44th Annual Christmas Concert at the Domes- "Let There Be Light!" David HB Drake
2025-12-21 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Chicago)
Folksinger and songsmith DAVID HB DRAKE will present a “Let There Be Light!” Concert at Mitchell Park Domes in Milwaukee, WI on Sunday, December 21 at 1:00 PM.
Let There Be Light! is a concert of seasonal folk songs, popular tunes, original songs and traditional carols. The program covers the spectrum of seasonal music from little known folksongs to everyone’s favorites, spiced with sing-alongs and good cheer! The program ranges from the first carol sung in North America to English wassails, French carols, memories of Christmas trees and marvelous toys. David performs on a variety of handmade folk instruments including mountain banjo, mountain dulcimer, concertina, Native American flute and guitar.
Many of these songs appear on his “LET THERE BE LIGHT” CD with Elizabeth Friedman, who has often performed with David in his annual Christmas Concert at the Mitchell Park Domes in Milwaukee as the duo “Sweet Survivor”. CDs are available through www.davidhbdrake.com

Early Closure
2025-12-24 09:00 - 14:00, 2025-12-31 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-01-01 09:00 - 16:00
Last admission one hour before close.

Closed for Christmas Day
2025-12-25
The Domes will be closed on Christmas Day.

Late Night at The Domes- Open until 8 PM
2025-12-26 09:00 - 20:00
The Domes will be open late on select nights this winter! Come experience the Domes at night- a magical experience under the lights of the Show Dome!
Late Nights at The Domes Hours:
9am-8pm (last admission one hour before close)
Light shows at 5pm, 6pm, and 7pm.

Drumming in the Domes, by Ko-Thi
2025-12-26 19:00 - 20:00
The drummers of Ko-Thi Dance Company present performances in celebration of Kwanzaa. Light shows will take place between performances. The event is included in the price of Domes admission.

Live Music: Milwaukee Jazz Institute Ensemble (Jazz)
2025-12-27 13:00 - 14:30 | Mitchell Park Domes
Enjoy live music amongst the beauty of the holiday show at the Domes.

Winter in the Tropics: A Family Fun Fest!
2025-12-30 09:00 - 12:00
Winter in the Tropics: A Family Fun Fest!
Join us for an exciting event, “Winter in the Tropics: A Family Fun Fest!” where you can escape the cold and enjoy a tropical paradise right in the heart of the city. Get ready for a morning filled with fun tropical activities!
Escape the cold and step into Winter in the Tropics: Family Fun Fest! This festival brings warmth, wonder, and hands-on discovery to families during winter break — a morning designed to spark curiosity and connection in our Tropical Dome.
This year’s event is bigger, brighter, and even more immersive. Kids can blend their own tropical smoothies, meet our famous dart frogs with Rainforest Rick, and explore a real beehive learning station that celebrates the tiny pollinators that help our world grow. Families can enjoy a mix of activities, crafts, games, tropical fruit tasting, and a take-home kit to keep learning going at home.
Wear your favorite island-inspired shirts under your winter coats — we’ll handle the humidity.
Perfect for ages 5–10, but wonderful for all ages.
Join anytime between 9 AM–12 PM. Special lobby program at 10:30 AM.
What’s Included
Your Activity Kit gives you access to all Family Fun Fest experiences:

Entry to exclusive Education Center activities (closed to general visitors during the event)
A tropical-themed craft station
Tropical smoothie experience for kids (smoothies for purchase)
Meet-the-frogs moment with Rainforest Rick
Beehive exploration station (learn how bees support our global ecosystems)
Word-scramble scavenger hunt through the Tropical Dome
Educator-guided mini program in the lobby
Tropical fruit tasting (soursop, tamarind & more!)
Take-home activity
Discount on tropical houseplants in the gift shop

Tickets

Activity Kit: $10 per child
Neighbor Activity Kit (53215 residents): $5
Please include your ZIP code when purchasing.

Each kit includes all activities for one child.
Note: Entry to the Mitchell Park Domes is not included. Friends of the Domes members enter the Domes for free. Learn more: MilwaukeeDomes.org/membership
Why Families Love It
It’s a short, meaningful staycation moment that feels far from home — without leaving Milwaukee. Families get a beautiful burst of tropical joy during winter break, and kids deepen their connection to nature through tactile, sensory, and story-rich experiences.

Early Closure
2025-12-31 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-25 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-19 09:00 - 16:00
Special holiday hours: 9:00AM-4:00PM. Last admission one hour before close.
