NEW YEAR'S TEVE WITH STEVE BEGUHN AT THE ARGO

Ring in 2026 with live music in Whitefish Bay! Local favorite Steve Beguhn brings his high-energy pop-country show to The Argo for a New Year's Eve party. General admission includes access to the main floor, bar, and kitchen. $1 from every ticket benefits local artist mental health and wellbeing. GA Advance tickets $29.65 (sales end Dec 30), Day of Show $39.79. Book online.

NOON YEAR'S EVE AT BETTY BRINN CHILDREN'S MUSEUM

Can't stay up 'til midnight? Betty Brinn Children's Museum has you covered with their annual celebration running 9 AM-2 PM at 929 E. Wisconsin Avenue. Ring in 2026 early with DJ Shawna's Beach Ball Dance Bash (11 AM-12:30 PM), face painting, DIY noisemakers and party hats, and an exciting countdown to the balloon drop at noon! Members get exclusive early access from 9-11 AM. Tickets are $10 for members, $20 for non-members (kids under 1 free). This event sells out—only 750 tickets available, advance online reservations required at bbcmkids.org.

MUNICH NEW YEARS ALL-DAY CELEBRATION AT BAVARIAN BIERHAUS

The ultimate single-venue celebration runs 11 AM-9 PM at Bavarian Bierhaus in Glendale (700 W. Lexington Blvd). Start with Kid Boogie Down's dance party in the Bierhall (11 AM-2 PM) featuring DJ Lukewarm, lights, lasers, bubbles, and cotton candy. Enjoy live music by Alpine Blast (4-7 PM), then ring in the New Year at 5 PM with a FREE BIER TOAST! Feast on authentic German favorites all day, plus Sauerbraten Platter and special Filet Mignon options (4-9 PM, $39-42). Happy Hour features half-off Liter Bier. Reservations strongly recommended at tables.toasttab.com. Free parking. Prost!

WILD LIGHTS ZOO YEAR'S EVE

Walk through a glowing wonderland at Milwaukee County Zoo (10001 W. Bluemound Rd, West Allis) from 5:30-9 PM. Stroll the 1-mile path featuring hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, animal-themed displays, a 28-foot animated musical tree, and interactive light wall. Special NYE packages (online only): Family 4-Pack $60 or Date Night 2-Pack $30—both include parking! Children 2 and under free. Dress warmly for outdoor walking. North Shore Bank Safari Train and carousel may operate weather permitting. Tickets at mkezoo.com/WildZYE. Presented by We Energies Foundation.

THE LITTLE VILLAGE PLAY CAFE COUNTDOWN SESSIONS

Three celebration sessions at The Little Village Play Cafe in Wauwatosa (6505 W. North Ave): 2:30-4 PM, 4:30-6 PM, or 6:30-8 PM. Each 90-minute session includes open play on climbing structures, make-your-own time capsules, DIY noisemakers, and a countdown with balloon drop timed for that session. Parents enjoy coffee, beer, or wine while kids (ages 6 months-6 years) play. $45 per child. Limited capacity—advance online reservations required at thelittlevillageplaycafe.com.

FREE DEER DISTRICT FIREWORKS AT 8 PM ⭐

Completely FREE 15-minute fireworks display at the Deer District at exactly 8 PM! No tickets needed—just arrive at the plaza outside Fiserv Forum for prime viewing. Bring chairs and blankets. This early timing means kids experience the magic without staying up until midnight! Presented by We Energies Foundation. Multiple Deer District restaurants offer viewing areas and NYE specials. Parking in nearby structures or free at some participating venues.

SLICE OF ICE AT RED ARROW PARK

FREE outdoor ice skating all day (10 AM-11 PM) at Red Arrow Park (920 N. Water St, downtown). Milwaukee's "Rockefeller Center" offers stunning city views and holiday decorations. Skating is FREE with your own skates! Rentals: $8 adults, $7 youth. Skater helpers available ($1 with $5 deposit). Warming house with fireplace, restrooms, and Biggby Coffee for hot chocolate breaks. Free ice sleds available for guests with mobility needs. Refrigerated rink operates in all weather. county.milwaukee.gov/EN/Parks/Explore/Slice-of-Ice.

PLUS: FREE SLEDDING AT LIGHTED HILLS

Milwaukee County Parks offers FREE lighted sledding 4:30-8:30 PM at Whitnall Park (5879 S. 92nd St, Franklin), Currie Park (3535 N. Mayfair Rd, Wauwatosa), and Humboldt Park (3000 S. Howell Ave, Bay View). Bring your own sled and enjoy hills for all ages from gentle slopes to thrilling drops. Warming houses and concessions available at select locations.

Banish bad ads for good

Google AdSense's Auto ads lets you designate ad-free zones, giving you full control over your site’s layout and ensuring a seamless experience for your visitors. You decide what matters to your users and maintain your site's aesthetic. Google AdSense helps you balance earning with user experience, making it the better way to earn.

Take control of your ads

North Shore Snapshot

See you out there,
North Shore Family Adventures

P.S. Forward this guide to anyone still asking, “What should we do for NYE??”