diff --git a/packages/docusaurus-theme-classic/src/theme/NavbarItem/DefaultNavbarItem.tsx b/packages/docusaurus-theme-classic/src/theme/NavbarItem/DefaultNavbarItem.tsx
index 082e7d6a3a..f6c60e4f5e 100644
--- a/packages/docusaurus-theme-classic/src/theme/NavbarItem/DefaultNavbarItem.tsx
+++ b/packages/docusaurus-theme-classic/src/theme/NavbarItem/DefaultNavbarItem.tsx
@@ -112,7 +112,7 @@ function NavItemDesktop({
       <NavLink
         className={navLinkClassNames(className)}
         {...props}
-        onClick={(e) => e.preventDefault()}
+        onClick={props.to ? undefined : (e) => e.preventDefault()}
         onKeyDown={(e) => {
           if (e.key === 'Enter') {
             e.preventDefault();