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 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 16, 2024 - January 26, 2025
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.
Cocoa & Candy Canes
December 7, 2024, 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. Reservations are required and space is limited! Call 414-278-6170.
Not a Sustainer-level+ member? Upgrade your membership today: Become a Member!
Florentine Opera Holiday Concert
December 9, 2024, 1 p.m.
The Florentine Opera's Baumgartner Studio Artists return to MPM to perform Christmas hymns and classic holiday songs in front of the Butterfly Vivarium (First Floor). This event is part of SPARK!'s annual celebration but also open to Museum visitors. Free Museum admission for SPARK! families.
Old Milwaukee Mixer
December 12, 2024, 7-9:30 p.m.
Eat, drink, and be merry during this after-hours party. Stroll through the Streets of Old Milwaukee decked out for the holidays while learning about how people celebrated the season during the Victorian period. Enjoy tunes from the Checkmate Barbershop Quartet and get your photo taken for a personalized holiday card to commemorate the occasion! 21+ event.
European Village Alive!
December 14, 2024, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Explore the sights, sounds, and scents of the season as the European Village exhibit “comes to life.” MPM docent interpreters will transport you to holiday celebrations of the past. Learn about the history of European traditions, many still around today (including greeting cards, Christmas trees, wreaths, gingerbread, mistletoe, holly, nativity scenes, and stockings), and discover others lost to time. View special behind-the-scenes collections items, enjoy activities, and delight in the lovely holiday decorations throughout the Village!
Holidays in History Tour
Saturdays in December (no tour Dec. 14), 1-2 p.m.
Join 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).
Capacity: 25; Meet at the top of the Grand Staircase (First Floor)
Winter Break Programming
December 26-30, 2024
10 a.m. - Noon; 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Stop by MPM Educators’ tables throughout the exhibit floors to learn about cold weather animal adaptations. Feel the furs that cover arctic animals, discover how to tell apart horns, tusks, and antlers, and explore the differences between the mammoths and mastodons that both called Wisconsin home.
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.