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, 2025 - January 25, 2026
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.
Florentine Opera Holiday Concert
Monday, December 8, 2025, 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).
Old Milwaukee Mixer
Thursday, December 11, 2025, 7-9:30 p.m.
Eat, drink, and be merry! Celebrate the season with an after-hours holiday mixer set in the glow of the Streets of Old Milwaukee and European Village. Savor curated small bites with perfectly paired seasonal drinks as you explore how winter traditions were celebrated in the Victorian era and beyond. Enjoy festive décor, live harmonies from the Checkmate Barbershop Quartet, and capture the evening with a vintage-style photo; perfect for your own personalized holiday card. A cash bar will also be available. 21+ event
Tickets: $50
Cocoa & Candy Canes
December 13, 2025, Noon-2 p.m.
This free Sustainer+ 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.
Exclusively for Sustainer-level members and above. Not a Sustainer-level member or higher? Upgrade your membership today: Become a Member!
European Village Alive!
Saturday, December 13, 2025, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Learn about the history of European holiday traditions from MPM’s docents, who will be dressed in period attire and sharing stories with visitors throughout the delightfully decorated European Village exhibit. Plus, enjoy a special performance from 1-3 p.m. in the Village’s courtyard by the Crystal Lake Central High School Madrigal Singers—a touring ensemble dressed in Renaissance attire that performs songs dating back to the early 1300s through present-day contemporary music!
Holidays in History Tour
Saturdays in December (no tour Dec. 13), 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).
Winter Break
December 22, December 29-January 2
10 a.m. - Noon; 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Join MPM Educators as we highlight some of our favorite frozen topics during winter break! 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 ancient Wisconsin home.
Furs and Footprints: Test your zoology skills by matching the furs and footprints of Arctic animals as you learn what helps animals survive and thrive in extreme cold!
Mammoths and Mastodons: Is that a mastodon? A mammoth? Learn how to tell the differences between these ancient animals and what each can tell us about Wisconsin’s past.
Points of Emphasis: What exactly is growing out of that animal’s head? What is it used for? Explore the differences between antlers, horns, tusks, and teeth and the many roles they play throughout the animal kingdom.
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.
HOLIDAY SALE: Take 25% off your purchase when you shop ONLINE ONLY, November 25-December 1!