Get ready to embrace the magic of winter as the 40th Annual Waukesha JanBoree kicks off with a lineup of exciting events and activities for all ages! Taking place from January 17 to January 26, 2025, this much-anticipated winter jamboree is the perfect way to celebrate the season with family, friends, and neighbors.

Whether you're a lifelong Waukesha resident or visiting for the first time, the JanBoree offers something for everyone. This year's celebration promises to be the best, from breathtaking fireworks to interactive workshops and thrilling competitions.

Why Waukesha Is a Great Place to Call Home

The JanBoree isn’t just a celebration of winter—it’s a testament to what makes Waukesha such a wonderful place to live. This vibrant community combines family-friendly fun, stunning natural spaces, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re buying your first home, looking to relocate, or simply exploring your options, the events of the JanBoree give you a glimpse of what life here has to offer.

At The Hupke Team RE/MAX Service First, we specialize in helping buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals in Southeastern Wisconsin. With over 25 years of combined experience, we know the local market inside and out. Events like the JanBoree highlight the sense of community and unique opportunities that make Waukesha a standout destination for homeownership.

Ongoing Events

Friday, January 17 - Sunday, January 26, 2025

• Goosechase Scavenger Hunt
  Participate in this interactive scavenger hunt for a chance to win prizes, including a ruby and diamond necklace. Use the Goosechase app to collect points and compete with other participants.

• Walk of Lights (Downtown Waukesha, Sunset to Sunrise)
  Enjoy a magical illuminated walk through Riverfront Plaza and Downtown Waukesha. Be sure to check out the beautifully lit bridge for an enchanting experience.

 Event Schedule

Friday, January 17, 2025

• JanBoree Birthday Bash (Lowell Park, 5:00 - 9:00 pm)
  Celebrate 40 years of fun with activities like a cake walk, snowshoeing, sledding, and birthday trivia. Don’t miss the bonfire and free ruby red light-up bracelets for attendees!

• Legit Ice and Snow Sculpting Demo (Lowell Park, 5:00 - 7:30 pm)
  Watch internationally acclaimed ice artists create stunning sculptures live.

• Jammin’ JanBoree Beer Garden (Lowell Park, 5:00 - 9:00 pm)
  Enjoy live music, fun games, and Raised Grain Brewing Co. products in a heated tent.

• Jan-BOOM-Eree Fireworks (Lowell Park, 8:00 pm)
  Kick off the festivities with a dazzling fireworks display featuring “rubies” lighting up the winter sky.

Saturday, January 18, 2025

• 21st Annual Geocaching Event (Rotary Building, 9:00 am - Noon; Geocaching 101 at 10:30 am)
  Learn how to geocache and explore parks in a new way with GPS-guided treasure hunting.

• Make and Play Workshop (White Rock Campus, 9:30 - 11:00 am)
  Create crafts like ruby spinners and mascot-themed decorations for JanBoree’s 40th birthday.

• Airport Fly-In (Waukesha County Airport, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm)
  Explore the aviation industry with hands-on activities and insights from aeronautical professionals.

• Mysteries of Your Brain (Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm; shows every half hour)
  Take an immersive animated journey into the human brain with interactive exhibits and illusions.

• Winter Wildlife Exploration (Retzer Nature Center, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm)
  Set out on a self-guided hike or use free snowshoes (if snow is sufficient) to explore wildlife trails.

• Waukesha North 50th Anniversary Celebration (Waukesha North High School, 1:00 - 4:00 pm)
  Explore the school’s history with open house tours, a celebration assembly, and multigenerational performances.

• JanBoree Food Tour (Downtown Waukesha, 2:00 - 5:00 pm)
  Experience a culinary adventure with tastings at local restaurants. Cost: $70. Registration required.

• Glow Skate (Eble Park Ice Arena, 6:00 - 7:30 pm)
  Skate under glowing lights to your favorite tunes. Registration required.

• JanBoree Beer Garden (Lowell Park, 4:00 - 9:00 pm)
  Enjoy winter fun with live music and great drinks. Must be 21+ to purchase alcohol.

• Decade Duel: A Trivia Showdown (Lowell Park, 6:00 - 8:30 pm)
  Test your knowledge of the decades with trivia hosted by Trivia Queen Kristin. Free play for teams of four; register on-site.

• Gem of a JanBoree Drone Show (Lowell Park, 7:30 - 7:45 pm)
  Watch the winter sky light up with a stunning drone display showcasing JanBoree’s 40th anniversary.

Monday, January 20, 2025

• Zumba Glow Party (Schuetze Rec Center, 6:15 - 7:15 pm)
  Join a fun, high-energy fitness class with black lights, glow sticks, and neon gear.

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

• Winter Tyke Hike (Retzer Nature Center, 10:00 - 11:00 am)
  A delightful winter hike designed for young children and their families to enjoy the outdoors.

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

• Retro Superfit (Schuetze Rec Center, 9:00 - 10:10 am)
  Turn back the clock with a retro-themed workout featuring aerobics, interval training, and more. Celebrate JanBoree’s 40th birthday with fun fitness!

Thursday, January 23, 2025

• Lil’ Chill & Cool Blu Cookie Decorating (Schuetze Rec Center, 5:30 - 6:30 pm and 6:45 - 7:45 pm)
  Decorate cookies step by step alongside the JanBoree mascots. Cost: $10 per person. Registration required.

• Everyday Astronomer: Citizen Science (Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium, 6:00 - 7:15 pm)
  Learn how you can contribute to astronomy research from anywhere with hands-on tips for stargazing.

Friday, January 24, 2025

• Flashback 40 Glow Walk (Rotary Building, 5:30 - 7:00 pm)
  Walk through four 80's-themed stations while enjoying free hot chocolate and fun giveaways. Registration required.

• Gems at the Gym (Waukesha YMCA, 5:00 - 7:30 pm)
  Enjoy a family-fun evening of games, arts and crafts, an obstacle course, and more! Collect hidden gems as you explore the YMCA.

Saturday, January 25, 2025

• Frosty 5K (Schuetze Rec Center Gym, 8:45 - 10:00 am)
  Join this family-friendly 5K run through Frame Park. Kids can race a 1K for free with parent registration. Early registrants get a free t-shirt and hot chocolate. Registration required.

• Families Have a Hoot (Christ the Life Preschool, 9:00 - 11:00 am)
  Hunt for gems in the nature center, create gem art, and enjoy a Mad Science show at 10:00 am.

• Ice Sculpting Competition (Downtown, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm)
  Watch carvers turn blocks of ice into masterpieces. Judging starts at 2:00 pm.

• Brock Barnabas & Medieval Dragons (Library, 10:00 - 11:00 am)
  Help inventor Brock Barnabas bring animatronic dragons to life in this fun, family-friendly show.

• Your Brain on Art (Summit View Elementary School, 10:00 am-Noon)
  Explore how art impacts the brain in this engaging Zoom session. Free childcare is provided.

• Ice Fishing Clinic (Minooka Park, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm)
  Learn ice fishing basics with the Muskellunge Club of Wisconsin. Equipment and bait provided.

• # Make History (Waukesha County Museum, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm)
  Visit the museum, craft historical keepsakes, and explore exhibits in the Waukesha State Bank Education Center.

• Alaskan Malamute Weight Pull Event (Minooka Park, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm)
  Watch powerful dogs compete to pull weights of up to 3,000 pounds on wheeled carts. Spectator attendance is limited.

• JanBoree Animal Gems (HAWS, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm)
  Meet adoptable pets, participate in creating "Adopt Me" posters, and enjoy a gem scavenger hunt.

• CBS 58 Extreme Weather Experiment (Schuetze Rec Center Activity Room, 11:00 - 11:45 am)
  Learn about severe weather and science with Chief Meteorologist Drew Burgoyne through interactive experiments.

• Penguin Egg Hunt (Cutler Park, 12:15 pm for ages 4-6; 12:30 pm for ages 3 and under)
  Lil’ Chill has hidden ruby eggs in the snow for children to find. Candy-filled eggs and special golden eggs await!

• Family Painting (Schuetze Rec Center, 1:00 - 2:00 pm)
  Create a winter-themed masterpiece with your family. Cost: $7 per person. Registration required.

• JanBoree Rock Art (Library, 1:00 - 3:00 pm)
  Create your own rock masterpiece. Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult.

• Gem Make & Takes (Library, 1:30 - 3:30 pm)
  Craft crowns and geode-inspired creations. Perfect for kids of all ages.

• Indoor Ice Skating (Naga-Waukee Park Ice Arena, 2:00 - 3:30 pm)
  Enjoy free admission to public skating. Skate rental is $3/pair, or bring your own. Registration required.

• Sunset/Candlelight Hike (Minooka Park, 4:00 - 8:00 pm)
  Explore peaceful, candlelit trails. Dogs on leashes are welcome.

• Decades on Ice Bar Hop (Downtown Waukesha, 5:00 - 8:00 pm)
  Tour local bars with themed drinks and trivia. Cost: $50. Registration required.

• Retro Rewind: 80’s Throwback Concert (Schuetze Rec Center Gym, 6:00 - 10:00 pm)
  Dance to 80’s hits with Rising Phoenix. Beer and concessions are available. Cost: $5. Must be 21+ to attend.

Sunday, January 26, 2025

• A Winter Menagerie (St. Luke’s Church, 1:00 - 3:30 pm)
  Enjoy a family-friendly concert featuring enchanting melodies celebrating animals.

Why You Don’t Want to Miss This

For 40 years, the Waukesha JanBoree has brought the community together to celebrate the magic of winter. This year’s milestone anniversary makes the event even more special, with enhanced programming and unique experiences designed to create lasting memories.

Don’t let the cold keep you inside! Bundle up, gather your loved ones, and join the fun at the 2025 Waukesha JanBoree. It’s a celebration of community, creativity, and everything that makes winter in Wisconsin truly magical.

This information is accurate as of the time of publishing. Event details are subject to change. Please visit the official JanBoree website for the most up-to-date information.