# Waukesha Christmas Parade & Night of Lights Celebration > Event for families in the Milwaukee–Waukesha area (WI). Times are Central Time. - When: Dec 4 – Dec 6 · 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM - Where: Historic Downtown Waukesha & Riverfront Plaza, 125 W St Paul Ave, Waukesha, WI 53188 - Ages: All ages welcome (Free community celebration) - Price: Free admission for all parade and tree lighting spectators - Organizer: Waukesha Area Chamber of Commerce & City of Waukesha - Official page: https://www.waukesha-wi.gov/ - Last checked: Sat, Nov 7 Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/milwaukee/activities/waukesha-christmas-parade-and-night-of-lights-celebration--listing-618b9dae981caef35045951d ## About Waukesha celebrates the holidays with two signature community traditions: the Night of Lights kickoff on Friday evening and the beloved Waukesha Christmas Parade on Sunday afternoon. The weekend begins at The Rotunda with the official downtown tree lighting, live choral caroling, and hot cocoa, followed by a lantern stroll down to Riverfront Plaza to illuminate the seasonal Walk of Lights. On Sunday, families line the streets of historic downtown Waukesha for the annual parade, featuring festive marching bands, decorated community floats, equestrian units, scouts, costumed characters, and Santa Claus arriving on a shiny red fire engine. This heartfelt tradition brings families together in a joyous display of community spirit, hope, and togetherness. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Downtown sidewalks and Riverfront Plaza paved trails are flat, wide, and fully wheelchair and stroller accessible. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Public restrooms with baby changing counters are available at the Waukesha Public Library and Rotary Building. • Age Suitability: Suitable for all ages; children love greeting Santa and collecting candy canes. • Sensory Tips: Parade features marching band drums and sirens; noise-softening earmuffs are recommended for infants and sensitive toddlers. ## Similar picks in Milwaukee - [Menomonee Falls Christmas Parade & Downtown Tree Lighting](https://grassyknees.com/milwaukee/activities/menomonee-falls-christmas-parade-and-downtown-tree-lighting--listing-70e25138cb188c39acef05eb) — Sun, Nov 29 · 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM · Downtown Menomonee Falls (Centennial Plaza) · All ages · Free · checked Nov 5. 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