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Turkey Trot Season 2025

In my opinion, there’s no better 5K season than Turkey Trot Season. You can run it fast, you can jog it slow, you can join with friends and family, you can dress up in costume — there’s no wrong way to Turkey Trot! Locally, there are no shortage of options, from the FREE (with donation) Lake Park run, to massive lakefront productions, to neighborhood Turkey Trots like Thiensville. Here’s our complete guide to get you signed up!

Holiday craft markets

Shop local for your holiday presents! From local indoor markets like the Whitefish Bay Middle School Holiday Boutique (Nov. 13) to large-scale events like Hover Craft at the Pritzlaff (Dec. 7) and the Franklin Holiday Market (Nov. 8–9), there’s something for everyone—whether you’re shopping for handmade gifts, enjoying food trucks, or exploring family-friendly activities. Events span Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Washington counties, with many offering free admission. Check out the full guide for dates, details, and links to plan your perfect local holiday outing!

Holiday parades

Holiday parades kick off across the area in November, with the Whitefish Bay Holiday Stroll on November 28. Each community brings its own special character—from Germantown's 40+ year tradition to South Milwaukee's innovative format where you walk around stationary parade units. Whether you're looking for live reindeer, fireworks, or just good old-fashioned holiday cheer with Santa, there's a parade perfect for your family. Check out our complete guide with times, routes, parking tips, and what makes each celebration special.

Breakfast with Santa

Find the perfect Santa breakfast for your family, with elegant hotel brunches at The Pfister and Saint Kate, unique experiences like Santa on a Harley at the Harley-Davidson Museum or custom root beer labels at Sprecher Brewery, or budget-friendly community events including a FREE breakfast at Oak Creek Lions Club. Popular venues like The Pfister, Milwaukee County Zoo, and Germantown Kiwanis (featuring live reindeer!) sell out quickly, so book early. Check out our complete guide for dates, pricing, and special features.

Christmas Trees

Whether you're looking for the full family experience of cutting your own tree at farms, or prefer the convenience of pre-cut options closer to home, we've got you covered. Our comprehensive guide features cut-your-own farms, special activities like hayrides and visits with Santa, and expert tips for selecting and caring for your tree so it stays fresh through the holidays. Plus, discover why Wisconsin-grown trees offer superior freshness compared to shipped alternatives. Most farms open the Friday after Thanksgiving, so start planning your tree adventure now!

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See you out there,
North Shore Family Adventures

P.S. Forward this guide to anyone asking, “What should we do before Thanksgiving???”