If you’ve ever been to Milwaukee you know there’s an endless list of things to do, see, and experience, especially in the summertime! Known as the City of Festivals, Milwaukee has amazing weather, great food, endless events, and beer! Milwaukee is truly magical when the summertime sun is shining. But what happens when the temperature starts to drop?
Most shutter at the thought of winter in the midwest, but Milwaukee knows how to continue the party, even in the winter weather. This winter, skip hibernation, get out, and explore the amazing city of Milwaukee with these winter-themed events and attractions!
1. Tour the pabst mansion
The Pabst Mansion has been a Milwaukee iconic landmark for decades. The Pabst Mansion has been open to the public since 1978, but landed a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. With over 130 years of history, the Pabst Mansion is the perfect place to learn more about where Milwaukee got its early roots in the brewing industry. This holiday season, the Pabst Mansion offers two self-guided tours Christmas at the Pabst Mansion and the evening Twilight Tour. Bring the kids on Sundays to experience a visit from Father Christmas. Depending on your tour choice, prices vary from $11 to $26.
2. experience the Country Christmas light display
Country Christmas is a one-of-a-kind, light display in Pewaukee located on The Ingleside Hotel grounds. Experience the beauty of the holiday season by walking, driving, or taking a wagon through the light display sprawled across 40 acres. This is the perfect place for out-of-town guests since the light display is located right on the grounds of the hotel!
Country Christmas includes an indoor attraction called Christmas Village. The indoor village has model trains, furry friends that sing Christmas tunes, and a concession area to grab a hot chocolate after your ride through the lights. Pricing is going to vary anywhere from $25 to $55 depending on car size, day of the week, and event.
3. Ice Skate at Red Arrow Park
Slice Of Ice is a pop-up, outdoor ice skating spot, located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee. Red Arrow Park is an amazing spot to take kids, have a date night, and host group events. Bundle up and grab your favorite holiday treat from Starbucks, conveniently located just outside the ice rink. Ice skating is just $9 for a skate rental and $7 if you’re under 17 years old. Hop on the ice for free if you have your own pair of skates!
4. Explore the Mitchell Park Domes
The Mitchell Park Domes are a Milwaukee staple, and a great way to escape the cold midwest winter. The domes are a temperature-controlled oasis highlighting three climates; desert, tropical, and floral. From mid-November to January, check out the Calm & Bright collection in the floral dome! The Mitchell Park Domes display thousands of poinsettias and lights sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Entrance fees will vary from $5 to $8 depending on age, residency status, and special groups.
5. Visit the cheer district and head to a Milwaukee Bucks Game
The Milwaukee Deer District, cleverly renamed the Cheer District during the holiday season, displays 25,000 lights and trees, and it’s completely free! Take the family for a cute holiday photo and explore the bars and restaurants in the area. Located right outside of the Fiserv Forum, the Cheer District is a perfect activity for the whole family to enjoy.
Fiserv Forum opened in the Fall of 2018 and is home to the two-time NBA Champions, the Milwaukee Bucks. Discounts are available for students, seniors, military members, and more! For an extra layer of fun, head to a game on a theme night! Some themed nights include Cancer Awareness Spotlight, Greek Night, Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and more.
6. Enjoy the heated huts and sauna at Zócalo Food Truck Park
Zócalo Food Truck Park is a delicious way to try new, diverse foods in a unique way! Ice cream, tacos, pizza, and more, Zócalo provides dishes perfect for all taste buds. Zócalo is a hot spot for concerts, sports games, and pop-up events like flea markets and paint and sips! Being a food park, with limited indoor seating, Zócalo got creative and is now taking reservations for their heated winter huts! Seating up to 12 people, customers can beat the cold and enjoy the park all year round.
In addition to the heated huts, Zócalo takes it a step further and offers a private sauna experience. For 75 minutes, a party of up to 6 can experience nordic style sauna, right in Walker’s Point! Hot Spell Sauna is only for those 18+ and prices range from $85 to $135, depending on the size of your party.
7. Explore Milwaukee parks with the Urban ecology center
Throughout the winter season, the Urban Ecology Center offers multiple variations of snowshoeing events. These events are for all ages and vary in price from $12 to $15. The rental includes snowshoeing equipment and even hot cocoa on certain tours! The only requirement for you is to bundle up! Hikes include trekking through Milwaukee County Parks, with special events including candlelight hikes and star constellation viewing! The Urban Ecology Center even offers cross-country skiing events.
If you’re more of an independent traveler, Milwaukee County and Wisconsin State Parks operate throughout the winter. Head on a self-guided hike to some popular state parks around the Milwaukee area. These include Lakeshore State Park, Havenwoods Forest Preserve, Hank Aaron State Trail, Kettle Moraine State Forest, and Harrington Beach State Park. Daily admission prices are going to vary, but for Wisconsin Residents, you can pay an annual fee of $28 and have unlimited admission access to Wisconsin State Parks for one year!
8. Tour the Ice Castles in Lake Geneva
Although not located in Milwaukee County, this list wouldn’t be complete without the mention of the Lake Geneva Ice Castles. Explore caverns, archways, and tunnels of ice towering upwards of 20 feet. Encounter the enchanting snow queen and winter fairies throughout the corners of the castle. The entrance fee is going to vary between $17 and $29 depending on age and the day of the week. Because of the popularity of this event, entrances to the castle are for specific times, so make sure you arrive 15 to 30 minutes before your entrance time.
9. Grab a holiday treat at Milwaukee Public Market and 3rd street market hall
The Milwaukee Public Market is the perfect spot to grab a holiday gift, sip some hot chocolate, and support local Milwaukee businesses. From seafood to spices, the Milwaukee Public Market is a one-stop shopping spot sure to check off your holiday gift shopping list items
Celebrate finishing your holiday shopping at 3rd Street Market Hall. Just a ten-minute walk (or a three-minute drive) from the Milwaukee Public Market, 3rd Street Market Hall is a newer addition to the city. Grab a bite to eat and relax with a game of shuffleboard and bags, or head over to the gaming lounge!
Other Resources
The magic of Milwaukee continues year-round. If you’re a local or visiting for the first time, you’ll find something to love here in the city. Don’t take my word for it, National Geographic even agrees, adding Milwaukee to the list of top 25 travel destinations for 2023. Landing a spot on the list for its community, Milwaukee stands out for community-led conservation efforts; groundbreaking work in ecotourism, sustainability, and inclusive travel; and meaningful ways for travelers to give back.
If none of these activities or events sound fun for you, check out the resources for up-to-date events, festivals, and additional popular attractions throughout the city!