Your ultimate guide to the holidays in Franklin is here! Explore all the best festive events and activities. From Franklin die-hards to casual visitors, our guide illuminates the city's seasonal splendor.
This holiday season, immerse yourself in the enchanting performance of The Nutcracker, a classic ballet that brings to life the magic of Christmas through stunning choreography and beautiful music. Another highlight is A Christmas Carol, featuring a captivating retelling of Dickens' timeless tale of redemption and festive spirit. And the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it combines holiday music with a thrilling arena rock experience. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Franklin
- The Nutcracker (Milwaukee)
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra (Milwaukee)
- A Christmas Carol (Milwaukee)
- Mannheim Steamroller (Milwaukee)
- Christkindlmarket (Milwaukee)
- A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin (Milwaukee)
- Holiday Lights Festival (Milwaukee)
- Enchant Christmas
- The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Milwaukee)
- Country Christmas (Pewaukee)
See these and even more events listed below!
Franklin Holiday Light Displays
Enchant Christmas
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday light maze with a story-driven mission.
Description:
Enchant Christmas is a world-class holiday event featuring a massive Christmas light maze, unique ice skating experiences, and a variety of festive attractions. The event is based on original holiday stories, where guests embark on a mission to save Christmas by finding hidden light sculptures. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal food and drink, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and take in the dazzling lights from a Ferris Wheel.
Where: Franklin | More Info: Enchant Christmas
Holiday Lights Festival
What to Expect:
Dazzling light displays and interactive holiday decorations.
Description:
The Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival features over 500,000 lights and dozens of animated displays in downtown Milwaukee, including an ornament trail and festive park transformations.
Where: Milwaukee | More Info: Holiday Lights Festival
Country Christmas
What to Expect:
Spectacular drive-through holiday lights display with animated figures and a working model train.
Description:
Country Christmas is a drive-through holiday lights display featuring over a million lights on 40 wooded acres. The event includes a trip through the Country Christmas Trail, entrance to Christmas Village, and the Streets of Bethlehem. Visitors can enjoy animated figures, holiday scenes, and a working model train display.
Where: Pewaukee | More Info: Country Christmas
Franklin Holiday Markets and Shopping
Wauwatosa Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Traditional European food and live entertainment.
Description:
The Wauwatosa Holiday Market is a European Christmas Market and Holiday Festival offering authentic traditional food, unique shopping experiences, and live entertainment. Enjoy hot pretzels, grilled sausages, ice cold beer, hot mulled wine, and hot chocolate amidst polka and holiday music.
Where: Wauwatosa | More Info: Wauwatosa Christmas Market
Kohler Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Unique gifts and holiday decor with free transportation between The American Club and The Shops at Woodlake.
Description:
The Kohler Holiday Market at The American Club features unique gifts, holiday decor, handcrafted toys, and gourmet treats. Shop at the market and enjoy additional shopping at The Shops at Woodlake, dining at Kohler restaurants, and unwinding at Kohler Waters Spa.
Where: Kohler | More Info: Kohler Holiday Market
Homespun Holidays Arts and Crafts Show
What to Expect:
Local artisans and traditional Romanian cuisine.
Description:
The 37th Annual Homespun Holidays Craft Show features local artisans showcasing handmade crafts and traditional Romanian foods, creating a vibrant holiday atmosphere.
Where: Winter | More Info: Homespun Holidays Arts and Crafts Show
Holiday Dane County Saturday Farmers Market
What to Expect:
Unique holiday market with local food and vendors.
Description:
The Holiday Dane County Farmers Market at Monona Terrace features over 60 vendors offering local food and holiday items. This bustling market is your one-stop shop for all your seasonal needs.
Where: Madison | More Info: Holiday Dane County Saturday Farmers Market
Christmas Craft and Vendor Festival
What to Expect:
Unique handmade crafts and gifts from local vendors.
Description:
The Christmas Craft and Vendor Festival in Brillion, Wisconsin, features a variety of handmade crafts and unique gifts from local vendors. Attendees can explore a wide range of items, including woodwork, jewelry, glasswork, and ceramics, making it an ideal destination for holiday shopping.
Where: Brillion | More Info: Christmas Craft and Vendor Festival
Jingle Bell Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Fundraiser for local choir program with handmade crafts.
Description:
The Jingle Bell Craft Fair is a community event featuring local artisans and small businesses showcasing handmade crafts and unique holiday items. The event supports the Menomonee Falls Choir program and offers a variety of local vendors selling gifts and seasonal items.
Where: Menomonee Falls | More Info: Jingle Bell Craft Fair
Kewaskum Craft and Vendor Holiday Expo
What to Expect:
Unique handmade gifts from local artisans.
Description:
The Kewaskum Craft and Vendor Holiday Expo features over 150 crafters, artisans, and vendors showcasing handmade works. Shop for unique gifts and enjoy food and beverages at Kewaskum Middle School.
Where: Kewaskum | More Info: Kewaskum Craft and Vendor Holiday Expo
Christmas in Princeton - Holiday Bounty Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Large craft fair with diverse handmade and second-hand items.
Description:
The Holiday Bounty Craft Fair in Princeton features a large selection of handmade crafts, baked goods, and second-hand items, all available for purchase at the Princeton Public School.
Where: Princeton | More Info: Christmas in Princeton - Holiday Bounty Craft Fair
Oshkosh Christmas Village and Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with local artisans.
Description:
The Oshkosh Christmas Village and Craft Fair is a festive event featuring over 20 craft vendors, Santa, carriage rides, crafts for kids, cookies and cocoa, and delicious food and drinks. It takes place at Brighton Acres on December 6-7, 2024, from 4pm-8pm both days.
Where: Oshkosh | More Info: Oshkosh Christmas Village and Craft Fair
Christkindlmarket
What to Expect:
Traditional German holiday market with international vendors and festive activities.
Description:
The Christkindlmarket is a German-style outdoor market offering a variety of international and local vendors, festive music, and traditional holiday foods like roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, and hot spiced wine. Visitors can explore vendor products, participate in special events, and enjoy a unique shopping experience.
Where: Milwaukee | More Info: Christkindlmarket
Franklin Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
Period costumes and special effects bring Charles Dickens' classic to life.
Description:
A Christmas Carol, directed by Mark Clements, is a timeless tale of love, hope, and redemption. Ebenezer Scrooge, played by Matt Daniels, is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, helping him discover it is never too late to change his miserly ways. The production features enchanting music, dance, costumes, scenery, and special effects.
Where: Milwaukee | More Info: A Christmas Carol
The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker: Drosselmeyer’s Imaginarium is a holiday ballet production featuring over 200 dancers, students from Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy, and the Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra performing Tchaikovsky's iconic score live. The show includes elaborate sets, lavish period costumes, and special effects, making it a timeless holiday classic.
Where: Milwaukee | More Info: The Nutcracker
Christmas in the Ward
What to Expect:
Live reindeer and costumed characters add to the holiday cheer.
Description:
Christmas in the Ward is a festive holiday celebration featuring live music, a tree lighting ceremony, Santa visits, and a fireworks display over the Milwaukee River.
Where: Milwaukee | More Info: Christmas in the Ward
Holidays On The Hop
What to Expect:
Live holiday music on a downtown streetcar with free cookies.
Description:
The Holidays on The Hop event in Milwaukee features live holiday-themed music performances on the city's streetcar, accompanied by free holiday cookies provided by the Baird Center and Levy Restaurants. The event also includes festive decorations at the streetcar shelters, highlighting downtown Milwaukee's holiday spirit.
Where: Milwaukee | More Info: Holidays On The Hop
Haunted Holidays Tour
What to Expect:
Backstage tour of a historic haunted concert venue.
Description:
Explore Milwaukee's most notorious haunted place, The Rave/Eagles Club, during the Haunted Holidays Tour. Begin at the Craft Beer Lounge for a free holiday-inspired drink, then take the elevator to the Penthouse Lounge to start your self-guided tour. Experience the iconic Eagles Ballroom, take photos on the stage, and walk through various dressing rooms. The tour ends at the Haunted Pool, where you can see thousands of autographs from artists who have played at The Rave/Eagles Club over the past 30 years.
Where: Milwaukee | More Info: Haunted Holidays Tour
Rivoli Holiday Film Festival
What to Expect:
Classic holiday films screened at a historic, art deco theater.
Description:
The Rivoli Holiday Film Festival in Cedarburg features a lineup of beloved holiday classics and new favorites, showcasing timeless movies at the beautifully restored Rivoli Theater.
Where: Cedarburg | More Info: Rivoli Holiday Film Festival
La Crosse Holiday Fair
What to Expect:
Traditional holiday event with door prizes and festive decorations.
Description:
The La Crosse Holiday Fair is a beloved annual event featuring a spectacular craft show with door prizes, Santa Claus, and Rudolph appearances. The South Hall at the La Crosse Center is decorated in a Christmas/Winter theme with holiday music playing throughout.
Where: La Crosse | More Info: La Crosse Holiday Fair
Holiday Folk Fair International
What to Expect:
Celebrates diverse cultures through music, food, and traditional performances.
Description:
The Holiday Folk Fair International is a premier multicultural festival celebrating the cultural heritage of southeastern Wisconsin. It features traditional music and dance, a variety of international dishes, interactive exhibits, and unique shopping experiences. Visitors can explore the ways music, food, dance, and art weave together a message of welcome.
Where: West Allis | More Info: Holiday Folk Fair International
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
What to Expect:
Interactive rock opera with pyrotechnics and lasers.
Description:
Trans-Siberian Orchestra presents a spectacular holiday rock opera, "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve," featuring a rock opera story about a runaway who breaks into an abandoned vaudeville theater on Christmas Eve, with a rocking, blazing, and laser-lit second set containing TSO's greatest hits and fan-favorites.
Where: Milwaukee | More Info: Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Mannheim Steamroller
What to Expect:
Grammy-winning holiday concert with multimedia effects.
Description:
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis is a beloved holiday tradition featuring Mannheim Steamroller classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound, with dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting.
Where: Milwaukee | More Info: Mannheim Steamroller
A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin
What to Expect:
Exclusive Q&A with Macaulay Culkin about his experiences filming Home Alone.
Description:
Join Macaulay Culkin for a special screening of Home Alone, followed by an exclusive moderated interview and audience Q&A. Relive iconic scenes and hear behind-the-scenes stories from the beloved holiday classic.
Where: Milwaukee | More Info: A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
What to Expect:
Rowdy siblings disrupt a traditional Christmas pageant.
Description:
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a heartwarming musical comedy where the "worst kids in the history of the world" crash the church's annual Christmas pageant, leading to hilarious and touching moments as they discover the true meaning of Christmas.
Where: Milwaukee | More Info: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Franklin Other Holiday Activities
Santa’s Christmas Cavalcade
What to Expect:
Santa and Mrs. Claus ride a vintage fire truck through downtown Milwaukee.
Description:
Santa’s Christmas Cavalcade features Santa and Mrs. Claus riding atop a vintage fire truck through downtown Milwaukee, accompanied by local singer Sarah Fierek singing jazzy holiday tunes.
Where: Milwaukee | More Info: Santa’s Christmas Cavalcade
West Allis Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Night-time parade with live performers and vintage vehicles.
Description:
The West Allis Christmas Parade is an annual holiday tradition and the premier night-time Christmas parade in southeastern Wisconsin. It features marching bands, live performers, creative floats, and vintage vehicles. Attendees can meet elves and cartoon characters before waving to Santa Claus at the end of the parade.
Where: West Allis | More Info: West Allis Christmas Parade
Home For The Holidays at Old World Wisconsin
What to Expect:
Immersive 19th-century holiday experience with hands-on activities and traditional celebrations.
Description:
Home For The Holidays at Old World Wisconsin features historic buildings, holiday crafts, traditional foods, and festive activities celebrating 19th-century Wisconsin holiday traditions.
Where: Eagle | More Info: Home For The Holidays at Old World Wisconsin
A Victorian Christmas
What to Expect:
Historical-themed High Tea Dinner in a Victorian setting.
Description:
A Victorian Christmas at the Schuster Mansion features a delightful High Tea Dinner with great food, historical insights, and conservation activities. Guests can enjoy a unique and memorable experience amidst the mansion's grandeur and charm.
Where: Milwaukee | More Info: A Victorian Christmas
Santa Cycle Rampage
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday bike ride with educational support.
Description:
Santa Cycle Rampage is a holiday-themed bike ride where participants dress up in festive costumes to support youth and family cycling education programs in Milwaukee and Dane Counties. The event features a 12-mile slow roll ride and a family-friendly 3-mile ride called the Elf Cycle Frenzy.
Where: Wauwatosa | More Info: Santa Cycle Rampage
Waukesha Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with enhanced safety measures.
Description:
The Waukesha Christmas Parade is a cherished annual tradition in Downtown Waukesha, featuring colorful floats, marching bands, and festive music. The event brings the community together with Santa Claus and cheerful parade participants distributing candy canes and treats.
Where: Waukesha | More Info: Waukesha Christmas Parade
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Greenfield (5 miles)
- Muskego (5 miles)
- New Berlin (7 miles)
- Caledonia (8 miles)
- Oak Creek (9 miles)
- West Allis (9 miles)
- South Milwaukee (9 miles)
- Wauwatosa (11 miles)
- Milwaukee (12 miles)
- Brookfield (12 miles)
- Waukesha (13 miles)
- Mount Pleasant (16 miles)
- Menomonee Falls (20 miles)
- Mequon (23 miles)
- Kenosha (24 miles)
- Pleasant Prairie (24 miles)
- Zion (32 miles)
- Round Lake Beach (36 miles)
- Gurnee (36 miles)
- Grayslake (38 miles)
- West Bend (38 miles)
- McHenry (40 miles)
- North Chicago (40 miles)
- Watertown (41 miles)
- Libertyville (42 miles)
- Mundelein (43 miles)
- Woodstock (45 miles)