Milwaukee every year hosts many Christmas activities throughout the holiday season. Festive outings may include plays or fun physical activities like ice skating downtown. Over the years more and more Christmas traditions have become a part of Milwaukee’s holiday celebrations. 2022’s Christmas activities may be the best yet as they will allow friends and family to create the brightest days of the year together.

One very popular tradition that has been making its presence known every Christmas year is the presence of holiday lights. The city’s Holiday Lights turn on at least half a million lights across the city. The lights showed up on November 17, 2022, and will last until  January 1, 2023. While enjoying the beautiful view of the lights, kids and adults are able to meet Santa and sip on complimentary hot cocoa. Animated light sculptures illuminate the area according to the year’s chosen theme. All light festivals in Milwaukee will provide an Advent Calendar for families as well. Attending the light festival is a completely free event no matter the location. 

The Milwaukee County Zoo also joins the tradition by lighting up animal sculptures, getting the people who visit the zoo into the holiday spirit. Another fun activity in Milwaukee includes ice-skating downtown. The big ice skating rink lets people enjoy spending time with friends, and like the lights get into the holiday spirit. Unfortunately, there is a limit on the number of people who can simultaneously skate on the rink, which caps at 100 skaters. Next to the ice rink downtown, there are a few cafes where people can grab a quick drink as they enjoy the cold winter season. Before starting ice skating, every Sunday families may enjoy eating breakfast with Santa at the Phister hotel. Kids can partake in many arts and crafts while enjoying the fresh breakfast. 

The last and most important activity in Milwaukee is all the holiday performances, which have now become a well-known tradition. One of the more popular Christmas shows is the Nutcracker performed by the Milwaukee Ballet. This year, the show will be hosted at the Marcus Performing Arts Center. The show will be performed on December 10 through December 24. The Nutcracker also sells many souvenirs after the show to take home – including ornaments. Also, a kid’s theater program will also be putting on Christmas shows. First Stage, a local theater company dedicated to bringing theater to children, will work to do the same this holiday season through their productions.

These wonderful festivals in the 2022 Christmas season will be fun for all ages. People will be able to spend the holidays with family or friends, having a fun time in celebration.