The holidays are around the corner and Oshkosh is ready!! Check below for a list of free activities to do with your friends and family! Let’s get festive people!!!
Free Events!
Support local by completing stops along the Holly Jolly Holiday Trail and win cool prizes! Learn more.
December 5th- Annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Holiday Parade presented by Amcor!
Tree Lighting- Kick off the Holiday Parade and holiday season downtown in Opera House Square! Enjoy music in Opera House Square from 5-6pm, the Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6pm and the parade beginning at 6:15pm.
Parade- Join us as we transform our downtown into a place as magical as the North Pole! The Downtown Oshkosh Holiday Parade presented by Amcor begins at 6:15pm and this year’s parade theme is “The 12 Days of Christmas”!
*The parade route begins at the intersection of N Main and Ceape and heads north until the intersection of N. Main and Irving.
December 7th- Ice Skate with Santa! Family Night at the YMCA
Ice Skate with Santa! Bring the whole family for a night of holiday FUN at the 20th Ave Y on Saturday, December 7th!
No pre-registration, FREE for all! You don't need to be a Y member to join in the fun - Community Nights are OPEN TO ALL. Bring the family to swim, play basketball, soccer, enjoy a bounce house, and more!
December 7th- Christmas in the Air at the EAA Museum
Warm up your holiday spirit at Christmas in the Air! The EAA Aviation Museum welcomes all for this FREE family event on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 10am to 3pm, presented by Festival Foods.
- Write letters to Santa
- Visit the Sweet Shoppe for cookies, cupcakes, and milk
- Local dance, music, and choral performance groups around the museum
To top it off, you won’t want to miss Santa Claus arriving in a helicopter! While Santa visits don't forget to get your picture taken with him!
Donations of unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots or non-perishable food goods for Father Carr’s Place are greatly appreciated.
December 10th- Reindeer on the Square
Grab lunch, do a little shopping, and stop by Opera House Square to see LIVE reindeer from 1-4pm. Featuring: Live reindeer, Pointer from the Wisconsin Herd, children’s music and activities, cocoa & cookies sponsored by Fox Communities Credit Union, and more! Learn more here!
December 11th- The Howard Holiday Market
The Howard transforms into a winter wonderland. Come enjoy artisan, boutique and artist vendors in the Grand Ballroom at the Holiday Market event. The bar will be open for a cocktail while you shop - cash or cards accepted. The Cafe will be open for signature espresso beverages and other warm drinks. Order breakfast or lunch served up by our Culinary Team and enjoy dining with your group in the Great Hall!
- 10am Doors Open
- 10am-4pm:
- Cafe: Coffee, Espresso Beverages & Cocoa | Breakfast and Lunch
- Grand Ballroom: Vendor Market, Cash Bar, Santa Clause (Saturday Only)
- Great Hall: Seating for Dining
Santa Clause will pay a visit on Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Each “sit” with Santa is a $10 charge per family. You must purchase these ahead of time and can do so here!
December 14th - Elf at The Time Community Theater
Enjoy a free of Elf for FREE thanks to the Generac!
Raised as an elf, human Buddy travels from the North Pole to New York City to meet his biological father, Walter Hobbs, who never knew Buddy existed and, coincidentally, is in desperate need of some Christmas spirit.
- Doors open at 1:30pm for 2pm showing
ALL SEASON LONG!
Oshkosh Celebration of Lights
From November 29th to December 31st, enjoy the drive-thru light show at the EAA Grounds. This year the Oshkosh Celebration of Lights has 7 FREE Community Nights. EVERYONE enters FREE these nights because of our sponsors generosity! Enjoy the show FREE from 5:30-9pm December 1, 8, 15, 22, 23, & 29! (A donation of a sealed hygiene item (shampoo, deodorant, soap, etc.) or non-perishable in-date food items appreciated)
New Location: 1858 Neunteufel Ave, Oshkosh, WI 54902
The Nativity Collection at Algoma Boulevard United Methodist Church
Did you know a church in Oshkosh, Wisconsin is home to one of the largest permanently displayed nativity collections in the world? Step into the extensive display room at Algoma Boulevard United Methodist Church and view over a thousand of nativity sets made out of everything from fine porcelain to popsicle sticks! This Nativity Collection is one of a kind and is worth a visit.
Letters to Santa!
Drop off your letters to Santa all holiday season in our mailbox in Opera House Square! Drop your letters off by December 14th for a response from Mrs. Claus and Santa’s elves! Download the letter template and coloring page here!
Holly Jolly Holiday Pass
Support local by completing stops along the Holly Jolly Holiday Pass and win cool prizes! Learn more here!
Check in and redeem discounts at participating locations on the Holly Jolly Holiday trail and win prizes including an Oshkosh sticker, winter beanie (while supplies last), and be entered into an Oshkosh Winter Giveaway! Holly Jolly Holiday Pass available November 29 - December 31st, 2024.
Tag Discover Oshkosh in all your holiday fun on Facebook and Instagram for a chance to be featured!!
Stay the night in Oshkosh—click here for overnight options!
