2025 Program Schedule & Sponsors

​

5:30-8:30 p.m.: 

• Cookie sale benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin

• Food trucks line the 100 block of North Broadway: Hot Box Pizza, Tots on the Street, Press Waffles, Twisted Plants, Wisconsin Fried Cheese Curds 

• S’mores roasting in Catalano Square with Friends of Lakeshore Park

• Live reindeer and costumed characters in Catalano Square

 

5:15 p.m.:

• Performance by Milwaukee Police Band

 

5:45 p.m.:

• Performance by First Stage

 

6 p.m.:

• Tree lighting ceremony with Santa Claus and Milwaukee dignitaries — emceed by Molly Snyder of OnMilwaukee.com

• Performances by Bach Chamber Choir and Renewed Spiritual Gospel Singers 

​

6:30 p.m.:

• Visit Santa in Jolly’s Gingerbread House. Kids of all ages can visit with Santa and have their picture taken for a suggested $5 donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin. 

 

7 p.m.:

• Fireworks display over the river

 

7:10 p.m.: Performances by Skylight Music Theatre and Marcya Daneille

​

8:30 p.m.: ​

• After Party at Santa Camp (Camp Bar), 525 E. Menomonee St., Third Ward

 

All times and entertainment subject to change.

​

The best way to navigate our Christmas in the Ward celebration? Click here to view or download our Merry Map!

 

Tree Lighting Ceremony

Enjoy a Hallmark movie moment, as Santa uses his Christmas magic to light the Historic Third Ward holiday tree.

 

Santa Visits Jolly's Gingerbread House

Kids of all ages can visit with Santa and let him know what's on their Christmas list. A $5 donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities is suggested.

 

Cookie Sale

Yum! Holiday Cookies! Buy one or buy a dozen! All proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities. A special thanks to our cookie sponsors: C. Adams Bakery, Colectivo Coffee, Edible Impressions and more. Cash or card accepted!

 

Refreshments

Hot chocolate will be available to warm you up. Plus, adults can choose to indulge in our famous Cocoa Cocktails and mulled wine, courtesy of Cafe Benelux. Cash or card accepted!

 

We're offering a selection of local brews to serve you local brews, crafted right here in the Historic Third Ward! Cash or credit accepted!

 

Third Ward restaurants will be serving festive fare and food trucks will be on-site at Catalano Square. See all the neighborhood dining options.

​

We've also got s'mores roasting — over an open fire — with Friends of Lakeshore State Park in Catalano Square!

​

Live Reindeer

Join us as we welcome Mrs. Claus and her reindeer back to Catalano Square. Santa's elves will be on hand to answer questions like "do reindeer really fly?" And "is Rudolph's nose really red?" You'll BELIEVE when you see them.

 

Winter Fireworks Display

A rare winter fireworks display will dazzle your senses as the rockets' red glare bursts into life over the Milwaukee River. 

 

Entertainment

Sing and dance along while you enjoy performances by plenty of local entertainers. 

 

Costumed Characters

Kids will squeal with delight when they see Jolly & Ginger Gingerbread!

 

Event Parking

Park your vehicle for just $10 in either of the Historic Third Ward parking structures on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, after 5 p.m. Structures are located at 212 N. Milwaukee Street and 225 E. Chicago Street. Cash or card accepted!

 

Shop the Ward

Don’t forget to Shop the Ward this holiday season! Follow us on Instagram, as we’ll be giving away gift cards to local retailers EVERYDAY Nov. 29-Dec. 23. See all the neighborhood retailers.

 

Arts and Culture

Looking for more ways to celebrate the season? Take in a holiday performance or shop for art at neighborhood art galleries and studios. See all the Third Ward performing arts groups and galleries.