Santa Visits in Greater Milwaukee: Winter 2025 Guide

The Milwaukee area offers more than 60 Santa experiences this December, ranging from free community visits to premium photo sessions on Harley-Davidson motorcycles. After extensive research, this guide organizes every option by type—from mall photos to train rides—with the specific dates, prices, and logistics families need to plan their perfect holiday outing.

Related: Where to find Santa’s mailboxes in Greater Milwaukee

Mall and shopping center Santa photos

Traditional mall Santa experiences remain the most accessible option for families, with four major venues operating from mid-November through Christmas Eve. Brookfield Square Mall opens earliest (November 13) and offers a $5 discount on photo packages for November visitors, making it the best value for early planners. All venues accept walk-ins but strongly recommend reservations to minimize wait times—essential advice for the final two weeks before Christmas.

Mayfair Mall (2500 N. Mayfair Road, Wauwatosa) operates the largest Santa experience in Wisconsin from November 17 through December 24. Santa's Workshop sits on Level 1 near Nordstrom, with hours Monday-Saturday 10 AM-8 PM and Sunday 11 AM-6 PM. Book through WhereIsSanta.com or SantasFastPass.com. The mall hosts Santa Cares Day, a sensory-friendly morning session in partnership with Autism Speaks featuring a calm environment and complimentary photos for children with autism or sensory sensitivities. Pet photo nights run select Mondays from 4-7 PM through December 16.

Brookfield Square Mall (95 N. Moorland Road) offers the longest season, November 13-December 24, with packages starting at $32 (cashless payments only). Hours vary: Monday-Thursday 11 AM-7 PM, Friday-Saturday 11 AM-8 PM, Sunday noon-6 PM. The North Pole Mailroom provides letter-writing stations where children compose letters to Santa. Pet photos available every Monday through December 15. Reserve at VIPHolidayPhotos.com.

Southridge Mall (5300 S. 76th Street, Greendale) features several inclusive experiences alongside traditional photos from November 21-December 24. Photo packages range from $25.99 to $59.99 through Snaptastic Photos (BookMySantaVisit.com). Notable special events include:

• Sensory-Friendly Santa: Sunday, December 7, 9-10:30 AM—quiet environment with breakfast snacks and activities

• Pet Photo Night: Monday, December 8, 4-8 PM

• Black Santa Experience: December 12-14 (various times)—celebrating cultural representation

• B&B Choo Choo Train: Available near Santa for additional family fun

The Corners of Brookfield (20111 W. Bluemound Road) offers special events rather than daily Santa sessions, all free: Town Tree Lighting with Santa (November 22, 4-6 PM featuring a drone light show), and Santa at IMPROV Restaurant (December 13, 10 AM-noon with photo opportunities, hot cocoa, and crafts). A ticketed Reindeer Visit runs December 21, 11 AM-2 PM—purchase tickets starting November 17 at 9 AM via Eventbrite before they sell out.

Note: Bayshore Town Center in Glendale does not host a traditional mall Santa due to its outdoor design, though Mallards Restaurant at Bayshore offers Breakfast with Santa (call 414-509-5555 for reservations).

Breakfast and brunch with Santa events

These sit-down experiences combine meals with Santa visits and typically include photos, activities, and small gifts. Premium hotel experiences sell out within days of tickets opening—set calendar reminders for early November announcements.

Premium hotel experiences

The Pfister Hotel (424 E. Wisconsin Avenue) hosts Milwaukee's most beloved tradition in the newly renovated Grand Ballroom. Dates include November 29-30 and December 6-7, 13-14, and 20-21, with two seatings at 8:30 AM and 11 AM. Adults pay approximately $40-45, children (3-10) $25-30, under 2 free. The experience includes a magnificent buffet with made-to-order chocolate chip pancakes, complimentary professional photos, holiday crafts, letter-writing to Santa, and a special gift for every child. Reserve immediately when tickets open at ExploreStock.com/the-pfister-hotel or call 877-704-5340.

Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel (139 E. Kilbourn Avenue) offers a contemporary alternative December 13-14 in the Simone Ballroom. Two seatings at 9 AM and 11:30 AM cost $72 for adults and $35 for children (3-10), with chef-made waffles griddled on-site, Santa photos, and holiday crafts. Reserve at ExploreStock.com/saintkate.

The Ingleside Hotel (2810 Golf Road, Pewaukee) typically offers brunch December 21—SOLD OUT for 2025. Contact 262-547-0201 for the waitlist. Adults $43, children 12 and under $24.

Museum and attraction breakfasts

Milwaukee County Zoo (10001 W. Bluemound Road) hosts one of the region's most sought-after events on multiple December weekends. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and merry elves greet families at a breakfast buffet featuring live holiday carols, individual photos with Santa, and a stuffed animal gift for each child. Twenty-four Christmas trees decorated by local schools line the venue. Tickets sell out within hours when sales open in early November—register immediately at MilwaukeeZoo.org or call 414-256-5412.

Harley-Davidson Museum (400 W. Canal Street) offers the most unique photo opportunity in Milwaukee: Santa seated on an actual Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Sundays December 7, 14, and 21 from 10 AM-2 PM include a festive brunch buffet at MOTOR Bar & Restaurant, letter writing, cookie decorating, holiday movies, and free museum admission for kids after breakfast. Reserve through OpenTable or call 414-287-2778. Additionally, Holiday Hunt events (December 6, 13, 20) include tin ornament crafting and airbrush tattoos with regular museum admission.

Betty Brinn Children's Museum (929 E. Wisconsin Avenue) hosts Cocoa & Claus on Saturday, December 20, 9 AM-noon. Early bird tickets (November 9-24) cost $15 ($8 members); regular tickets $20 ($10 members). Best for ages 0-8, the event includes Story Time with Santa, DIY toy-making in the Be A Maker Space, photos, and complimentary Stone Creek Coffee hot cocoa. Book at BBCMkids.org.

Discovery World (500 N. Harbor Drive) offers Santa Storytime on December Sundays (expected December 8 and 21-22) at 11 AM, noon, and 1:30 PM—included with general admission. Santa strolls through the building between sessions, and families access the full museum including the Reiman Aquarium.

Restaurant and community options

Milwaukee Public Market (400 N. Water Street) hosts a charitable Breakfast with Santa on December 21. Breakfast runs 9-11 AM ($35 adults, $15 children 3-10, under 3 free), followed by free Santa and Mrs. Claus strolling the Market 11 AM-1 PM. Reserve at MilwaukeePublicMarket.org. Proceeds benefit Penfield Children's Center.

Il Cervo (1111 Vel R. Phillips Avenue, The Trade Hotel) offers "Up on the Rooftop: Brunch with Santa" December 20, 10 AM-2 PM with stunning Deer District views. $65 adults, $35 children 5-12, under 5 free. Features include a carving station, mimosa bar for adults, hot chocolate bar for kids, and cookie decorating. Reserve via OpenTable.

Dave & Buster's (2201 N. Mayfair Road, Wauwatosa) hosts Holly Jolly Breakfast with Santa on December 7 at 9 AM for $32.31 per person, including breakfast buffet, $10 Power Card with unlimited game play, and Santa photos—ideal for families with active kids.

Budget-friendly options include:

• Milwaukee County Parks (MLK Jr. and Kosciuszko Community Centers): Mid-December Saturday, 9:30 AM-noon, $5 per person cash only—pancakes, sausage, games, raffles, and gift bags

• Oak Creek Lions Club (9327 S. Shepard Avenue): December 7, 8-11 AM, FREE—all-you-can-eat pancakes with Santa, donations accepted

• Thiensville Volunteer Fire Department (250 Elm Street): December 7, 8 AM-noon, $8 adults, $6 children 6-10

Special and premium Santa experiences

Train rides

East Troy Electric Railroad (2002 Church Street, East Troy) operates the premier Santa train experience in the region, running Saturdays and Sundays November 29-December 21. Daytime trains depart at 9 AM, 10:30 AM, noon, and 1:30 PM (plus 3 PM Saturdays). Evening first-class dining trains run Fridays and Saturdays November 28-December 20 at 5 PM with complimentary adult beverages. Tickets cost $38-40 adults, $34-36 children (3-14), $12-14 toddlers. The two-hour experience includes a 30-minute ride to Santa's Workshop at The Elegant Farmer, one hour with Santa (plus cookies, hot chocolate, and a small gift), and the return ride. All sales final and non-refundable—book at EastTroyRR.org. Bonus: December 6 features a free-viewing Santa Parade Train arriving at East Troy Village Square at 6:30 PM for the tree lighting.

The Polar Express at National Railroad Museum (Green Bay, approximately 2 hours north) is SOLD OUT for 2025. This official experience includes hot chocolate service, a dramatic reading of the book, Santa boarding the train, and silver sleigh bell keepsakes. Check NationalRRMuseum.org for cancellation availability.

Water experiences

Lake Geneva Santa Cruise (Gage Marine, 1 Liechty Drive, Williams Bay—40 minutes from Milwaukee) offers the region's only water-based Santa experience daily November 29-December 29 (closed December 24-25). The 40-minute cruise on enclosed, heated historic boats costs $25-31 adults, $13-19 children (4-17), children 3 and under free, with pricing varying by date. Book at SantaCruiseLakeGeneva.com.

Historic and cultural experiences

Old World Wisconsin (W372 S9727 Hwy 67, Eagle—30 minutes from Milwaukee) hosts Home for the Holidays December 6-7 and 13-14, 10 AM-3 PM. This immersive 1800s village experience includes Santa's Workshop, meeting Krampus (the anti-Santa—older kids love this), horse-drawn wagon rides, Victorian and Scandinavian traditions, bonfire gatherings, and ornament making. Breakfast in the historic 1897 Clausing Barn available 8-10 AM. $52 adults/teens, $40 seniors, $27 children (5-11), under 5 free. Reserve at WisconsinHistory.org.

Cedarburg Art Museum's 'Twas the Night Before Christmas (W63N675 Washington Avenue) offers a magical self-guided tour of a Victorian mansion with rooms illustrating Clement C. Moore's poem, twinkling garden lights, and live reindeer. Fridays November 21-December 19, 5:15-9 PM. $10 per person, timed tickets required starting November 1 at CedarburgArtMuseum.org/Christmas.

Botanical and nature experiences

Mitchell Park Domes (524 S. Layton Boulevard) presents "The Twelve Days of Christmas: A Playful Parody" November 22-January 4, featuring hundreds of poinsettias and whimsical displays. Storyteller Santa visits November 29 (10 AM-noon), December 6 (12:30-2:30 PM), and December 13 (2-4 PM). Late Night at The Domes with light shows runs November 28, December 9, 16, and 26. $8 adults, $6 juniors/seniors (Milwaukee County residents); last Thursday of month just $5. Visit MitchellParkDomes.com or call 414-257-5600.

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center (1111 E. Brown Deer Road, Bayside) hosts an Illuminated Hike in early December where families decorate paper lanterns and stroll gently lit trails ending with bonfire and hot cocoa—entirely outdoors. $12 members, $18 non-members, children 2 and under free. The Winter Solstice Hike on December 21, 9-10:30 AM ($17 members, $23 non-members) celebrates the shortest day with a walk to Lake Michigan. Reserve at SchlitzAudubon.org.

Premium photo experiences

For families seeking boutique-quality portraits, The Santa Experience at Studio North (3728 N. Fratney Street, Milwaukee) offers a private 10-minute session including letter writing, 1-on-1 Santa meet-and-greet, all high-resolution edited images, hot cocoa bar, and holiday cotton candy for $299. Contact christabergphotography@gmail.com.

Cabela's Santa's Wonderland (Richfield area) provides free 4x6 photos with Santa through December 24, plus free crafts, activities, and giveaways. Christmas Tales with Santa & Mrs. Claus run Tuesdays at 5 PM. Reserve up to 7 days in advance.

Free community Santa events

North Shore communities

Shorewood Winterfest (Saturday, December 6, 3:30-6:30 PM) features Santa arriving on a vintage sleigh, stopping at local businesses along Oakland Avenue before the main ceremony at Wood Square. Schedule: 3:30 PM Blackbear Children's Boutique → 4:15 PM Scout Wine Merchants (free champagne/hot chocolate) → 5:00 PM Draft & Vessel → 5:45 PM Wood Square tree and menorah lighting with cookie decorating → 6:15 PM Camp Bar. Free letters-to-Santa mailbox outside Foxhole Craft Beer Shop. Contact: Shorewood BID, 414-585-8100, ShorewoodWI.com.

Whitefish Bay Holiday Stroll & Parade (Friday, November 28) kicks off with Black Friday shopping specials followed by an evening parade down Silver Spring Drive ending with Santa's arrival and community tree lighting. The Whitefish Bay High School Choir performs carols while Fresh Coast Dancers entertain. Free hot cider and hot chocolate from local businesses. Details at MerchantsOfWhitefishBay.com.

Mequon Winter Wonderland (Sunday, December 7, 3:30-5:30 PM) at Mequon City Hall celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah. Santa arrives by horse-drawn wagon with photos inside the historic Isham Day House (pre-registration recommended at CityOfMequonWI.gov, walk-ins accepted). Features include photos with Judah the Maccabee, cookie decorating, ornament making, horse-drawn carriage rides, gingerbread bounce house, fire pits, and live music from area school choirs.

Thiensville Village Tree Lighting (Friday, December 5, 6-7 PM) at the Walgreens parking lot (278 N. Main Street) includes holiday carols, hot chocolate, a children's coloring contest, and Santa arriving on a fire truck.

Brown Deer Holiday Lights Celebration (Monday, December 1, 4-5 PM) at North Shore Fire Station kicks off the season with tree and menorah lighting plus a Winter Market.

Sprecher Brewery's Soda with Santa (701 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale) combines a brewery tour with Santa photos on Sundays November 16-December 14, with sessions at 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM. $17 adults, $11 minors—advance tickets required. The unique souvenir: custom root beer labels featuring your Santa photo ($2.25/bottle, 12-bottle minimum). Reserve at SprecherBrewery.com.

Greater Milwaukee metro

Cedarburg offers the region's most extensive free holiday programming. Santa's Workshop—a life-sized gingerbread house on Washington Avenue—hosts free walk-up Santa visits on multiple dates through December 22 (line up 15 minutes early). The Tree Lighting Ceremony (December 1, 5:30-7:30 PM) features the Cedarburg Civic Band, free crafts, cookies, and Santa arriving at 7 PM. Festive Friday Eves at Cedar Creek Settlement run 5-9 PM on November 21, 28 and December 5, 12, 19 with the December 5 "Santa's Workshop" edition featuring children's crafts and free DIY Christmas photos. Illuminate Ozaukee drive-through light show runs Fridays-Saturdays December 6-22 at Zeunert Park ($10-20 suggested donation). Details at CedarburgChristmas.com.

Wauwatosa hosts the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train on Wednesday, December 10, arriving at 4:15 PM at the Harwood Avenue track crossing. This spectacular decorated train features live performances by American Authors and Pynk Beard, Santa appearance, and thousands of lights—all free (food/cash donations for Tosa Cares requested). The Village Tree Lighting (December 3, 5:30 PM) includes a cookie trail walk and movie screening, and the European-style Holiday Market (December 3-21) brings authentic German chalets, cuisine, and mulled wine to W. State Street.

Waukesha Night of Lights (Friday, December 5, 5:30-7 PM) starts with tree lighting at The Rotunda, then follows Santa on a lantern stroll through downtown to Riverfront Plaza. The 62nd Annual Waukesha Christmas Parade (December 7, 4 PM) features marching bands, floats, and Santa's grand finale.

Menomonee Falls Christkindl Market (Saturday, December 13, 10 AM-4 PM) at Mill Pond Park features professional Santa portraits, meet-and-greet with Elsa and Anna, live reindeer petting, horse-drawn carriage rides, and German cuisine. Free admission.

West Allis packs December 5-6 with back-to-back free events: the 6th Annual Christkindlmarkt at the Farmers Market (December 5, 4-8 PM and December 6, noon-4 PM) features 60+ vendors, followed by Allis in Winterland (December 6, 3-4 PM) and the nighttime Christmas Parade (4:45 PM)—southeastern Wisconsin's premier after-dark parade with marching bands, floats, and Santa.

Greenfield's Cruisin' Santa (December 12-15, starting 6 PM nightly) sends Santa, Mrs. Claus, and friends through different neighborhoods on parade routes—a free neighborhood experience with live tracking available at ci.greenfield.wi.us.

Quick reference guide by family need

Best experiences by age group

Age Group Top Recommendations Babies/Toddlers (0-2) Betty Brinn Cocoa & Claus, mall Santas (shorter waits with reservations), community events Preschool (3-5) Milwaukee County Zoo breakfast, Discovery World Storytime, Sprecher Soda with Santa Elementary (6-10) East Troy Railroad, Harley-Davidson Museum, Dave & Buster's, Old World Wisconsin Tweens (11+) Old World Wisconsin (Krampus!), Canadian Pacific Holiday Train, evening train rides

Budget-friendly options (under $15 or free)

• Oak Creek Lions Club breakfast: FREE

• All community tree lightings and parades: FREE

• Cedarburg Santa's Workshop: FREE

• Cabela's Santa's Wonderland photos: FREE

• Milwaukee County Parks breakfast: $5

• Thiensville Fire Department breakfast: $6-8

• Mitchell Park Domes with Storyteller Santa: $5-8

• Sprecher Soda with Santa: $11-17

Most unique experiences

• Harley-Davidson Museum: Santa on a motorcycle

• Old World Wisconsin: Meet Krampus

• Cedarburg Art Museum: Live reindeer + Victorian mansion

• East Troy Railroad: Authentic trolley ride

• Lake Geneva: Only Santa boat cruise in the region

• Schlitz Audubon: Illuminated nature trail with lanterns

Sells out fastest (book immediately)

1. Milwaukee County Zoo Breakfast with Santa

2. The Pfister Hotel Breakfast with Santa

3. East Troy Railroad evening trains

4. Kiwanis of Germantown (live reindeer)

5. Cedarburg Art Museum 'Twas the Night

Sensory-friendly options

• Southridge Mall: December 7, 9-10:30 AM

• Mayfair Mall: Santa Cares Day (date TBA)

• Brookfield Square: Check website for Caring Santa dates

Event calendar at a glance

Date Key Events Dec 1 (Mon) Brown Deer Holiday Lights, Cedarburg Tree Lighting Dec 3 (Wed) Wauwatosa Village Tree Lighting, Holiday Market opens Dec 5 (Fri) Thiensville Tree Lighting, Waukesha Night of Lights, West Allis Christkindlmarkt Dec 6 (Sat) Shorewood Winterfest, West Allis Parade, Franklin Tree Lighting, Cedarburg Breakfast Dec 7 (Sun) Mequon Winter Wonderland, Waukesha Christmas Parade, Oak Creek Lions Breakfast, Southridge Sensory Santa Dec 10 (Wed) Canadian Pacific Holiday Train (Wauwatosa) Dec 12-14 Southridge Black Santa Experience Dec 13 (Sat) Menomonee Falls Christkindl Market, Santa at The Corners, Whitefish Bay Winter Market Dec 20 (Sat) Betty Brinn Cocoa & Claus, Il Cervo Brunch Dec 21 (Sun) Milwaukee Public Market Breakfast, Winter Solstice Hike

Planning your perfect Santa visit

For families planning multiple Santa encounters, consider booking one premium experience (breakfast or train ride) alongside free community events. The first weekend of December offers the densest concentration of activities—Shorewood Winterfest, Mequon Winter Wonderland, and multiple breakfasts all fall within 48 hours—making it ideal for checking off several experiences efficiently.

Mall Santa reservations become essential after December 10, when wait times spike dramatically. Families visiting during the final week should book appointments for mid-week mornings (Tuesday-Thursday before noon) for the shortest waits and freshest Santas.

Most breakfast events require full prepayment with 48-72 hour cancellation windows for refunds. For the Milwaukee County Zoo and Pfister Hotel experiences, sign up for email alerts and be prepared to purchase tickets the moment sales open—both typically sell out within the first day.