Local events, holiday shopping, family activities, culture and business connections from November 13 through Thanksgiving.
November brings a fresh lineup of experiences to Greater Milwaukee. Autumn traditions begin to make way for holiday lights, seasonal markets and theater while independent businesses, artists and community organizations bring people together.
Since 2014, Small Business Milwaukee has helped connect local business owners with the people, resources and opportunities that make our community stronger. Through our business directory, networking events, community calendar and promotional features, we work to help independently owned businesses get discovered, build relationships and grow. We believe supporting local businesses also means celebrating the events, makers, organizations and neighborhood experiences that bring Greater Milwaukee together.
At Small Business Milwaukee, we’re highlighting 25 ways to explore southeastern Wisconsin, discover local makers and build community connections between November 13 and November 26, 2026. All events are subject to change; visit the official information pages before attending.
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Meet Angelic Roots in Oak Creek
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Meineke Complete Car Care #2990 in West Allis
Meineke Complete Car Care #2990 serves West Allis drivers with automotive maintenance and repair services, including oil changes, brakes, tires and wheels, exhaust and muffler repairs, air conditioning, diagnostics and tune-ups. Located at 10204 W. Greenfield Avenue, this local auto care center helps customers keep their vehicles running safely and smoothly. Explore the shop’s services, available offers and appointment options through its official location page.
Sponsored Featured Business
Discover Secret Market at Brookfield Square Mall
Discover an ever-changing collection of vintage clothing, antiques, mid-century modern décor, jewelry, art, toys, music and unexpected treasures at Secret Market inside Brookfield Square Mall. Founded by Randy Mac Donald, Secret Market brings together independent sellers and collectors in a lively shopping destination. Whether you’re searching for a distinctive holiday gift, a nostalgic find or something you didn’t know you needed, browse unique offerings from local vendors. Visit Secret Market’s website for upcoming market dates and vendor information.
25 Milwaukee Events at a Glance: Browse by Date
Looking for an activity on a particular day? Browse this quick guide in date order and select any event to jump straight to its description below.
Holiday Markets, Local Makers & Shopping
1. re:Craft and Relic Holiday Market
When: November 14–15
Where: Milwaukee County Sports Complex, 6000 W. Ryan Road, Franklin
Shop handmade gifts, vintage finds, artisan foods and boutique goods from more than 150 vendors. Music and food trucks help turn a shopping trip into an afternoon out. General admission runs 11 a.m.–4 p.m., with earlier ticketed access available.
Official event details and current schedule
2. Holiday Folk Fair International
When: November 20–22
Where: State Fair Park Exposition Center, West Allis
Explore the region’s many cultures through music, dance, food, art and interactive displays. This long-running celebration is a chance to discover new traditions and support creative vendors while enjoying an indoor family outing.
Official event details and current schedule
3. Deer District Holiday Market
When: Beginning November 20
Where: Deer District at Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee
Browse seasonal vendor stalls and holiday activities in the heart of downtown. Pair the market with a meal at a nearby restaurant or a stroll through the district. Check the daily calendar; the market is not open Thanksgiving Day.
Official event details and current schedule
4. FEZtival of Trees
When: November 21–25
Where: Tripoli Shrine Center, Milwaukee
See beautifully decorated trees sponsored by local groups and businesses, enjoy holiday displays and explore raffle opportunities. Families can check the program for Santa visits and additional activities. The event closes on Thanksgiving Day.
Official event details and current schedule
Holiday Traditions, Family Activities & Community Celebrations
5. 3 Rivers Powwow
When: November 21
Where: Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee
Experience Indigenous dancing, drumming, singing and arts at a gathering celebrating living Native traditions. Meet artisans and learn about cultural connections throughout Wisconsin. Organizers list the program from noon to 7 p.m.; museum admission applies.
Official event details and current schedule
6. Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Kickoff
When: November 19
Where: Pere Marquette Park, Downtown Milwaukee
The downtown holiday season starts with entertainment, festive appearances and a lighting celebration. The pre-show begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by the main program at 6:30 p.m. Arrive early to enjoy the neighborhood.
Official event details and current schedule
7. Downtown Holiday Light Displays
When: November 19 onward
Where: Cathedral Square, Pere Marquette Park and Zeidler Union Square
Make a free evening of exploring Milwaukee’s illuminated downtown parks. Stop for a warm drink, visit neighboring shops and see how each park approaches its seasonal display.
Official event details and current schedule
8. Holiday Ornament Trail
When: November 19 onward
Where: Wisconsin Avenue and Downtown Milwaukee
Look for oversized hand-painted ornaments created by artists with Milwaukee connections. This free self-guided walk gives visitors an excuse to explore downtown businesses and public spaces.
Official event details and current schedule
9. Santa’s Mailbox
When: November 13–26 and beyond
Where: Cathedral Square Park, Milwaukee
Families can drop children’s letters into Santa’s special mailbox during a visit downtown. Include a return address for a reply, and combine the stop with nearby decorations and local shopping.
Official event details and current schedule
10. Christmas at Pabst Mansion
When: November 19 onward
Where: Pabst Mansion, Milwaukee
See a landmark Milwaukee residence transformed with seasonal decorations. Historic architecture and elaborately dressed rooms make this a memorable stop for visitors who enjoy design, history and holiday traditions. Advance tickets are recommended.
Official event details and current schedule
11. Deck the Streets and Village
When: November 20 onward
Where: Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee
Visit the museum’s Streets of Old Milwaukee and European Village when they are dressed for the holidays. Historic displays show the ways seasonal celebrations have changed across places and generations.
Official event details and current schedule
12. City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree Lighting
When: November 20
Where: Fiserv Forum Plaza, Milwaukee
Gather in the Deer District for the city’s annual holiday tree-lighting celebration. Enjoy the atmosphere and performances, and consider exploring local restaurants before or after the public program.
Official event details and current schedule
Arts, Entertainment & Local Culture
13. Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
When: November 21 onward
Where: Todd Wehr Theater, Marcus Performing Arts Center
First Stage presents a colorful family production filled with music and the familiar story of a holiday skeptic whose heart changes. Check recommended ages, ticket availability and showtimes before planning a visit.
Official event details and current schedule
14. The Sound of Music
When: November 24–29
Where: Uihlein Hall, Marcus Performing Arts Center
The Rodgers and Hammerstein classic brings the von Trapp family story to the stage. This touring production is a choice for musical-theater fans and multigenerational outings.
Official event details and current schedule
15. Big: The Musical
When: November 13 onward
Where: Cabot Theatre, Broadway Theatre Center, Milwaukee
Skylight Music Theatre stages the musical about a boy who wakes up in an adult’s body and discovers that growing up brings unexpected challenges. Make it an evening in the Historic Third Ward with dinner nearby.
Official event details and current schedule
16. A Gift of the Magi
When: November 13 onward
Where: Studio Theatre, Broadway Theatre Center, Milwaukee
Milwaukee Chamber Theatre presents an intimate musical adaptation of O. Henry’s story about love and giving. Live instrumental music adds to the production’s small-theater atmosphere.
Official event details and current schedule
17. Heist
When: November 17 onward
Where: Associated Bank Theater Center, Milwaukee
Milwaukee Repertory Theater presents a suspenseful crime caper about a crew attempting one final high-stakes job. Theater tickets also help support the performers and creative teams who work locally.
Official event details and current schedule
18. The Girl, The Galaxy, and the Giant Sound Wave
When: November 21–22
Where: Discovery World, Milwaukee
Danceworks Performance MKE tells an imaginative futuristic adventure through movement and performance. It’s a chance to experience original work by local artists during a downtown museum outing.
Official event details and current schedule
19. Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra: Brahms Symphony No. 2
When: November 20–21
Where: Bradley Symphony Center, Milwaukee
Spend an evening with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Brahms’ lyrical Second Symphony. The concert is a fitting outing for classical-music fans and anyone who wants to explore the city’s performing arts.
Official event details and current schedule
20. Present Music: A Hundred Ways: Thanksgiving
When: November 22
Where: Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Milwaukee
Present Music’s seasonal concert brings together contemporary music and community-centered performances. The historic cathedral offers a distinctive setting for a program reflecting on gratitude and shared traditions.
Official event details and current schedule
21. Central Library Architectural Tour
When: Saturdays, November 14 and 21
Where: Milwaukee Public Library Central Library
Explore the historic library building and learn about its architecture and place in Milwaukee’s civic life. Check the library’s tour calendar for current availability before visiting.
Official event details and current schedule
Business Networking & Professional Growth
22. Positive Polarity: From Hire to Inspire
When: November 18
Where: UW Credit Union, New Berlin
This leadership and workplace-culture workshop brings business owners and managers together for practical conversations about employee engagement and retention. Registration is required for the luncheon session.
Official event details and current schedule
23. ACG Wisconsin Women’s Network Fall Lunch
When: November 19
Where: Bank of America, 833 E. Michigan Street, Milwaukee
A professional networking luncheon offering women in business opportunities to connect and exchange ideas. Admission and registration requirements depend on membership status.
Official event details and current schedule
24. RAYNE IX Women’s Speed Networking
When: November 19
Where: Station 1846, Milwaukee
Structured short conversations help participants meet fellow professionals and discover potential collaborations. Check the organizer’s registration page for current availability and pricing.
Official event details and current schedule
Thanksgiving Dining
25. Thanksgiving Brunch at Saint Kate
When: November 26
Where: Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel, Downtown Milwaukee
Celebrate Thanksgiving with a hotel brunch in downtown Milwaukee. Confirm the holiday menu, reservation requirements, seating times and price directly with the restaurant before making plans.
Official event details and current schedule
Connect With Small Business Milwaukee
Want to meet fellow entrepreneurs? Small Business Milwaukee offers free virtual Think Tank conversations on Mondays at 6 p.m. and Thursdays at 2 p.m. Central. Check the Small Business Milwaukee networking page for current meeting and registration details. A November networking lunch has also been discussed; confirm its event page before announcing the time or venue.
Looking for a local company to support? Explore the Small Business Milwaukee website, or join the free business directory if you own a qualifying local business.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can families do in Milwaukee this November?
Explore downtown holiday lights and Santa’s Mailbox, enjoy local theater, or attend the Holiday Folk Fair and FEZtival of Trees. Always check age recommendations and ticket availability.
Are there free Milwaukee events?
The downtown holiday lights, Ornament Trail and outdoor Santa’s Mailbox are free activities. Some networking programs may also be free with registration.
Where can I shop local for holiday gifts?
The re:Craft and Relic Holiday Market and Deer District Holiday Market highlight vendors and makers, while Holiday Folk Fair offers cultural crafts and goods.
Which business events are scheduled?
Positive Polarity, the ACG Wisconsin Women’s Network and RAYNE IX offer networking and professional-development opportunities during the coverage period.
What is happening during Thanksgiving week?
Holiday decorations, markets, museum programs and live performances continue into Thanksgiving week. Some venues have holiday closures or shorter hours.
How can organizers share a local event?
Visit the Small Business Milwaukee events calendar and explore available submission and promotion options.
Support Local This November
Attend a neighborhood event, discover a new maker, visit a local restaurant and invite a friend to experience something new. Supporting local keeps the connections that make Greater Milwaukee distinctive thriving.
Event dates, times, locations, admission prices, availability, and other details are subject to change. Please confirm current information directly with the event organizer or business before attending.