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 6th- 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 6th!
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 6th- 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 6, 2024, from 10 am to 3 pm, 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 13th- Reindeer on the Square
Grab lunch, do a little shopping, and stop by Opera House Square to see LIVE reindeer from 1-4 pm. Featuring: Live reindeer, children’s music and activities, cocoa & cookies, and more! Learn more here!
December 6th- 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!
- 10 am Doors Open
- 10 am-4 pm:
- Cafe: Coffee, Espresso Beverages & Cocoa | Breakfast and Lunch
- Grand Ballroom: Vendor Market, Cash Bar, Santa Claus
Santa Claus will pay a visit on Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. Each “sit” with Santa is a $10 charge per family. You must purchase these ahead of time and can do so here!
ALL SEASON LONG!
Oshkosh Celebration of Lights
From November 28th 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 sponsor's generosity! Enjoy the show FREE from 5:30-9 pm November 30, December 7, 14, 21, 23, & 28! (A donation of a sealed hygiene item (shampoo, deodorant, soap, etc.) or non-perishable in-date food items is 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 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 a Holly Jolly Oshkosh sticker, winter beanie (while supplies last), and be entered into an Oshkosh Winter Cheer Giveaway (you aren't going to want to miss this)! Holly Jolly Holiday Pass available November 28 - 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!
