When December rolls into Menomonie, the whole town starts to sparkle. From self-guided light tours to wagon rides with cocoa, choose-and-cut trees, and museum make-and-takes, there’s plenty of holiday cheer sized perfectly for preschoolers. If you’re building a family bucket list for the season, start with these five local favorites that blend short attention spans with big, merry memories.
If your little one adores twinkle lights, buckle up for the Parade of Lights, a self-driving tour of homes and businesses decked out for the holidays. Explore the displays with a handy digital (and printable) map, then vote for your favorites when you’re done. It’s low-stress, stroller-free, and bedtime-friendly—simply cruise until eyelids grow heavy. Pro tip: make it a scavenger hunt (“find the reindeer!”) to keep preschoolers engaged between stops.
Want the full North-Pole-in-Wisconsin experience? Head to Pleasant Valley Tree Farm in nearby Elk Mound. Families can cut their own or pick a fresh pre-cut tree, and the farm rounds it out with classic touches like wagon rides and on-site tree prep—easy, festive, and photo-worthy. Even if you’re not taking a tree home this minute, the farm setting and simple outdoor fun are perfect for young kids who need space to wiggle. Check seasonal hours before you go.
Downtown Menomonie’s Winter Daze is the kind of small-town celebration kids remember: wagon rides, Swiss Miss hot cocoa, photos with Santa (and sometimes his reindeer!), food trucks, and an evening parade that sparkles down Main Street. Plan to arrive for the late-afternoon activities, then bundle up for the parade start—perfect timing for preschool attention spans. Watch the Menomonie Area Chamber & Visitor Center listing for the schedule and any park-and-ride details to make your night extra smooth.
Looking for a holiday outing that’s a little extra special but still preschool-friendly? The Menomonie Theater Guild’s production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas offers a warm, musical treat for your family. The show features classic songs like “White Christmas” and “Sisters,” lively dancing, and a heartwarming holiday story that preschoolers can follow (with a little popcorn and maybe a candy cane). Arrive a little early to explore the historic Mable Tainter Theatre lobby; kids often enjoy spotting vintage details or picking out show-themed stickers at intermission. With the right seat (pick a side aisle for wiggle-friendly exits) and cozy layers, your preschooler can enjoy live theatre without fuss. Whether you choose a matinee or evening curtain, this production makes for a delightful December outing everyone can participate in.
Part winter festival, part hands-on museum day, Wakanda Wonderland at the Dunn County Historical Society is tailor-made for families. Expect a holiday market with local makers, decorated trees throughout the museum, craft-your-own projects in Fulton’s Workshop, and sweet treats (look for the cookie or hot-chocolate bar). It’s easy to pop in for an hour, make something together, and snap a few photos by your child’s favorite tree. Dates and hours are posted by the museum each season.
Menomonie makes it simple to celebrate the season with little kids in tow. Mix and match based on your child’s energy level (and nap window), and you’ll stack up the kind of merry moments that make December feel magical.
And for everyday support beyond the holidays, give your child a warm, consistent place to learn and grow. Little Sprouts Academy in Menomonie offers infant care, toddler care, preschool, and Pre-K in a safe, educational, and fun environment. Schedule a tour to meet the teachers and see the classrooms.
Photo by Arkadiusz Radek on Unsplash
