Things to do in Milwaukee this December

December in Milwaukee offers a wide variety of activities to enjoy, from cozy indoor spots to lively city explorations. Known as the “big city of little neighborhoods,” Milwaukee delivers outdoor adventures, great shopping, world-class museums, and a lineup of events that make it a fun destination all year long. Even better, you don’t need to spend much to have a memorable time. Here’s a look at some fantastic and budget-friendly ways to experience Milwaukee throughout the month of December.

Sportsbook Events at Potawatomi Casino Hotel

Let the Potawatomi Sportsbook be your premier place to watch and enjoy your favorite sporting events this winter. With a video wall of over 2,000 square feet, you can easily enjoy one or all of your favorite sporting events. Feeling hungry? No problem. The Kitchen offers delicious bar food to enjoy while cheering your team on to victory. During peak games and events, we offer reservation seating to ensure you and your friends have a seat to enjoy the game.

To view the games currently playing in the Sportsbook, click here and make your reservations.
 

Milwaukee Admirals

The Milwaukee Admirals are a professional hockey team in the American Hockey League (AHL) whose players also support the Nashville Predators. Their home base is the UW Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They offer different promotions, themed nights, and concerts throughout their season. To see the complete list of upcoming promotions, visit their website. The Ads last brought home the Calder Cup in 2004 but have made it to the play-offs the last two years. Get into the action at a Milwaukee Admirals hockey game as they compete to earn a spot in the Calder Cup Playoffs for the 2024-2025 season.

Milwaukee Admirals Schedule

Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is home to the professional basketball team, the Milwaukee Bucks. In 1968, the Milwaukee Bucks got their name from a naming contest in which more than 14,000 fans participated. The second popular option, Bucks, was selected because Bucks are spirited, good jumpers, fast, and agile. Bucks games are an entertaining experience for the whole family.  Join the Milwaukee Bucks as they work to get into the NBA Finals and bring The Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy home to Milwaukee.

Milwaukee Bucks Schedule

During the Buck and Admiral games, you may spot the Potawatomi Street Team handing out free merchandise, Reward Play, and more! At Bucks games, they’ll be stationed at the Potawatomi Players Club Suite on the sky mezzanine level (2nd floor) of the Fiserv Forum, while at Admirals games, you can find them throughout the sponsorship floor levels (1st floor).

 

Street Team Event Dates:

  • Milwaukee Admirals 12/3
  • Milwaukee Bucks 12/18
  • Milwaukee Admirals 12/30
  • Milwaukee Bucks 1/21
  • Milwaukee Admirals 1/27
  • Milwaukee Bucks 2/3
  • Milwaukee Admirals 2/21
  • Milwaukee Bucks 3/2
  • Milwaukee Admirals 3/11
  • Milwaukee Bucks 4/3
  • Milwaukee Bucks 4/10
  • Milwaukee Admirals 4/12

Winter Dining and Events

In December, Milwaukee transforms into a magical place filled with activities and holiday cheer. This list of December activities will keep you and your loved ones busy making memories.

 

Arctic Action – You played Bird Bash in October and Cash Clash in November, so now is your chance to play Arctic Action in December. Just play with your Potawatomi Rewards card for Thursday drawing entries, and you could score your share of $100,000 in weekly cash and prizes. When 8:30 p.m. rolls around, the Rollover Jackpot Drawing will award one lucky winner all unclaimed prizes from previous drawings!

Christmas Specials – Make this Christmas truly unforgettable! Visit Potawatomi Casino Hotel on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and treat yourself to festive dining specials at Canal Street Café, Dream Dance Steakhouse, and Marketplace. This year, Potawatomi is also serving up exclusive seasonal favorites and holiday treats that will make your celebrations even brighter! Don’t miss Cream City Coffee, featuring holiday drinks like the Gingerbread Latte and Eggnog Latte. Be sure to try the Gingerbread Loaf or Sugarplum Danish for a sweet holiday treat.

Bonus: Did you know Potawatomi is selling chocolate Advent Calendars this season? ’Tis the Season for Chocolate begins now at Cream City Coffee and Potawatomi Provisions. Each 25-day chocolate bonbon calendar features rich dark and milk chocolate surprises, crafted by Potawatomi’s in-house pastry team, with 25 unique flavors to enjoy.

$50 each – available while supplies last.

Dine in a Winter Dome – Located in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward, Café Benelux offers a unique dining experience in one of its rooftop Lux Domes. Enjoy made-from-scratch European-inspired dishes with an award-winning Bloody Mary in hand.

Christmas Carnival of Lights – The Midwest’s biggest and brightest drive-through holiday light show returns with thousands of new lights and a completely reimagined layout. Experience breathtaking hand-crafted displays, lights soaring high into the trees, and festive scenes that will leave you in awe. This year, the magic is turned all the way up!

Holiday Lights and Karaoke CarolingAn interactive evening of caroling and colorful photo ops. Hop on and off the cruiser, taking in some of the most popular Christmas lights Milwaukee has to offer. These include Catalano Square, Zeidler Park, Pere Marquette Park, Cathedral Square, and the Hoan Bridge.

Christmas Lights & Desserts Bus TourThis tour features stops to see many of those 500,000 lights and animated displays across the city complete with walking stops in Cathedral Square and Zeidler Union Square, plus viewing opportunities in areas such as Red Arrow Park, Pere Marquette Park and the Historic Third Ward.

Authentically Wisconsin – What is more Wisconsin than dining in a shanty? At Buckatabon, you can reserve a private shanty to enjoy a truly unique dining experience. Choose from over ten dining options and add-ons!

Milwaukee Ice Skating – Skate at Milwaukee’s own Rockefeller Center in the heart of downtown. You can bring your skates or rent a pair. Take a break from the cold in the warm house, complete with Biggby coffee.

Milwaukee Zoo Wild Lights 2025 – Nothing screams holiday like seeing Christmas Lights. During this season, the Milwaukee County Zoo transforms into an illuminated destination of sparkling lights. Take your time as you walk through pathways and forested areas, admiring the holiday lights.

Snow HillCrystal Ridge is Milwaukee’s very own snow hill, complete with trails for snowboarding, skiing, and tubing. Located in Franklin, Wisconsin, Crystal Ridge is only a 15-minute drive from downtown Milwaukee. Check their website for events and activities during the winter season.

NYE Celebration – You’re in for a good time at Potawatomi Casino Hotel.  Between glow bingo, holiday drink specials, portable bars, a photo booth, several DJs, and dining specials, this New Year’s celebration will be one for the ages!

What events are you looking forward to this holiday season? Let us know on FacebookInstagram, or X.