Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for Cocoa with the Clauses on Saturday

MILWAUKEE (December 9, 2025) – Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 will host guests from the North Pole during its annual Cocoa with the Clauses event on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cathedral Square Park. The free, family-friendly event is an opportunity for kids to meet the jolly old elf and share their Christmas wish lists. Families will receive a keepsake photo and goodie bag, while supplies last. Other free treats and entertainment, including hot cocoa, cookies courtesy of Educators Credit Union, popcorn, live music by Sarah Fierek, face painting and more, will round out the event. Santa’s elves and other holiday characters will also be in attendance.

The outdoor event, which is part of the 27th annual Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival presented by Johnson Financial Group, is taking place at one of the four Downtown parks decked out in more than 500,000 holiday lights. Cathedral Square Park offers a stunning backdrop for family photos, with more than 130 evergreen trees that were decorated by 100 local schools and organizations.

“Cocoa with the Clauses invites families to meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and other North Pole characters amid the festive decorations in Cathedral Square Park,” said Matt Dorner, CEO of Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21. “We’re delighted to continue this magical tradition and provide another no-cost option to Milwaukee-area families this holiday season.”

In addition to hosting Cocoa with the Clauses, Cathedral Square Park also provides a direct connection to the North Pole through its Santa’s Mailbox. The mailbox, presented by Educators Credit Union with support from Serving Older Adults and National Association of Letter Carriers Pioneer Branch 2, will be stationed in the park until Sunday, Dec. 14. Children who drop off a letter with a return address will receive a personalized letter from Santa. Postage is not required.

The Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival is coordinated by Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 and includes themed installations in four parks – “Community Spirit Park” at Cathedral Square Park; “Santa’s Celebration Square powered by We Energies” at Zeidler Union Square; “¡Felices Fiestas!” at Pere Marquette Park; and “Slice of Ice Lights” at Red Arrow Park. Street decorations also adorn three Downtown thoroughfares, including Wisconsin Avenue, which features an 18-block stretch of silver and gold chandeliers suspended above each intersection.

Cocoa with the Clauses is one of the many events coordinated by Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 as part of the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival. The Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival brochure bundles all of Downtown Milwaukee’s holiday happenings. The brochure is available to download at www.milwaukeeholidaylights.com.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.