Milwaukee area Christmas parades 2025

Milwaukee's greater metro area offers a surprisingly diverse collection of holiday parades and celebrations for 2025, ranging from traditional community processions to innovative formats like "standstill parades." Five parades have confirmed 2025 dates, with several more likely to announce schedules following historical patterns. The season kicks off in mid-November and extends through mid-December, providing families multiple opportunities to celebrate across different communities.

Confirmed 2025 holiday parades

Germantown Christmas Festival Parade

Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 1:30 PM This comprehensive holiday celebration features the themed "An '80s Christmas" parade starting at Pilgrim Road near Mequon Road. The route travels north through downtown Germantown, ending at Firemen's Park where Christmas in the Park activities continue from 2:00-4:45 PM. The day includes a kids' Jingle Bell Dash (9:45 AM), Candy Cane 5K (10:00 AM), and tree lighting ceremony around 4:30 PM. Germantown has maintained this Christmas tradition since 1981, making it one of the area's most established holiday parades.

Viewing details: Lineup begins at 12:30 PM. The route passes through downtown's Main Street corridor, providing multiple viewing opportunities. Free parking available throughout the community, with Firemen's Park serving as the celebration hub.

Menomonee Falls Christmas Parade

Sunday, November 30, 2025 at 4:30 PM Organized by the Optimist Club, this parade travels west through Downtown Menomonee Falls on Main Street from the intersection of Main and Harrison to Appleton Avenue, then south on Appleton to Arthur Avenue. The community hosts three annual parades (Memorial Day, July 4th, and Christmas), demonstrating strong parade infrastructure and experience.

Participation details: Business advertiser fee is $100, with application deadline October 20. Contact Larry Hebbring at 414.899.5807 for parade information.

Mukwonago Midnight Magic Christmas Celebration

Saturday, December 6, 2025 - Parade at 3:00 PM This village-wide celebration runs from 9:00 AM to midnight, with the Christmas parade starting at Indianhead Park and ending at PVMS. The event combines traditional parade elements with extensive community activities including live ice carving (1-2:30 PM), dog sled pulls (10 AM-3 PM), carriage rides, and fireworks at 9:00 PM. An indoor craft marketplace and gingerbread house contest round out the day's offerings.

Access information: Contact Mukwonago Area Chamber of Commerce at 262-363-7758. Multiple activities throughout downtown provide various viewing and participation opportunities.

Waukesha Christmas Parade

Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 4:00 PM
The 62nd Annual Christmas Parade organized by Waukesha Chamber of Commerce features enhanced safety measures with modular vehicle barriers implemented after 2021. The downtown route showcases colorful floats with lights, marching bands, and Santa Claus with candy distribution throughout.

Attendance logistics: Free two-hour parking available at Transit Center and South Street parking ramps. No parking allowed along parade route after 2:00 PM, with no traffic entry/exit after 3:00 PM. Live stream available for remote viewing.

South Milwaukee Christmas at the Commons

Saturday, December 7, 2025 from 3:00-5:00 PM South Milwaukee offers a unique "standstill parade" format where parade units remain stationary throughout Bucyrus Commons while attendees walk around to interact with participants. This innovative approach allows for more intimate interactions with local musicians, holiday characters, and Santa. The event concludes with a tree lighting ceremony at 5:00 PM.

Community access: Free public event with downtown parking available. The standstill format accommodates visitors of all mobility levels and provides weather protection opportunities.

Parades following historical patterns

West Allis Christmas on the Avenue

Likely early December 2025 (2024 date was December 7 at 4:45 PM) Described as southeastern Wisconsin's premier nighttime Christmas parade, this event typically features the route from 81st Street State Fair Park entrance, east on Greenfield Avenue to 70th Street, then south to Orchard Avenue. The celebration includes a pre-parade tree lighting ceremony at City Hall Centennial Plaza (4:00-4:45 PM). This 100% donation-funded community event requires $30,000 in fundraising, with registration opening months in advance.

New Berlin Christmas Parade

Typically late November/early December
Organized by the Prospect Lions Club, this parade's standout feature is Santa on a sleigh pulled by live reindeer traveling along Moorland Road and National Avenue to Malone Park. Post-parade activities include tree lighting at Casper Drive and National Avenue, where children receive candy-filled stockings from the New Berlin Lions Club while the Milwaukee Showcase Chorus performs Christmas carols.

Contact information: John Ziino at johnziino@aol.com or 262-797-8746 for updated 2025 scheduling.

Milwaukee City Proper: Santa's Christmas Cavalcade

Expected early to mid-December 2025 (2024 dates were December 7 and 13 at 5:15 PM) This moving cavalcade represents Milwaukee's primary holiday parade experience, starting from Milwaukee Public Market (400 N. Water Street) and traveling east on Wisconsin Avenue to the lakefront. The 90-minute journey stops at Pere Marquette Park, Zeidler Union Square, Cathedral Square Park, Catalano Square, and Light the Hoan, featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus on a Historic Third Ward vintage fire truck with live musical performances by Sarah Fierek.

Community benefits: The event integrates with Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival and collects nonperishable items for Hunger Task Force. Free event with Milwaukee Public Market parking and multiple viewing locations along the route.

Additional holiday celebrations worth noting

Wales Christmas celebration typically occurs the second Saturday in December (projected December 13, 2025) with a lighted parade and holiday festivities including live music and tree lighting.

Wauwatosa hosts extensive "Holidays in the Village" programming beginning November 20, 2025, featuring Holiday Sip & Stroll events, Small Business Saturday activities, and various markets, though no traditional parade format.

Planning recommendations for attendees

Weather considerations: Wisconsin December weather requires warm clothing and may occasionally impact outdoor events. Most parades historically proceed unless facing severe conditions.

Timing patterns: Early December (first two weekends) sees the highest concentration of parades, with November events offering potentially better weather conditions.

Parking strategy: Arrive 30-45 minutes before parade start times, especially for popular events like Waukesha and West Allis. Many communities offer free parking but with time restrictions during parade hours.

Family accessibility: South Milwaukee's standstill format and Germantown's full-day programming provide the most comprehensive family experiences, while Milwaukee's Cavalcade offers unique urban holiday atmosphere.

Conclusion

Milwaukee's 2025 holiday parade landscape demonstrates strong community traditions adapting to modern needs, from Germantown's decades-long celebration to South Milwaukee's innovative standstill format. While the historic Milwaukee Holiday Parade remains discontinued since 2017, the surrounding communities have maintained vibrant holiday traditions that serve the greater metro area effectively. Families can experience five confirmed parades plus several additional celebrations spanning six weeks from mid-November through mid-December, each offering distinct community character and holiday spirit.