Cedarburg Chamber Tourism, Cedarburg Overhead Door, and Stilt House

Festive Friday Eves at Cedar Creek Settlement

Dates: Five Fridays - November 21, 28, December 5, 12, 19, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Cedar Creek Settlement, N70W6340 Bridge Road, Cedarburg, WI 53012

29 years of tradition! Five free family-oriented evenings at the historic 1864 Wittenberg Woolen Mill featuring 29 unique shops, restaurants, and Cedar Creek Winery festively adorned with natural greenery, garlands, wreaths, luminarias, and thousands of white lights. Each Friday has a different theme:

• November 21 - "The Settlement Christmas Showcase": Live music by Jay Isaacson, cider & cookies, Christmas Blush Wine sampling, food sampling, gift basket drawing, Mel's Charity Cook-out

• November 28 - "Home for the Holidays": Make It & Take It Projects (free), live music with The Ellen Winters Duo, wine & food sampling, gift basket drawing

• December 5 - "Santa's Workshop": Visit Santa Claus & his Elves, David HB Drake's "Songs of the Season", children's holiday crafts, Cedarburg High School Carolers, wine sampling, gift basket drawing

• December 12 - "Countdown to Christmas": Night for grown-ups to shop with complimentary munchies, live music with Bobby Way, Grafton High School Choral Group in Victorian finery

• December 19 - "Oh, My! 6 Days 'Til Christmas": Last-minute gifts, live music with The Lou Menchaca Trio, Cool Beans strolling Quartet, wine sampling

Cost: Free admission
Features: Live music, wine sampling, carriage rides (select nights)
Sponsors: Ansay & Associates, Newcastle Place, Victory Homes, Horicon Bank
Website: https://www.cedarcreeksettlement.com/

Cedarburg Tree Lighting Ceremony

Date: Monday, December 1, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM (tree lighting at 7:00 PM)
Location: Cedarburg Community Gym/Center, W63N641 Washington Ave, Cedarburg, WI 53012

Santa arrives in a holly, jolly trolley (sponsored by Port Washington State Bank). Event includes Christmas concert beginning at 5:30 PM, cookies and cider, Christmas carols, free make-and-take crafts provided by local businesses, Secret Santa Workshop and Santa's Mailbox coordinated by Cedarburg Junior Woman's Club, and tree lighting at 7:00 PM led by Santa and local dignitaries.

Cost: Free
Presented by: Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce
Website: https://www.travelwisconsin.com/events/fairs-festivals/cedarburg-tree-lighting-44425

Cedarburg Chanukah Walk & Menorah Lighting

Typical Timing: During Chanukah (December 14-22, 2025)
Time: Concludes at 6:00 PM with menorah lighting
Location: Starts at Jewish Discovery Center, N58W6208 Columbia Road; concludes at Cedarburg Interurban Covered Bridge

Walk downtown visiting shops with exclusive Chanukah surprises, hop aboard trolley rides with Judah the Maccabee, and participate in a new scavenger hunt to spot dreidels in shops for prizes. Grand menorah lighting at 6:00 PM on the scenic covered bridge with Chanukah music and delicious donuts. Stop at Cedarburg Art Museum to decorate Chanukah cookies and participate in art projects.

Cost: Free
Presented by: Jewish Discovery Center
Details: A unique interfaith celebration in Cedarburg's inclusive holiday season

Santa's Cedarburg Workshop

Location: 15' x 15' Gingerbread House on Washington Avenue, next to Cedarburg Community Center/City Hall

2025 Santa Schedule:

• Friday, November 21: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Santa and Mrs. Claus walking through Cedarburg)

• Friday, November 28: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

• Saturday, November 29: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

• Saturday, December 6: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

• Friday, December 12: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

• Saturday, December 13: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

• Friday, December 19: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

• Saturday, December 20: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

• Monday, December 22: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Charming gingerbread house graces Washington Avenue for the entire season. Santa and Mrs. Claus meet families; when not present, visitors can peek in windows to see Santa's fireplace and toys. Walk-up reservations taken day-of starting 15 minutes before opening (arrive early—limited capacity).

Cost: Free
Presented by: Cedarburg Christmas Committee
Details: High demand; families may not always be accommodated; volunteers welcome

Breakfast with Santa

Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: Two seatings - 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM
Location: Ozaukee Pavilion, W67N866 Washington Ave, Cedarburg

Hot pancake breakfast served to your table, opportunity to see Santa and take pictures, raffle prizes, and Secret Santa Workshop for kids to shop for friends and family. Each table seats 8.

Cost: Ticketed event (tickets required)
Presented by: Cedarburg Junior Woman's Club
Contact: breakfastwithsanta@cedarburgjuniors.org

Santa's Dash Away 5K

Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Time: Check-in 7:30 AM, Run starts 8:30 AM
Location: Starts at Cedarburg Community Gym, W63N641 Washington Ave
Registration Deadline: November 30 for guaranteed shirt

Holiday-themed fun run for all ages with "Back to the North Pole basics" theme. Form & Fitness provides warm-up. Pre-registered runners receive themed race packet including fun T-shirt and costume accessories. Whether you run, walk, or dance through the course, it's a merry way to kick off the holidays. Walk-up registration accepted day-of between 7:30-8:15 AM with $35 or check.

Website: https://www.cedarburgchristmas.com/santadashaway
Proceeds benefit: Cedarburg Christmas Committee
Presented by: Cedarburg Christmas Committee, Festivals of Cedarburg, Cedarburg Parks & Recreation

'Twas the Night Before Christmas at Cedarburg Art Museum

Dates: November 21 - January 4, 2026
Regular Hours: Thursday-Saturday 10 AM - 4 PM, Sunday 12 PM - 4 PM
Festive Friday Evening Extended Hours: November 21 - December 19, 2025, 5:15 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: W63N675 Washington Ave, Cedarburg

Victorian Wittenberg-Jochem Mansion's period rooms illustrate thematic lines from Clement C. Moore's classic poem "The Night Before Christmas." Self-guided tour through elaborately decorated rooms depicting scenes from the poem. After the tour, enjoy exclusive access to outdoor garden featuring twinkling lights, family photo opportunities, hot beverages, and Santa's live reindeer (on Festive Friday evenings).

Tickets: $10.00 per person required for museum access; available online starting Friday, November 1 at 9:00 AM
Details: Timed entry tickets from 5:15-8:15 PM on Festive Fridays; pre-registration highly encouraged due to capacity limits
FREE Garden Access: Outdoor garden with reindeer is free on Festive Friday Eves (no museum ticket required)
Website: https://cedarburgartmuseum.org/christmas/
Phone: (262) 377-6123

Holiday Art Fair - Cedarburg Artists Guild

Dates: Friday-Sunday, December 5-7, 2025
Times: Friday 10 AM - 8 PM, Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM, Sunday 10 AM - 3 PM
Location: Cedarburg Community Gym, W63N643 Washington Ave

More than 40 exceptional Cedarburg Artists Guild members showcase original, handmade arts and crafts. Wide array including jewelry, beaded glass, fiber and wearable art, felted wool, fabric sculptures, handcrafted furniture, multimedia paintings, drawings, etchings, photography, ceramics, birdhouses, copper yard art, and interior design. All works are one-of-a-kind. Wonderful opportunity to meet artists and find unique gifts.

Cost: Free admission
Website: https://www.cedarburgartistsguild.com/holidayartfair

Illuminate Ozaukee

Dates: 11 nights in December 2025 (Thursdays-Sundays plus December 21-22)
Selected Dates: December 4-6, 11-13, 18-22
Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Herman A. Zeunert Park, N28W5600 Lincoln Boulevard, Cedarburg
Special Walk-Through: Saturday, November 30, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (bonus day)

Drive-thru holiday light display where Ozaukee Nonprofit Center and 50+ participating businesses and nonprofits turn the park into a winter wonderland. Features special characters greeting visitors, Santa appearances each night, and letters to Santa mailbox. Receive booklet with QR Code to vote for favorite display. Each plot decorated by local nonprofit or area business.

Admission: Suggested donation $20 per vehicle (cash or credit)
Proceeds benefit: Ozaukee Nonprofit Center and partner agencies
Website: https://ozaukeenonprofitcenter.org/illuminate-ozaukee/

Cedar Creek Winery

Location: Within Cedar Creek Settlement, N70W6340 Bridge Road
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM, Sunday 11 AM - 5 PM (extended summer & holiday hours)
Website: https://cedarcreekwinery.com/

One of America's most noted small regional wineries offering wine tastings featuring holiday favorites: Cranberry Blush, Cedarburg Spice, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Christmas Blush. Wine sampling during all Festive Friday Eves (November 21, 28, December 5, 12, 19). Case Club events feature special holiday wine and cheese pairings. Award-winning regional wines available for tours, tastings, and shopping. 45-minute tours available (reservations accepted up to night before, day-of tickets if space permits).

Details: Festively decorated for holidays

The Little Show at Cedarburg Cultural Center

Dates: November 28, 2025 - January 11, 2026
Location: Cedarburg Cultural Center, W62N546 Washington Ave

Region's premiere small-format exhibit for 15+ years. All works of art are 36 square inches or less, enabling affordable mini masterpiece gift selections. Well-loved holiday tradition perfect for holiday shopping.

Hours: Regular Cultural Center hours (check website)

Kuhefuss House Hot Cocoa & S'mores Bar

Dates: Friday evenings, November 21 - December 19, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Historic Kuhefuss House, W63N627 Washington Ave

Bundle up and stay warm by the campfire while making your own holiday s'mores and sipping seasonally inspired refreshments.

Cost: Nominal fee expected
Presented by: Cedarburg Cultural Center

Rivoli Theatre Holiday Film Series

Typical Dates: Late November - December 23
Location: Rivoli Theater, Washington Avenue, Downtown Cedarburg

The beautifully restored historic Rivoli Theater features great holiday classics on the big screen in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Cost: $4 per movie
Website: Check cedarburgchristmas.com/rivoli for full schedule

"Christmas Through the Decades" Exhibit

Location: Cedarburg History Museum (also houses Cedarburg Visitor Center), N58W6194 Columbia Road

Museum transforms into winter wonderland featuring holiday antiques from years past. Main exhibit celebrates Christmas throughout the 20th century with decorations, music, toys, including Evergleam aluminum Christmas tree, authentic German feather trees, toys from every decade, and working large-scale window train display.

Details: Recurring annual exhibit; confirm 2025 specific dates closer to season

Planning your North Shore holiday adventure

The Milwaukee North Shore suburbs collectively offer an extraordinary breadth of holiday experiences, from the quiet contemplation of winter hikes at Schlitz Audubon and Mequon Nature Preserve to the bustling festivities of Cedarburg's five consecutive Festive Friday Eves. Friday evenings stand out as particularly magical—Cedarburg lights luminaries along Washington Avenue while trolleys ferry shoppers, Shorewood's Oakland Avenue hosts merchant events, and Whitefish Bay's Silver Spring Drive buzzes with holiday shoppers. For families with young children, coordinate Santa visits across communities: Sprecher Brewery's Soda with Santa requires advance ticketing, Cedarburg's gingerbread house offers multiple walk-up times, and Mequon's Winter Wonderland provides both Christmas and Hanukkah photo opportunities. Many events are free and weather-dependent, so check websites and social media pages for real-time updates, especially for outdoor activities like sledding and ice skating.

Most communities concentrate their major celebrations in early December (Shorewood's Winterfest December 6, Mequon's Winter Wonderland December 7, Thiensville's tree lighting December 5), making the first weekend of December ideal for experiencing multiple North Shore traditions in one weekend. Cedarburg alone warrants multiple visits given its extensive six-week programming. The interconnected nature of these communities—all within 10-15 minutes of each other—makes it easy to combine experiences: start with breakfast at Mallards in Glendale, visit Santa at Cedarburg's gingerbread house, hike Mequon Nature Preserve, and end with Shorewood's Winterfest all in one day.

For updates, bookmark these key resources: Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce (cedarburg.org), Shorewood BID (shorewoodwi.com), Merchants of Whitefish Bay (merchantsofwhitefishbay.com), Mequon city website (cityofmequonwi.gov), and Schlitz Audubon (schlitzaudubon.org). Many venues post final event details in mid-to-late November, so check back regularly for confirmed times and any new additions to the holiday calendar.