Santa season starts now

Inside: Lighthouses, Soda with Santa, Holiday Boutique, Winter Festival

November 12, 2025

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Many families right now are uncertain and scared about how they will put food on the table. I’m thankful that there is an effort in the North Shore to help provide or seek the help you need. The Shorewood Foundation has responded swiftly to this crisis with an emergency grant of $20,000 to support students, families, and seniors affected by delayed or disrupted benefits. The North Shore Health Department is collecting food donations at North Shore locations. And you can support the North Shore Neighbors Give Back fund, which provides critical food assistance throughout our region.

Know the North Shore: North Point Lighthouse

North Point Lighthouse is a fixture of the North Shore — standing 74 feet tall with 84 cast-iron spiral steps leading to breathtaking 360-degree views. Built in 1888 with a distinctive Queen Anne keeper's house, the lighthouse served Milwaukee for over a century before decommissioning in 1994.

Today's museum showcases the remarkable story of Georgia Stebbins, who served as keeper from 1881 to 1907, climbing the tower an estimated 63,800 times during her tenure to maintain the Fourth Order Fresnel lens.

The museum opens Saturdays and Sundays year-round from 1 to 4 pm, charging $8 for adults and $5 for seniors, students, and children. Located at 2650 N. Wahl Ave. in Frederick Law Olmsted-designed Lake Park, the lighthouse offers free street parking and accessible grounds, though the tower itself requires climbing ability. Children must be at least five years old and 38 inches tall to climb. Call ahead at 414-332-6754 to confirm hours, and plan at least two hours for your visit to fully explore both museum and grounds.

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Mall Santa season

Santa was reading a letter from a kid.

Mall Santa season has arrived. You can see Santa via online reservations (highly recommended), walk-up visits, and special accommodations including sensory-friendly "Caring Santa" morning sessions for children with autism or sensory sensitivities, plus dedicated pet photo nights so your furry family members can meet Santa too. Whether you're looking for professional photo packages or just a quick visit with the jolly man himself, there's an option perfect for your family. See our complete guide for detailed hours, reservation links, pricing information, and special event dates.

Whitefish Bay Middle School Holiday Boutique

Looking to tackle your holiday shopping list while supporting the local community? The Whitefish Bay Middle School PTO hosts its annual Holiday Boutique TOMORROW (Thursday) from 4 to 8:30 pm. Browse unique gifts, jewelry, and delicious treats from 40-50 local artisan vendors while supporting our community middle school and small businesses. Plus: See more of our holiday craft fairs here.

Sprecher Soda with Santa

Soda with Santa is Sprecher Brewery's beloved holiday event that combines photos with Santa, a behind-the-scenes brewery tour, and custom-labeled root beer bottles featuring YOUR family photo. It’s happening every Sunday starting THIS WEEKEND through Dec. 14. Here’s how to book your experience.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: 2026 Winter Festival

The Cedarburg Winter Carnival transforms this charming downtown into a winter wonderland filled with racing beds, ice sculptures, local vendors, and enough hot soup to warm even the coldest February day. Mark your calendar and see our guide.

Go Bucks!

The 2025-2026 Bucks season is underway! Gear up for the games this year! 

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North Shore History: Edmund Fitzgerald - in Fox Point

Fifty years ago this week — November 10, 1975 — the Edmund Fitzgerald was lost on Lake Superior. The mighty freighter was named for Edmund B. Fitzgerald, president and later chairman of Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company in Milwaukee. Under his leadership, the company invested in Great Lakes shipping — and one of those vessels bore his name. His son, Edmund Bacon Fitzgerald, made his home on Beach Drive in Fox Point. A civic leader and businessman, he helped bring Major League Baseball back to Milwaukee and served on the Brewers’ board. The Fitzgerald family’s influence stretched from the city’s downtown to its lakefront neighborhoods.

See you out there,
North Shore Family Adventures

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

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