There’s no place like MPM for the holidays.
Stroll through our decorated Streets of Old Milwaukee and European Village exhibits, attend a concert by the Florentine Opera, learn about European traditions from our costumed docents, snap a pic with Santa, or indulge in festive food and drink during an after-hours party.
Unless indicated, all events are included with Museum admission.
Deck the Streets and Village
November 10, 2023 - January 21, 2024
Experience the magic of the holiday season inside two of MPM's most beloved exhibits, Streets of Old Milwaukee and European Village, where the walkthrough turn-of-the-century streetscapes have been transformed into a winter wonderland.
European Village Alive!
December 8-9, 2023, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The American holiday season was shaped, in part, by the thousands of Europeans who immigrated here in the 19th century. Learn about the origins of some of the most popular modern-day traditions as well as those that are lesser-known when the European Village exhibit “comes to life” with interpreters dressed in period clothing. Visitors can also see holiday artifacts not usually on display and engage in hands-on activities.
Cocoa & Candy Canes
Saturday, December 9, 2023, Noon-2 p.m.
This Sustainer+ members-only event includes a private photo-op with Santa and Mrs. Claus, as well as hot cocoa, candy canes, and holiday-themed arts and crafts. This event is SOLD OUT.
Not a Sustainer-level+ member? Upgrade your membership today: Become a Member!
Florentine Opera Holiday Concert
Monday, December 11, 2023, 2-3 p.m.
The Florentine Opera’s Baumgartner Studio Artists return to MPM to perform Christmas hymns and other classic holiday songs in front of the Butterfly Vivarium (First Floor). This event is part of SPARK!’s annual celebration but is also open to Museum visitors. A cookie social for SPARK! families will follow the performance in Garden Galleries from 3-4 p.m.
Free to SPARK! families.
Old Milwaukee Mixer
Thursday, December 14, 2023, 7-9:30 p.m.
Eat, drink, and be merry during this after-hours party. Stroll through the Streets of Old Milwaukee exhibit that’s been decked out for the holidays while learning about how people celebrated the season during the Victorian period. Tickets are $32 and include appetizers with drink pairings. A cash bar is also available.
21+ event
Holidays in History Tour
Saturdays in December (no tour Dec. 9), 11 a.m. - Noon
Tag along with one of our docents for a tour that explores how the holiday traditions that were brought by European immigrants to Milwaukee blended to create our modern celebrations.
Capacity: 25; Meet at the top of the Grand Staircase (First Floor)
Museum Marketplace
This holiday season, shop your favorite MPM merch—at the Museum or from home! Our onsite and online stores feature unique, local gifts.
Winter Break Programming
December 27-31, 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m.
MPM Educators will be on the exhibit floors where they'll highlight cold weather animal adaptations, including topics such as the furs that cover arctic animals, how to tell horns, tusks, and antlers apart, and the differences between mammoths and mastodons—both of which called Wisconsin home before they went extinct.