As the holiday season approaches, Milwaukee and its surrounding communities are gearing up for an array of festive parades that promise joy and merriment for families and friends. Here’s a look at the upcoming holiday parades in the Milwaukee area that you won’t want to miss!
Celebrate the Holidays: Parades in Milwaukee
Germantown Christmas Festival Parade & Christmas in the Park
Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: Parade at 1:30 PM; Activities from 2:00 PM to 4:45 PM; Tree lighting at 4:30 PM
Location: Starts at Pilgrim Rd & Sylvan Circle, Germantown
Kick off the holiday season at Germantown’s Christmas Festival Parade! The parade begins at 1:30 PM, winding through town and culminating at Firemen’s Park. There, families can enjoy festive activities including pictures with Santa, costumed characters, and delicious treats available for purchase. Don’t miss the community tree lighting at 4:30 PM!
Whitefish Bay Holiday Stroll
Date: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: Parade starts at 6 PM; Tree lighting at 7 PM
Location: East Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish Bay
Whitefish Bay’s Holiday Stroll combines festive shopping with family fun. Local businesses will offer Black Friday specials, hot cider, and activities for all ages. The evening culminates with a joyful parade and a spectacular tree lighting ceremony featuring performances by the WFBHS Choir and Fresh Coast Dancers.
Grafton Christmas Parade
Date: Saturday, November 30, 2024
Time: 11 AM
Location: Lumberyard Plaza and Downtown Grafton
Grafton’s festive parade celebrates 44 years of holiday spirit with a theme of “Storybook Christmas.” Enjoy a holiday-themed parade featuring creative floats and decorations, as well as a Breakfast with Santa and a tree lighting ceremony.
Menomonee Falls Christmas Parade
Date: Sunday, December 1, 2024
Time: 4:30 PM
Location: Main Street and Harrison, Downtown Menomonee Falls
This beloved parade showcases creative floats, marching bands, and holiday sights, culminating with a wave from Santa Claus. The scenic route through Main Street is sure to enchant attendees of all ages.
Night of Lights – Lantern Stroll & Tree Lighting in Waukesha
Date: Friday, December 6, 2024
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Starts at The Rotunda, 235 W Broadway, Waukesha
Join the magic of Waukesha’s Night of Lights featuring a tree lighting, lantern stroll, and the Walk of Lights illumination ceremony. Enjoy music, hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa, followed by a lantern-lit stroll downtown.
Santa’s Christmas Cavalcade
Date: Saturday, December 7 and Friday, December 13
Time: Departs at 5:15 PM from Milwaukee Public Market
Location: Downtown Milwaukee
Santa’s Christmas Cavalcade returns to downtown Milwaukee, bringing Santa and Mrs. Claus riding atop a vintage fire truck. The festive parade features jazzy holiday tunes and a route through the heart of the city. Keep an eye out for Santa’s bright fire truck to kick off your holiday season!
Christmas at the Commons – South Milwaukee
Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
Time: 3 PM – 5 PM; Standstill parade from 4 PM to 5 PM
Location: Bucyrus Commons, South Milwaukee
Experience a unique twist on the traditional parade with South Milwaukee’s standstill parade! From 4 to 5 PM, attendees can stroll through Bucyrus Commons, greeting performers and enjoying festive displays. The event includes live music, holiday activities, and a tree lighting ceremony at 5 PM.
West Allis Christmas Parade
Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
Time: 4:45 PM
Location: Starts at 79th St. and Greenfield Ave., West Allis
For a nighttime spectacle, the West Allis Christmas Parade offers bright lights, lively performances, and holiday characters. Santa Claus will make a grand appearance to cap off this memorable evening, and earlier in the day, the Christkindlmarkt will offer a taste of European holiday markets.
Downtown Waukesha’s Annual Christmas Parade
Date: Sunday, December 8, 2024
Time: 4 PM
Location: Downtown Waukesha
Known for its heartwarming charm, Waukesha’s Christmas Parade features glowing lights, festive floats, and cheerful holiday music. This long-standing tradition is perfect for families, and those unable to attend in person can catch the live-stream of the event.
Milwaukee’s holiday parades offer something for everyone, from whimsical floats and joyful music to heartwarming community spirit. Gather your family and friends to experience the magic of the season at these festive events!
