Every year, organizations across Milwaukee release limited-edition holiday ornaments that commemorate a part of the city’s cultural landscape. These ornaments make for great gifts, collectables and souvenirs, with each one bringing a piece of Milwaukee to your holiday traditions.
Here are four Milwaukee organizations releasing an annual holiday ornament.
Milwaukee Downtown
Each year, Milwaukee Downtown releases an ornament that pays homage to a different city landmark, cast in pewter by local artist Andrew Schumann. Now on its 25th edition, this year’s ornament commemorates the Milwaukee Fire Department’s 150 years.
Purchase the ornament at the Shop MKE Downtown website or in person at the Milwaukee Downtown office (301 W. Wisconsin Ave., Ste. 106).
Milwaukee Art Museum
MAM’s 2025 annual ornament is designed by local artist Olivia Lombardi, who used a reverse paint technique. The ornament features MAM’s Santiago Calatrava-designed “wings,” two doves and festive holiday iconography. It’s perfect for collectors of the museum’s annual series or as a gift for art lovers. The ornament is available to purchase in person or at the Milwaukee Art Museum store online.
MACC Fund
In partnership with TMJ4, the MACC Fund’s annual ornament program features artwork from local children battling cancer or blood disorders. The 2025 MACC Fund ornament was designed by 6-year-old Leo Avina of Milwaukee. Leo was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive type of cancer, shortly after turning five years old.
Thanks to the efforts of the MACC Fund and Children’s Hospital, Leo’s chemotherapy has been increasingly successful with dramatic impacts on his overall health and wellbeing. Because of this, he and his family remain optimistic about his recovery journey. His ornament can be purchased on the MACC Fund website, with all profits supporting cancer research projects.
Zoological Society of Milwaukee
Each year, the Zoological Society features a different animal on its annual ornament, each handcrafted by local artist Andy Schumann. This year, the society will be showcasing the Eastern black rhinoceros to celebrate the completion of its renovated habitat at the Milwaukee County Zoo.
The new habitat is much larger, combining the preexisting rhino and elephant habitat, and features a new indoor habitat for both the rhinos and the hippo. The 2025 ornament can be purchased online.
