Discover 21 verified christmas lights in Janesville and nearby areas.
Welcome to your guide for Janesville Christmas lights and holiday displays—a local tradition that brings warmth and sparkle to our winter nights. Whether you’re new to the area or a longtime resident, Janesville offers a festive mix of light displays that capture the spirit of the season.
One standout is the Holiday Light Show at Rotary Botanical Gardens, where over two million lights transform 20 acres into a glowing wonderland, complete with themed displays and a cozy Christmas Market. You’ll also find charming neighborhood displays and drive-through lights near Janesville, each with its own festive flair.
This guide covers both free and ticketed events, walkable trails, and drive-through options. I hope it helps you discover new favorites and make the most of your holiday season in Janesville.
Over one million lights and holiday train rides
Experience the magic of the Home Run Holiday Lights, a dazzling display featuring over one million lights and festive decorations. This event offers a variety of activities, including holiday train rides, craft stations, and opportunities to meet Santa. Enjoy seasonal...
Enchanting holiday light displays
Experience the magic of the Snowflake Spectacular, a dazzling holiday event designed to bring festive cheer. While specific details for this year are still emerging, past events have featured enchanting light displays and a joyful atmosphere perfect for families. Keep...
Community tree lighting with Santa's carriage arrival
Experience the magic of the holiday season at Elkhorn's Annual Tree Lighting! This cherished community event marks the official start of Christmas with caroling by local youth choirs and Santa's grand arrival via horse-drawn carriage. Follow Santa to the 'Let...
Illuminated winter light experience in a Japanese garden
Step into a winter wonderland at Anderson Japanese Gardens' Illuminated event. Thousands of white string lights and dramatic up-lighting transform the serene landscape into a magical spectacle. Enjoy cozy fireside dining and delicious woodfire pizza or explore offerings from rotating...
Over 300,000 lights in outdoor gardens
Experience the enchantment of the All Aglow Holiday Display at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens. Wander through outdoor gardens transformed by over 300,000 sparkling lights, featuring illuminated stars, giant candy canes, and glistening displays. This magical, free event offers a festive...
Over 85 dazzling holiday light displays
Experience the magic of the Rockford Festival of Lights, a cherished holiday tradition spanning over 35 years. This spectacular drive-through event transforms Sinnissippi Park into a winter wonderland with over 85 dazzling light displays. Marvel at new installations and beloved...
Weekend-long Holiday Lights Tour with kickoff party
Experience the magic of the Fitchburg Holiday Lights Tour, culminating in the 'Get Festive with Agora' kickoff event. Wander through dazzling light displays, enjoy festive food and drinks, and participate in family-friendly activities like cookie decorating and carriage rides. Vote...
Spectacular free holiday light displays in Olin Park.
Experience the magic of the Holiday Fantasy in Lights at Olin Park. This beloved annual event transforms the park into a dazzling spectacle with over 50 unique light displays. Drive or stroll through the illuminated wonderland, enjoying synchronized light shows...
Historic electric train rides through Wisconsin countryside.
All aboard for a magical holiday journey with the East Troy Railroad Museum's Christmas Trains! Experience the charm of historic electric railcars adorned for the season as they travel through the picturesque Wisconsin landscape. Choose between enchanting Daytime Christmas Trains...
Model trains chugging through a festive floral display
All aboard for the Holiday Express Model Train & Flower Show at Olbrich Botanical Gardens! This enchanting event features large-scale model trains winding through a festive landscape adorned with hundreds of poinsettias and fresh evergreens. It's a unique, handcrafted holiday...
Zoo illuminated by over one million lights with unlimited carousel rides.
Step into a magical wonderland at Henry Vilas Zoo Lights, where over one million lights transform the zoo into a dazzling spectacle after dark. This enchanting event offers unlimited carousel rides with every ticket and the chance to capture cherished...
Christmas Town event at a zoo with live reindeer
Discover Christmas Town at Summerfield Zoo for a magical family tradition! Meet live reindeer, visit Santa at his cottage for photos, and enjoy festive train rides. Explore the zoo to see a variety of animals, including cold-climate species, and find...
Over 25 years of holiday lights tradition
For over 25 years, the University Avenue Holiday Lights have been a cherished tradition on Madison's near west side. Initiated in 1996 with a mission of unity and peace, this beloved event continues to spread holiday cheer through a spectacular...
Nostalgic 'Golden Age of Christmas' themed tree display
Experience the magic of 'The Golden Age of Christmas' at the Woodstock Opera House's annual Christmas Tree Walk. This beloved holiday tradition transforms the venue into a festive wonderland with beautifully decorated trees, each telling a story of holidays gone...
Festive train ride with Santa Claus.
All aboard for a magical journey on the Happy Holiday Railway! Families can embark on a festive 40-minute train ride alongside Santa Claus, complete with treats, hot chocolate, and an animated light show set to holiday music. Explore illuminated display...
Mile-long luminary trail with live Nativity reenactment.
Step into the Christmas story with DaySpring's Luminary Hike & Live Nativity. Follow a mile-long trail illuminated by over 2,500 luminaries, encountering live characters from the Nativity. After the journey, explore the new Bethlehem Marketplace for unique gifts and festive...
Wisconsin's largest drive-through holiday lights display
Wisconsin's premier holiday attraction, Country Christmas, transforms into a winter wonderland for its 30th year. Visitors can drive through a spectacular display of lights, explore the charming Christmas Village, and step into the life-size Streets of Bethlehem. Special themed nights,...
Sprawling free holiday light display across three downtown locations.
Wanderlights transforms Downtown Columbus into a magical winter wonderland with stunning light displays across Columbus Commons, Town Street, and the Scioto Mile. This free event invites everyone to embrace the holiday spirit with dazzling illuminations, including a 40-foot tree and...
Mile-long illuminated trail with animated displays
Experience the enchantment of Country Christmas, a spectacular holiday event featuring a mile-long illuminated trail with animated creatures and dazzling light displays. Choose from special walking nights, festive bike rides, or a classic drive-through experience. Enjoy the magic and support...
Oversized shadowbox displays and miniature Dickens Village
Step into a winter wonderland at Kringle's Christmas Village, a charming holiday attraction in Antioch. This indoor event showcases dozens of oversized, illuminated shadowboxes filled with delightful miniature scenes. Explore the magic of the season with festive displays, a new...
World's largest Christmas light maze
Step into a magical winter wonderland at Enchant Christmas, featuring the world's largest Christmas light maze. Navigate a dazzling maze with a unique holiday story, glide across a festive ice rink, and capture memories with Santa. This immersive experience is...
See the location of all christmas lights around Janesville and nearby areas
Open Map →The Holiday Light Show at Rotary Botanical Gardens is the signature event, featuring over two million lights across 20 acres, themed displays, and a festive Christmas Market. Neighborhood displays and drive-through lights near Janesville also draw visitors each year.
Rotary Botanical Gardens offers a popular walkable experience with illuminated paths and gardens. While Janesville itself is known for walking trails of lights, you can also find drive-through displays in nearby communities.
The Holiday Light Show at Rotary Botanical Gardens usually begins in late November and runs through early January, with specific dates varying each year. Neighborhood displays often start around Thanksgiving and continue through December.
Many neighborhood light displays are free to enjoy, while the Rotary Botanical Gardens event requires tickets for admission. Always check local listings for the latest details on free and ticketed options.