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.

The region's rich German and Polish heritage shines through in spectacular live nativities, museum-quality collections, and immersive walk-through experiences spread across Milwaukee proper and surrounding communities from Pewaukee to Cedarburg.

Whether you prefer drive-through convenience, interactive experiences with live animals, or contemplative museum visits, you'll find options ranging from completely free church events to elaborate ticketed attractions. This comprehensive guide covers everything families need to plan their holiday nativity adventures.

The region's most spectacular nativity collection

The Streets of Bethlehem

The Ingleside Hotel's Streets of Bethlehem in Pewaukee houses the Milwaukee area's most significant nativity display—a walk-through exhibition featuring near life-sized Fontanini nativity figurines that are an exact replica of the Pope's personal collection at the Vatican. This is the only display of this magnitude in the region.

• Location: 2810 Golf Road, Pewaukee, WI 53072

• 2024-2025 Dates: November 28 – January 3 (closed December 3)

• Hours: Sunday–Thursday 5-9 PM; Friday–Saturday 5-10 PM

• Admission: $30/carload (Sun-Thu), $35/carload (Fri-Sat and peak nights); Walking Nights available at $10/person

• Contact: (262) 547-0201 | thecountrychristmas.com

The nativity building sits at the end of Country Christmas's mile-long drive-through light trail featuring over 1 million LED lights. After experiencing the lights from your vehicle, you park and walk through the dedicated Streets of Bethlehem building to view the remarkable figurines up close. The experience also includes Christmas Village with model trains, the Bearville display, a 42-foot Christmas tree, and concessions. The Ingleside Hotel offers overnight packages with access to their 45,000-square-foot indoor waterpark, making this an excellent destination for a family staycation.

Masterpiece at Milwaukee Art Museum

Milwaukee Art Museum's Neapolitan Crèche

The Milwaukee Art Museum's Neapolitan Crèche represents one of the most historically significant nativity displays in the Midwest. This authentic 18th-century Italian nativity scene from Naples features exquisitely crafted figures including the Holy Family, angels, shepherds, the Magi, and barnyard animals.

• Location: 700 N. Art Museum Drive, Milwaukee

• Display Period: Late November through January (Collection Galleries, typically Gallery S107)

• Hours: Wed 10am-5pm; Thu 10am-8pm (pay-what-you-wish 4-8pm); Fri-Sun 10am-5pm; Closed Mon-Tue

• Holiday Hours: Christmas Eve 10am-3pm; Closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day

• Admission: Adults $27; Seniors/Students/Military $20; Children 12 & under FREE

• Contact: (414) 224-3200 | mam.org

The collection was gifted by Loretta Howard Sturgis in 2006—her mother donated over 200 figures to New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. Each figure is a one-of-a-kind sculpture with polychromed terracotta faces, painted wood elements, and period fabric. The bodies feature hemp wrapped around iron wire frameworks, allowing figures to be posed in various positions. Recently conserved with an updated historically-appropriate setting, visitors often note a small dog figure as a particular favorite. The museum offers family-friendly resources including ArtPack Stations with free guides, and the Kohl's Art Studio operates Friday-Sunday.

Six hundred nativities from around the world

Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Menomonee Falls maintains an extraordinary permanent collection of nearly 600 nativity scenes from 65+ countries, viewable year-round and free of charge.

• Location: W156N8131 Pilgrim Rd, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051

• Availability: Year-round; call for viewing hours; group tours by appointment

• Admission: FREE

• Parking: Two lots (south of church and north across Robinhood Drive)

• Contact: (262) 251-2740 | holycrosslutheran.org/resources/nativity-collection/

Originally donated by Bill and Susanne Gay, retired foreign language teachers, the collection showcases nativities ranging from traditional to whimsical in remarkable variety of media: hand-carved wood, stained glass, crystal, fabric, recycled soda cans, seed pods, banana bark, and even chocolate. The lower level features a children's viewing area at appropriate height for young visitors. This hidden gem offers families a unique opportunity to explore how cultures worldwide interpret the nativity story.

Interactive live nativities bring the story to life

DaySpring Luminary Hike & Live Nativity (Pewaukee)

Luminary Hike & Live Nativity

This award-winning immersive experience takes families on a mile-long journey through woods illuminated by over 2,500 luminaries to find Baby Jesus.

• Location: N14W29489 Silvernail Rd., Pewaukee, WI 53072

• 2024 Dates: December 13, 14, 20, 21

• Hours: 5:00-7:00 PM each evening

• Admission: $10/person; Children 10 & under FREE

• Duration: Approximately 40 minutes

• Contact: (262) 404-5092 | dayspringbaptist.com/luminary

Live actors portray townspeople, shepherds, angels, wise men, Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus throughout the interactive "Journey to Find Baby Jesus" on the church's 36-acre wooded property. The experience concludes at the NEW Bethlehem Marketplace offering holiday gifts, festive décor, free hot chocolate, and photo opportunities. Important: The woodchip trail is uneven and NOT wheelchair or stroller accessible. Dress warmly and wear appropriate footwear. Tickets often sell out—reservations recommended via Brushfire.

Falls Baptist Church Spectacular Christmas Festival (Menomonee Falls)

This German-themed Christmas celebration combines a live nativity with a full festival experience.

• Location: N69 W12703 Appleton Avenue, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051

• 2024 Dates: German Christmas Market December 4-17; Shows December 4-6 and 12-14

• Admission: FREE outdoor activities; indoor shows free with registration

• Contact: (262) 251-7051 | fallsbaptist.org/christmas-festival-event/

The outdoor German Christmas Market features the live nativity alongside horse-drawn carriage rides, local vendors, food trucks, free family photos, and "Wonderland Express" for children. Indoor productions include "A Christmas Spectacular" with a 100+ voice choir and symphony orchestra, plus "A Christmas Carol" stage drama. The 2024 festival features a special partnership with Violins of Hope–Wisconsin showcasing six historic instruments. An accessible showing ("You Are Spectacular") designed for individuals with disabilities occurs December 4 at 4:00 PM.

Christ Church – The Bethlehem Experience (Mequon)

An indoor-outdoor interactive experience recreating the Bethlehem marketplace.

• Location: 13460 N Port Washington Rd, Mequon, WI 53097

• 2024 Dates: Friday, December 12 (6-9 PM) and Saturday, December 13 (4-8 PM)

• Admission: FREE

• Contact: (262) 243-3093 | christchurchmequon.life/bethlehem

Visitors receive "shekels" to shop for goodies in the period marketplace featuring craftspeople in biblical-era costumes. Roman Guards interact with guests, and the experience culminates in a nativity drama and outdoor live nativity with live animals. Live Christmas music, family crafts, and a Cookie & Cocoa Bar round out the experience. Saturday includes a high-energy holiday worship event led by CC Kids (age 3 through 5th grade). The first floor is fully accessible.

St. Matthew's Lutheran Church Live Nativity (Oconomowoc)

A traditional outdoor live nativity offering multiple performance times.

• Location: 1650 Brown Street, Oconomowoc, WI 53066

• 2024 Date: Saturday, December 21

• Performance Times: 5:00 PM, 5:45 PM, and 6:30 PM

• Admission: FREE (no registration required)

• Contact: welcome.smls.org/events/

Museum experiences with holiday nativity traditions

Milwaukee Public Museum – European Village Holiday Display

The museum's beloved "Deck the Streets and Village" transforms two exhibits into holiday celebrations featuring nativity traditions.

• Location: 800 West Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233

• 2024-2025 Season: Mid-November through late January

• Hours: 10am-5pm daily; Closed Thanksgiving, December 23, 25, 30

• Admission: Adults ~$22-24; Seniors ~$20; Youth (4-13) ~$18; Children 3 & under FREE

• Special Access: Museums for All (EBT card) $3/person; First Thursday FREE (Kohl's Cares)

• Contact: (414) 278-2728 | mpm.edu

The European Village showcases nativity scenes and Christmas traditions from various European cultures—many brought to Milwaukee by European immigrants. Docents in period attire share the history of holiday customs. The Streets of Old Milwaukee features Victorian-era decorations including an upside-down Christmas tree (a St. Boniface tradition). Special events include "European Village Alive!" with costumed docents and Madrigal Singers, plus "Holidays in History" tours on December Saturdays.

Milwaukee County Historical Society

"Treasures and Traditions" celebrates Milwaukeean holiday customs.

• Location: 910 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53203

• Admission: Adults $5; Children $3

• Contact: (414) 273-8288 | milwaukeehistory.net

The exhibition features historic images and objects including the history of Milwaukee's Christmas Parade and "Billie the Brownie" (Santa's helper, a beloved Milwaukee tradition). A "Very Merry" family celebration typically occurs in early December.

A theatrical reimagining of the nativity story

Black Arts MKE's "Black Nativity" by Langston Hughes offers a powerful 90-minute musical telling the nativity story from an African American perspective.

• Location: Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall, Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, 929 N Water St, Milwaukee

• 2024 Dates: December 5-8 (10th Anniversary Season)

• Showtimes: Dec 5: 7:30 PM (Community Night $25); Dec 6: 7:30 PM; Dec 7: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM; Dec 8: 2:00 PM

• Tickets: Starting at $25

• Contact: (414) 273-7206 | marcuscenter.org

The production features African drumming, traditional gospel, contemporary arrangements, dance, theater, and poetry performed by an all-local, all-Black and brown cast of 40+ performers ages 9-50. Post-show talkbacks follow performances.

Historic churches worth visiting during Christmas

Basilica of St. Josaphat (Milwaukee)

Even without a dedicated nativity display, this architectural masterpiece provides a magnificent setting for Christmas worship and visits.

• Location: 2333 S 6th St., Milwaukee, WI 53215

• Visitor Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm; Sat 9am-3:30pm

• Christmas Services: December 24 at 7:00 AM, 4:30 PM (Vigil), 11:00 PM (Midnight Mass)

• Contact: (414) 645-5623 | thebasilica.org

The third minor basilica designated in the US (1929), St. Josaphat was modeled after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Built 1896-1901 by Polish immigrants using 200,000 tons of salvaged materials from Chicago's Federal Building, its 220-foot copper dome and stunning murals make it a National Historic Landmark. Audio tours available ($5 donation) in English, Polish, and Spanish.

Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist (Milwaukee)

• Location: 812 N Jackson St, Milwaukee, WI 53202

• Contact: (414) 276-9814 | stjohncathedral.org

This German Renaissance Revival cathedral built in 1847 features 13 large hand-cut stained glass windows and hosts beloved Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.

Outdoor displays and community celebrations

Cedarburg Christmas – Live Nativity and Festive Friday Eves

Named "The Most Enchanting Christmastime Main Street in the Country" by OnlyInYourState.com, Cedarburg offers live nativity performances during Festive Friday evenings.

• Location: Advent Lutheran Church, across from Cedarburg City Hall, Downtown Cedarburg

• Dates: Festive Friday Eves (November 21, 28, December 5, 12, 19)

• Hours: Evening hours during festivals

• Admission: FREE

• Additional Attractions: Illuminate Ozaukee drive-through lights at Zeunert Park (Dec 4-6, 11-13, 18-22), Santa's Workshop, luminaria-lit Washington Avenue

• Contact: cedarburgchristmas.com

Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival

While not nativity-specific, this 27th annual festival features 500,000+ lights across four downtown parks.

• Locations: Cathedral Square Park, Pere Marquette Park, Zeidler Union Square, Red Arrow Park

• 2024-2025 Dates: November 20 – January 1

• Admission: FREE (self-guided); Jingle Bus tours $8/person

• Contact: milwaukeedowntown.com

Cathedral Square features 130+ decorated trees with handmade ornaments from local organizations.

Planning tips for families

Book early for ticketed events—DaySpring Luminary Hike sells out quickly. Dress appropriately for outdoor live nativities; most operate regardless of weather. Peak times are Friday-Saturday evenings and the week before Christmas.

Combine destinations strategically: The Pewaukee area offers DaySpring Luminary Hike and Country Christmas within 10 minutes of each other. Cedarburg's live nativity pairs perfectly with the town's Festive Friday Eve celebrations and Illuminate Ozaukee light display.

Accessibility varies significantly. Indoor venues like Holy Cross, Milwaukee Art Museum, and the Streets of Bethlehem building offer the best accessibility. Outdoor trail experiences like DaySpring are NOT wheelchair or stroller accessible.

Free options abound. Most church-sponsored events are completely free, including Christ Church, Falls Baptist Festival outdoor activities, St. Matthew's, and the Cedarburg live nativity. The Milwaukee Public Museum offers free admission on the first Thursday of each month, and the Milwaukee Art Museum is pay-what-you-wish Thursday evenings.

For the most current schedules, verify directly with venues as church live nativity dates may shift annually, and some details for the 2024-2025 season continue to be announced. Contact information and websites are provided above for each location.