Don’t be the mom and dad who can hardly wait for school to start again. Wauwatosa has just what you need to keep your kids happy during the holidays. From activities for the animal lovers to experiences for art lovers, there is something for the whole family to enjoy. These festive shops and spots that can be a part of your family traditions for years to come. Spend some time with your loved ones, and even Santa, in Wauwatosa.
Meet Mama Rosa
We are not the only ones celebrating this holiday season – Mama Rosa is excited to spend her first Wisconsin winter in her new home. She is bundled up in her favorite scarf to stay cozy and watch over all the sledders on the sledding hill at Firefly Grove Park. Stop by to meet the famous Thomas Dambo troll and snap a picture with her and her new winter accessory.
Take the Tosa Cookie Trail
You can’t get enough cookies this time of year. Collect as many as you can from various businesses during the Village Tree Lighting and leave with a full-size box of gourmet cookies. Supplies are limited so order ahead.
Light Up the Night in The Village of Wauwatosa
Ring in the season with the kind of things that make you feel like a kid again. Watch the magic of the holidays roll in as the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train makes its annual stop in Wauwatosa. Children and adults love to see the lit-up train, listen to live music, support local nonprofits, and see the special guest, Santa Claus.
Don’t miss the countdown at the Village Tree Lighting at Pocket Park on the corner of Harwood and Wauwatosa Avenues. Light up the night with carols from the MicKinley Elementary Choir, a screening of The Grinch at Root Common, and a visit from Santa himself!
Wild Lights and Free Day at the Milwaukee County Zoo
The Milwaukee County Zoo has many holiday happenings that are perfect for the whole family. Whether you are looking for new holiday traditions or free activities the zoo is the perfect place to let your pack go wild. Wild Lights fills the zoo with dazzling animal-themed light displays that illuminate your way through the tree-lined pathways. This holiday must-see light display is ready for your visit starting on Nov 21st and ending with a special New Year's Eve celebration on December 31st. Wild Lights New Year’s Eve is sure to become part of your festivities to ring in the New Year for years to come!
If you are looking for fun at no charge, come enjoy the magic of the Milwaukee Zoo on Dec. 6th for the monthly family free day.
Do the Holiday Movie Crawl in Mid-Town
The only thing better than watching holiday movie classics is experiencing them in real life. Step into the holiday spirit with a Holiday Movie Crawl through all your favorite Mid-Town shops on December 5th. Enjoy themed treats, activities, and family-friendly fun at Joy Ice Cream Social, Tosa PT & Wellness, The Local Makery, MidTown Dental Care, and Kelly’s Greens.
Brunch With Santa
Even Santa needs to fuel up with Café Hollander’s delicious holiday brunch before the big night! Bring the whole family to dine with Santa on Saturday, December 13th. Enjoy Hollander’s mouthwatering classics and celebrate the holidays with the family. Reservations are recommended because Santa is a popular guy this time of year, so reserve your spot today.
Keep the Celebrations Going
Even the littlest ones can have a big celebration for New Year’s Eve at Little Village Play Café’s New Year’s Eve Ball Drop Party. Dance, play, count down the new year AND make it home for bedtime at this fun, family-friendly event.