Winter in Milwaukee
Feeling ready to get into the holiday spirit? Looking for ways to enjoy the cooler weather? Check out some events and traditions around Milwaukee to start celebrating the winter season!
Hmong New Year
Join the Southeast Asian American Student Center for cultural performances, raffle prizes, traditional Hmong food and more to celebrate the Hmong New Year on December 3 from 4:30–6:30 pm in the UWM Union Wisconsin Room.
Christmas in the Ward
Ready to kick off the holiday season? Head on over to the Third Ward on December 3 from 5:30–8:30 pm for a tree lighting ceremony, holiday cookie sale, refreshments, entertainment and more!
Hanukkah on the Hoan Community Celebration
Looking for a way to celebrate the last night of Hanukkah? Join the Milwaukee community on December 5 at the base of the Hoan bridge for holiday treats, a live DJ, fire juggling, ice sculpting and more! Check it out!
Winter Wonders
Are you and your friends looking for a magical way to celebrate the holiday season? Well, you’re in luck! Pile into one of your vehicles (at legal capacity, of course) and enjoy a drive through a holiday light show like no other with Winter Wonders at Boerner Botanical Gardens. Tickets are $25 per carload and the 1.5 mile drive features over 1,000,000 LED Lights!
Hover Craft: Handmade Holiday Shopping Extravaganza
Want to support local businesses while holiday shopping this season? Check out Hover Craft: Handmade Holiday Shopping Extravaganza on December 5 from 12–6 pm. Admission is $5 and the event features the work of 100+ artists, crafters, designers, makers and more from the greater Milwaukee area and beyond!
Holiday Floral Show at the Domes
Start or continue your tradition of visiting this beautiful annual floral show! Featuring poinsettias, amaryllis, cyclamen, mums and more, this is a holiday spectacular you won’t want to miss. Tickets are only $6 with a valid student ID and the show runs through January 2!
Northern Lights
Enjoy the radiance of the night sky and colorful displays of dancing lights with a behind-the-scenes tour of the science behind one of nature’s most remarkable light shows. Join UWM at the Manfred Olson Planetarium on December 17 at 7 pm for a free presentation of the northern lights! Donations are recommended, but not required.
Exploring the Public Market
Need to escape the winter cold? Consider hopping into the Milwaukee Public Market for anything from a holiday flavored macaron to a new flavor of ice cream. Featuring many different vendors and holiday décor, this is a great downtown spot to beat the cabin fever!
Ice Skating at Red Arrow
A citywide favorite, Red Arrow is the go-to spot for winter ice skating fun in Milwaukee. Skate rentals are $9 per person. The rink is free if you already own a pair of skates. Get out and enjoy this amazing ice rink this winter!
Milwaukee Winter Farmers Market
Another holiday favorite sporting a new location, the Milwaukee Winter Farmers Market is celebrating their 13th season this year. Head on over to Fondy’s at GATHER in the Deer District every Saturday from 8–11:30 am through April 9, 2022, for a variety of vendors and local producers!
UWM Outdoor Pursuits
Need to get your outdoor adventure fix? Consider checking out winter outings planned by Outdoor Pursuits! Events can range from snow shoeing to cross country skiing to sledding and more. Or, if you’re unable to attend any of the planned times, check out their winter equipment rental to take on an adventure of your own!
Have a Snowball Fight
We feel like this is pretty self-explanatory. Knock yourselves out, kids.
No matter how you choose to celebrate the season, we hope you have a fun and safe winter. From all of us at UWM, happy holidays and have a wonderful New Year.
