Milwaukee Area Christmas Parades 2026: Dates, Times and Locations
Christmas parade season returns to the Milwaukee area in November and December 2026, bringing illuminated floats, marching bands, Santa arrivals, tree lightings and some wonderfully Wisconsin variations on the traditional holiday parade.
From Germantown's full-day Christmas Festival to Whitefish Bay's Holiday Stroll, West Allis' nighttime parade and South Milwaukee's unusual "standstill parade," families have plenty of opportunities to bundle up and celebrate.
We'll continue updating this guide as additional communities announce their 2026 schedules.
Quick List: 2026 Milwaukee-Area Christmas Parades
Germantown Christmas Festival Parade: Saturday, Nov. 14 at 1:30 p.m.
Whitefish Bay Holiday Stroll & Parade: Friday, Nov. 27 — parade time to be announced
Menomonee Falls Christmas Parade: Sunday, Nov. 29 at 4:30 p.m.
South Milwaukee Christmas at the Commons: Saturday, Dec. 5
West Allis Christmas Parade: Saturday, Dec. 5 at 4:45 p.m.
Waukesha Christmas Parade: Sunday, Dec. 6 at 4 p.m.
Mukwonago Midnight Magic: Saturday, Dec. 5 — parade details to be announced
New Berlin Christmas Parade: 2026 details not yet announced
Milwaukee Santa's Christmas Cavalcade: 2026 dates not yet announced
2026 Christmas Parades
Germantown Christmas Festival Parade
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Parade begins at 1:30 p.m.
Downtown Germantown
Germantown is once again one of the first Milwaukee-area communities to launch Christmas parade season.
The annual Christmas Festival Parade begins at 1:30 p.m., with lineup starting at 12:30 p.m.
The route begins on Pilgrim Road just north of Mequon Road, continues north to Fond du Lac Avenue, west onto Main Street and north on Park Avenue toward Firemen's Park.
The parade is only the beginning.
Christmas in the Park
After the parade, head to Firemen's Park for Christmas in the Park from 2-4:45 p.m.
Planned activities include:
Pictures with Santa
Holiday characters
Kids activities
Free hot chocolate
Coffee
Popcorn
Food trucks
Candy Land Adventure
Raffles
The celebration traditionally wraps up with the community tree lighting.
Why we like it: This is one of the easiest parades to turn into a half-day family Christmas outing because the activities continue after the procession.
Whitefish Bay Holiday Stroll & Parade
Friday, November 27, 2026
Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish Bay
Parade time: To be announced
One of our favorite North Shore holiday traditions returns on the Friday after Thanksgiving.
The Merchants of Whitefish Bay have confirmed the Holiday Stroll for 2026.
The evening typically combines:
Holiday shopping
Merchant open houses
Hot chocolate and cider
Family activities
Christmas parade
Santa
Tree lighting
Live performances
The parade traditionally travels east along Silver Spring Drive, ending near Consaul Commons, where the community gathers for the Christmas tree lighting.
The Whitefish Bay High School Choir has traditionally performed during the celebration, along with local performers.
2026 note: The event itself is confirmed, but the Merchants have not yet published the complete 2026 timetable. We'll update the parade start time as soon as it's announced.
Related: Our complete guide to the Whitefish Bay Holiday Stroll
Menomonee Falls Christmas Parade
Sunday, November 29, 2026
4:30 p.m.
Downtown Menomonee Falls
Menomonee Falls has officially scheduled its 2026 Christmas Parade for the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
The parade starts at 4:30 p.m. near Main Street and Harrison Avenue.
The route travels:
Main Street → Appleton Avenue → Arthur Avenue
Expect:
Illuminated floats
Community groups
Marching units
Holiday characters
Santa Claus
Lineup begins at 3:30 p.m., with the parade scheduled through approximately 7 p.m.
The later start means families get the full effect of illuminated floats and downtown Christmas lights.
South Milwaukee Christmas at the Commons
Saturday, December 5, 2026
Bucyrus Commons, 1028 Madison Ave., South Milwaukee
South Milwaukee has confirmed Christmas at the Commons for December 5, 2026.
This event stands out because it isn't a traditional moving parade.
Instead, South Milwaukee hosts a standstill parade: participants remain in place while visitors walk through the display.
That makes it easier for children to take their time seeing:
Holiday characters
Musicians
Community organizations
Decorated parade units
Santa and Mrs. Claus
The event traditionally also includes Christmas music, family activities, food and drinks, followed by the lighting of the Commons Christmas tree.
The city has not yet published the complete 2026 schedule, so check back for exact times.
Best for: Families with younger kids who prefer walking around at their own pace instead of standing along a curb waiting for a parade to pass.
West Allis Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 5, 2026
4:45-6 p.m.
Downtown West Allis
If you're looking for a true nighttime Christmas parade, West Allis belongs near the top of the list.
The City of West Allis has confirmed its 2026 parade for Saturday, December 5 at 4:45 p.m.
The route begins near the 81st Street entrance to Wisconsin State Fair Park, travels east along Greenfield Avenue to 70th Street, then turns south toward Orchard Avenue.
Expect:
Marching bands
Live performers
Decorated floats
Vintage vehicles
Elves
Holiday characters
Santa Claus
Make a day of it
The parade is part of a much larger holiday celebration.
Friday, Dec. 4 and Saturday, Dec. 5:
Christkindlmarkt at the West Allis Farmers Market.
Saturday, Dec. 5 from 4-4:45 p.m.:
Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall's Centennial Plaza.
4:45 p.m.:
Christmas Parade begins.
That makes West Allis one of the strongest all-around holiday outings on the 2026 calendar.
Mukwonago Midnight Magic
Saturday, December 5, 2026
Mukwonago
Mukwonago's massive Midnight Magic celebration returns in 2026.
This is much more than a Christmas parade.
The village-wide festival traditionally includes:
Christmas parade
Holiday marketplace
Santa
Horse-drawn carriage rides
Wagon rides
Dog sled demonstrations
Live entertainment
Holiday shopping
Fireworks
The 2026 event is confirmed for Saturday, December 5.
As of this update, the Chamber has not yet posted a complete 2026 schedule with the exact parade start time, so we're leaving last year's 3 p.m. time out rather than assuming it will remain the same.
Worth the drive: This is one of the most elaborate all-day Christmas celebrations within an hour of Milwaukee.
Waukesha Christmas Parade
Sunday, December 6, 2026
4-6 p.m.
Downtown Waukesha
Free
Waukesha's 63rd Annual Christmas Parade is officially scheduled for Sunday, December 6.
The parade begins at 4 p.m. through downtown Waukesha.
Expect:
Marching bands
Decorated floats
Holiday performers
Community groups
Santa Claus
Children are traditionally encouraged to bring letters for Santa.
The parade draws thousands of spectators, so arrive early if you want a prime viewing spot.
The event continues to recognize the victims of the 2021 Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy, with the annual observance remaining part of the community tradition.
New Berlin Christmas Parade
2026 date: To be announced
New Berlin traditionally hosts a holiday parade organized with support from the Prospect Lions Club.
One of its most memorable traditions has been Santa riding in a sleigh pulled by live reindeer.
The parade has historically traveled along portions of Moorland Road and National Avenue before post-parade festivities and tree lighting.
As of August 2026, we have not found an official published date for this year's parade.
We'll add it as soon as the city or organizers announce the schedule.
Milwaukee Santa's Christmas Cavalcade
2026 dates: To be announced
Downtown Milwaukee
While the old Milwaukee Holiday Parade hasn't returned, downtown Milwaukee has developed a much more unusual Santa procession.
Santa's Christmas Cavalcade sends Santa and Mrs. Claus through downtown aboard a vintage fire truck as part of the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival.
The procession has traditionally started near the Milwaukee Public Market before traveling through several downtown holiday-light districts.
Past stops have included:
Cathedral Square Park
Pere Marquette Park
Zeidler Union Square
Historic Third Ward
Downtown Milwaukee
Light the Hoan
The 2026 Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival schedule has not yet been published, so we aren't carrying over the 2025 Cavalcade dates.
Check back this fall for confirmed dates.
Other Christmas Celebrations Worth Watching
Wales Christmas Celebration
The Village of Wales traditionally hosts a December holiday celebration that can include a lighted parade, Santa, music and community festivities.
The 2026 schedule has not yet been formally published.
Wauwatosa Holiday Celebrations
Wauwatosa doesn't necessarily need a traditional parade to make the list of great Christmas destinations.
The Village typically hosts extensive holiday programming including:
Holiday shopping
Sip & Stroll events
Small Business Saturday
Markets
Santa appearances
Tree lighting
Seasonal activities
Watch the Village of Wauwatosa calendar for its complete 2026 holiday schedule.
Best Christmas Parades by Category
Trying to decide where to go?
Best North Shore Christmas Parade
Whitefish Bay Holiday Stroll & Parade
You get shopping, dining, the parade, Santa and tree lighting all in one compact downtown district.
Best Nighttime Parade
West Allis Christmas Parade
The 4:45 p.m. start lets the floats and holiday lights shine.
Best All-Day Christmas Experience
Mukwonago Midnight Magic
Few communities pack this much into one holiday celebration.
Best Parade + Activities Combination
Germantown Christmas Festival
Watch the parade and then walk directly into Christmas in the Park.
Best for Younger Kids
South Milwaukee Christmas at the Commons
The standstill parade means you can explore at your own pace.
Biggest Traditional Parade Feel
Waukesha Christmas Parade
Bands, floats, downtown crowds and Santa make this one feel like a classic city Christmas parade.
Christmas Parade Calendar 2026
Saturday, November 14
Germantown Christmas Festival Parade
1:30 p.m.
Friday, November 27
Whitefish Bay Holiday Stroll & Parade
Time TBD
Sunday, November 29
Menomonee Falls Christmas Parade
4:30 p.m.
Friday, December 4
West Allis Christkindlmarkt begins
Saturday, December 5
South Milwaukee Christmas at the Commons
Time TBD
West Allis Christmas Parade
4:45 p.m.
Mukwonago Midnight Magic
Parade time TBD
Sunday, December 6
Waukesha Christmas Parade
4 p.m.
Tips for Taking Kids to a Christmas Parade
Arrive Early
For larger events such as Waukesha, Whitefish Bay and West Allis, plan to arrive 30-60 minutes before the parade.
Popular downtown curbside spots fill quickly.
Bring Something to Sit On
A small blanket or collapsible stadium seat can make waiting much more comfortable.
Pack Hand Warmers
Even a mild December afternoon can become chilly once you're standing still.
Bring Glow Sticks
Glow necklaces make kids easier to spot after dark and are particularly useful at nighttime parades.
Check Road Closures
Downtown streets may close well before parade time.
This is especially important in Waukesha, West Allis and Whitefish Bay.
Don't Assume Candy
Some parades allow candy distribution while others restrict throwing items from floats for safety reasons.
Tell kids the parade itself is the attraction and consider candy a bonus.
Which Weekend Has the Most Christmas Parades?
If you're hoping to pack several holiday events into one weekend, December 5-6 is the clear winner in 2026.
Saturday, December 5
South Milwaukee Christmas at the Commons
West Allis Christmas Parade
Mukwonago Midnight Magic
Sunday, December 6
Waukesha Christmas Parade
You could realistically choose one Saturday celebration and then head to Waukesha Sunday afternoon for a full Christmas-parade weekend.
A Milwaukee Holiday Tradition
Milwaukee's metro area may no longer have one giant central Christmas parade, but that has created something arguably even better for families: a collection of distinct community celebrations, each with its own personality.
Whitefish Bay combines its parade with a walkable North Shore shopping district. Germantown turns parade day into an afternoon festival. South Milwaukee lets visitors walk through the parade. Mukwonago turns the entire village into a holiday celebration. West Allis embraces the glow of a nighttime procession, and Waukesha continues one of southeastern Wisconsin's best-known community Christmas traditions.
With events stretching from November 14 through at least December 6, families have several weekends to find their favorite.
We'll continue updating this guide as Whitefish Bay, New Berlin, Milwaukee and other communities release additional 2026 details.
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