Family-Friendly Things to Do During the Christmas Season in the Green Bay Area
Here are some family-friendly things to do during the Christmas Season in the Green Bay Area.
Parades:
November 15 Sturgeon Bay
November 22 Green Bay (more details below)
November 25 Appleton
December 1 Little Chute
December 2 Kaukauna
December 4 Oshkosh
Events:
Merry-Time Festival of Trees - Door County Maritime Museum
Wednesday, November 19:
Celebrate peace on Earth at the annual Peace Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Brown County Courthouse
November 19–23 EVERGREEN THEATER Presents: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. A family-friendly favorite that’ll kick off your holiday season with laughter and joy!
November 20, 6-9 PM:
Tree Lighting Ceremony Join the Village of Howard for a magical evening under the lights at the Howard Commons Activity Complex as we illuminate our community Christmas tree and officially open the ice rink for the season. SANTA IS COMING! 7:00 – 9:00 PM -- Bring the kids for photos and holiday cheer with Santa Claus! Ornament Craft Station -- Make your own ornament to hang on the community tree, OR bring your own ornament from home to add to the tree (ornaments will not be returned). Food Trucks will be serving up warm, delicious eats all evening — perfect for fueling your holiday fun! Ice skating, live performances, food trucks, biergarten, Santa, and community spirit — all in one festive night!
Saturday, November 22, 10 am-11 am:
On Jefferson, Cherry, & Washington Streets. Experience the magic of the 41st Annual Green Bay Holiday Parade presented by HSHS St. Vincent Children's Hospital with Rudolph and his friends! This year’s theme is "Rudolph and Friends," a celebration of magic friendships, kindness, and inclusion. Witness vibrant floats, marching bands, dancers, and beloved holiday characters like Rudolph, and of course, his friends! Kick-off your morning with live music by Frank & Amy of Let Me Be Frank Productions, 9–10 AM, at the Brown County Courthouse, followed by a countdown at the start of the parade with Mayor Eric Genrich. After the parade, meet Santa and his reindeer at the YWCA! Santa will be there until 1 PM, but the reindeer will head back to the North Pole at 12:30 PM. Free parking is available at Pine Street and Main Street ramps. The parade route and more details are available at https://downtowngreenbay.com/parade. Whether you're a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, bundle-up and share holiday cheer with this cherished tradition in Downtown Green Bay!
Can't make the parade in person? See it later on the Downtown Green Bay YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@downtowngreenbay3836
November 26, 28, 29, 30:
Feztival of Trees at Beja Shriners is a dazzling display of holiday spirit with decorated trees, photos with Santa, raffle prizes, and festive fun for the whole family.
Friday-Saturday, November 28-29:
is the Winter Jubilee Warmup. Walk through a winter wonderland, meet Santa + his reindeer, catch the premiere of the light show, enjoy the sounds of the season and so much more to celebrate the start of the Titletown Winter Jubilee during this 2-day event.
November 28 - December 27:
Enjoy a dazzling blend of holiday-themed lights, music and special effects including animation, lasers and fireworks. The Winter Jubilee Light Show is projected onto Lambeau Field's west side. The best views are from Hy-Vee Plaza and Ridge Road (looking toward Lambeau Field) or Lots 5 and 6 at Lambeau Field. To enjoy the full experience from the comfort of your car at the lots, please tune your radio to 87.9 FM. See schedule for specific show dates. Unless otherwise noted, the approx. 7-minute Light Show plays every half hour from 6 to 9 p.m. (on the hour + half hour). **There will not be a Light Show on Dec. 27 if there is a home Packers game at Lambeau Field. FREE
Neville Museum Holiday Memories featuring the animated figures that once adorned the H.C. Prange’s department store windows are featured in this exhibit along with the Enchanted Forest, the Snow Babies and charming forest animal collections. Through Dec 20, Bruce the Spruce, the lovable talking Christmas tree who once chatted with holiday shoppers at Prange’s, is awake at select times to talk with guests. Children Only Shop, a whimsical re-creation of the H.C. Prange’s holiday experience is back for its fourteenth year in a row! Children ages 4-12 are invited to purchase from an assortment of holiday gifts for $4 each and have them gift-wrapped. Find the perfect present for everyone on your list! Entrance to the Children Only Shop is included with museum admission. *Please note that the Children Only Shop only accepts cash and check payment.
Santa Photo Experience at Bay Park Square. Even offering Pet photos November 30!
November 28-30 Nutcracker at the Weidner $25+ Enjoy watching some local talent from NEWDO perform the Nutcracker ballet.
Nov. 21-29, Dec. 3-31 5:30-9pm Wild Lights at the Milwaukee County Zoo; Wild Lights and frosty nights! Experience the magic of the Zoo after dark, walking through hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights throughout the forest and pathways. Enjoy an enchanted evening under the stars in an illuminated destination glowing with a variety of animal-themed light displays. $15 per person over 2 years old. Note: closed Nov. 24-27, 30, Dec. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 24-25
November 28-December 28 from 5-9pm:
Holiday Lights on the Fox (previously Santa’s Rock N Lights) . Enjoy this one-mile drive-thru light show with animated twinkling lights dancing to Christmas music located at the Brown County Fairgrounds (1500 Fort Howard Avenue, De Pere). You can even park and take a fun photo at the end! $25 cash $30 card
November 28-December 28:
Fox Cities Festival of Lights is a nonprofit made up of volunteers from the Fox Cities area. They set up a light display at Darboy Community Park in the Village of Harrison. Visitors will be able to take a walk on the wooded trails through the park to see a wide variety of custom-made light displays; some represent well-known sites from the area. Suggested donation of $5 per person but not required.
November 25-December 30 (various days):
Lights in Lincoln Park Zoo (Manitowoc) With more than 70 wild animal light displays, drive-thru (or walk-through on family nights) light tunnels, and other spectacular lighting effects, this event should not be missed. This is the Zoological Society's largest fundraiser of the year meaning you can support the zoo and have a good time doing it! $5 per car or $10 per family (on family nights).
November 28- December 31:
Oshkosh Celebration of Lights Take a 2.4 miles scenic drive through the EAA Grounds into a winter wonderland decorated with millions of sparkling lights put on by dedicated volunteers. Tune-in to 101.9 FM to hear your favorite holiday tunes. Santa will be available for visits the Friday after Thanksgiving thru December 23rd from 5:30 – 8:30 pm. Don’t forget to bring your letter to Santa! *5 Free nights: 11/30, 12/7, 12/14, 12/21, 12/28 because of sponsors' generosity!
November 28-December 30 (various days) 4pm-7pm:
Merry & Bright Canopy Lights Tour lets you experience a serene winter night at the Zoo, where you can enjoy moonlit views and festive holiday lights adorning the treetops. Experience a holiday adventure like no other—glowing canopies above, mesmerizing zoo animals all around, and magic in every moment. $6-$8 per person, 2 and under are free.
November 29-December 30:
Green Bay Botanical Garden of Lights Doors open at 4:30 pm. Last entry at 8:30 pm. Lights out at 9 pm. Limited capacity – dated and timed entry tickets must be purchased in advance to secure your preferred date (Adults $14-$18, kids $5-$8). Family Night is November 30 where Children 12 and under get free walking admission with one paid adult Walking Ticket ($14). All tickets, adult and children, must be purchased in advance due to limited capacity. Bask in the glow of 350,000+ lights across 40+ enchanting nature-themed displays! See surprising new sights like Marigolds in Motion and Touch & Glow as well as returning favorites such as the Caterpillar, Butterfly House, and Lake of Lights. Indulge in a cookie or hot beverage, shop for gifts in the WPS Trellis Gift Shop, enjoy the Green Bay Area Model Railroaders Club display, send a letter to Santa, and snap a photo with him too on select nights.
Denmark Christmas Tree Lighting
December 5 5pm-8pm:
A Very Neenah Christmas has all the ingredients of a perfect holiday evening—with none of the stress. Just bring your people and your holiday cheer. We’ll take care of the magic. Admission is FREE, no registration required. This is a rain, snow, or shine event—so bundle up and bring your holiday spirit! Free parking is available in the Church Street Ramp and surrounding downtown lots and streets.
December 12-14 & 19-21:
The Holiday Lights Display in the City of De Pere is a FREE drive-thru holiday experience. It will operate from 5 - 9 pm December 12-14 & 19-21. There will be a walk-through event on December 11th, which will allow participants the opportunity to get an up-close view of the trees and decorations. The Nelson Family Pavilion will be open during the walking event and will provide an opportunity for the children to visit with Santa, while enjoying some hot chocolate and participating in holiday crafts. Depending on the weather, there may also be some outdoor activities for the family to enjoy! Participants in the walking event will also have the opportunity to vote on their favorite decorated tree. The winning tree will receive a free tree for the following Holiday Light Event!
December 6:
Breakfast with The Grinch | Resch Complex We're serving up warm fuzzies with a side of sarcasm this WHO-liday season. The Grinch is coming to Green Bay. Your heart will grow three sizes as you relish in a breakfast buffet feast fit for the Grinch! You won't want to miss out on the hilarious hijinks, photo opportunities, door prizes and merry mischief fit for the whole family. **8:00 AM and 10:00 AM sessions are SOLD OUT!
December 6:
Christmas in the Air | EAA Museum (Oshkosh) Celebrate the holidays with EAA’s annual Christmas in the Air, a FREE community and family event for all ages, at the EAA Aviation Museum! Explore the museum and enjoy all the holiday decorations throughout the exhibits. Enjoy a wide variety of holiday activities including Santa Claus flying in by helicopter at noon to visit with all the children! Have your picture taken with Santa or take your own family photos in staged areas throughout the museum.
Breakfast with Santa at Hagemeister
December 7:
Breakfast with Santa Enjoy a Free Fun Family Event: Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, eggs, fruit, milk, juice, coffee. One gift per child (while supplies last). Photo opportunities with Santa.
December 7:
Santa’s coming back to Gather on Broadway Santa’s coming back to Gather for our 9th annual Breakfast with Santa! Two seatings filled with delicious food, festive fun, and holiday magic for the whole family. Our mailing list sold the event out in under an hour last year, before tickets even went public. Get on the list so you don’t miss your shot at the most magical morning of the season! Mailing List Link: http://eepurl.com/g5yUDP
December 9:
Community Christmas 4:30-6:30pm This free event is open to all and includes food, live nativity, cookie decorating, hot cocoa, sleigh rides, photo booth, games, caroling and more!
December 9-11 9am - 2pm
Didn't get tickets for the sold out Polar Express, how about still enjoying this festive event? Holiday on the Rails is primarily geared toward children in preschool through Grade 2, but children and adults of all ages are welcome to join in the holiday fun. The event includes a train ride around the grounds, as well as an array of crafts, cookie decorating, games, exploration of trains and exhibits, and, of course, a chance to meet Santa Claus. The event is included with the daily admission price during our holiday season ($9-$13).
December 10-14:
EVERGREEN THEATER's A Christmas Carol This timeless tale is back! Stingy, miser Ebenezer Scrooge is taken on a transformative journey when he is visited by three spirits. The ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future try to teach Scrooge the importance of compassion and generosity. But will Scrooge learn to be a kinder, more caring person before it is too late, and his fate is sealed?
December 11:
Sensory Santa Event for Families This event is designed for individuals and families seeking a calm, supportive environment to enjoy the holiday season. Sign up for a 10-minute slot to visit Santa, then stop by our sensory-friendly room to pick out a craft—either to make at Options or take home to enjoy!
December 12th from 5pm-9pm:
The North Pole Experience of Whoville is here! Who Stole Christmas? The Grinch, of course! Come see Whoville at The Wellness Way - Green Bay to experience the wonder. Santa, his reindeer, and the people of Whoville will be here! Be on the lookout, the Grinch may be sneaking around, and you can help grow his heart three sizes bigger! Enjoy a wonderful family friendly event with something for everyone! Take pictures with Santa, savor healthy cookies and apple cider, play festive games, and shop around local vendors. Experience a true Wellness Way Whoville celebration full of seasonal surprises, joyful holiday spirit, and maybe even a little Grinch mischief! This event is FREE, but everyone must have a reserved ticket. Also, please bring new mittens, socks, or hats to hang on the giving tree. Items will be donated to local area shelters.
December 13th:
Cool City Christmas in Two Rivers is a delightful, FREE event in Central Park West & throughout the Community House. A magical experience to remember!
December 13 3-6pm:
Bring the kids to meet and skate with Santa!
December 13:
Breakfast with Santa at the Walnut Room inside Hotel Northland
December 13:
Santa's Winter Wonderland & Christmas Store - Greater Green Bay YMCA 11:00am - 1:00pm Celebrate the season and visit Santa and Mrs. Claus in their Winter Wonderland. Also available will be a Christmas Store for children to pick out special gifts for the important adults in their life. With the help of volunteers, children will learn about giving, gratitude, and managing money while having fun. The shop is filled with very affordable gifts, perfect for kids spending their own allowance or job money. Free entry, no registration required.
December 14:
Christmas Program, Live Nativity, and Petting Zoo Celebrate the joy of the season with New Hope’s annual Christmas Program! Join us for an evening of Scripture, song, and celebration as we rejoice in the birth of our Savior. The evening will also feature a live nativity and a petting zoo
December 14th 9am - noon:
Breakfast with Buddy the Elf at Urban Air!
Join us for a magical holiday celebration the whole family will love! Your ticket includes:
🎟 Urban Air Jump Pass – Let the kids jump, flip, and soar into the season with endless fun.
🥞 Pancake Breakfast with Buddy the Elf – Enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast with everyone’s favorite holiday helper!
🍪 Cookie Decorating Station – Get creative with frosting, sprinkles, and holiday cheer.
🎨 Make & Take Christmas Ornament – Craft your own ornament keepsake to treasure year after year.
🎅 Photos & Gift from Santa & Mrs. Claus – Capture the magic of the season with a special photo and a gift to take home from SANTA!
✨ All proceeds from this event go directly to the Kanceptional Foundation — a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that believes in a world where every human feels worthy and has equitable opportunity.
Each ticket includes access to all holiday activities plus a jump pass at Urban Air! Please note: once your scheduled holiday session begins, you’ll enjoy the Pancake Breakfast with Buddy, crafts, and photos with Santa. After your session activities are complete, you are welcome to stay and jump, play, and explore the park with your included Urban Air Jump Pass! Parents/guardians are FREE to attend and enjoy the holiday activities (breakfast, crafts, and Santa visit) without charge. If a parent/guardian would like to jump on trampolines or participate in Urban Air attractions, a Parent Jump Pass ticket must be purchased.
Now through December 31st:
Heard of the Christmas movie filmed in Door County "A Cherry Pie Christmas" aka "A Wisconsin Christmas Pie"? You can celebrate the holiday season on The Door County Christmas Movie Trail! Door County was the backdrop for "A Cherry Pie Christmas," which was shot and set entirely in Door County. The trail highlights real locations featured in the movie—inviting fans to explore the charming shops, cozy inns, and scenic backdrops that brought the story to life on screen. Sign up today and step into a real-life Christmas movie. Shop along the Door County Christmas Movie Trail through December 31, save your receipts, and turn them in at the Door County Welcome Center when you pick up your completion prize for a chance to win $500 in Door County Gift Certificates! Each receipt = one entry. Drawing held Monday, January 5. View A Wisconsin Christmas Pie on Great American Family or starting November 15th, A Cherry Pie Christmas (also titled A Wisconsin Christmas Pie) will roll out across a range of free and on-demand platforms, including TubiTV, RokuTV, PlutoTV, Vizio, XumoTV and other holiday and romance-themed free, ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels such as Amazon’s Always Christmas channel.
26 Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Door County
Cup O Joy: hosts 'Music That Inspires' on the west side of Green Bay in an Alcohol Free/Family Friendly environment. Artists come from all over the country to the Cup stage. If you've got a favorite Christian Artist, they may be coming to the "Cup". Every style of music is represented. They serve various drinks and snacks so you can munch while you listen. Cup O Joy shows have No Cover Charge. All shows are supported by your donation. However, to get the best seating consider buying An Early Bird Pass or a Reserved Seat. RESERVED SEATS - $25 This is a seat you can choose online and is RESERVED for you. EARLY BIRD PASS SEATS - $6-$10. An Early Bird Pass is NOT a reserved seat.
I hope you enjoyed this list of family-friendly things to do during the Christmas season here in Green Bay. As always, please check direct websites for updates on dates and times as they may change, and I don't want you to be disappointed if they're closed when you go.