Rotary Lights
Visitors can experience a massive holiday display featuring over three million lights by walking, driving, or taking a carriage ride through Riverside Park. The grounds feature visits with Santa and his reindeer at the Santa House, an ice skating rink with skate rentals when weather allows, and free s'mores roasted near the giant snowman. Guests can also view handcrafted light displays and decorated trees representing local community organizations.
What to Expect
Holiday light display featuring over three million lights in Riverside Park.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Rotary Clubs of La Crosse
Food & Drink
Hot chocolate, other hot drinks, and cookies are sold in the gingerbread house; chili and mac and cheese are available near the eagle statue, and free s’mores are offered near the giant snowman.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-light fans
Vibe
Festive and dazzling
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Admission is free. Voluntary food and cash donations are requested. Free s'mores are available nightly, and free skate rental is available when the weather allows the ice rink to be used.
- Hours: Daily: 5:00 p.m. until gates close after the last car in line at 10:00 p.m.; Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: 5–9:00 p.m.; New Year's Eve: 5–11:00 p.m. All Abilities Night: 5–8 p.m. Santa: 5–8 p.m. or until the last child in line at 8 p.m. Opening-night parade: 5 p.m.
- Parking: Street parking near Riverside Park and parking ramps within walking distance; a lot at the north end of the park may be available when there is no traffic line.
- Accessibility: Sidewalks run throughout the park with ramps at all intersections, and the Santa House features metal entrance and exit ramps with no steps.
- Pets: Pets are allowed on a leash.
Tips & Advice
- Come Monday through Thursday if you want to skip the long traffic line that usually forms on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
- Bring a food or cash donation, since the display is free and the organizers ask visitors for voluntary food and cash donations.
- Visit before December 23 if the kids want to see Santa, because that's his last night in the Santa House.
- Choose All Abilities Night on November 30 if flashing lights or loud music have kept someone in your group from enjoying the show.
- When the traffic line is long, park on the street or in a nearby ramp and walk in rather than heading for the north-end lot.
Special Events & Promotions
- Opening night, November 27, starts with a parade, followed by an opening ceremony and fireworks.
- All Abilities Night is Monday, November 30, with lights and music subdued for visitors sensitive to flashing lights and loud music.
- The Live Nativity runs on select nights.
- Carriage rides by Cinderella Carriages and hayrides run on select nights.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we drive through, or do we have to walk?
You can do either. Cars drive through once the display opens, and you can walk through the park any time.
Is there food in the park?
Hot chocolate, other hot drinks and cookies are sold in the gingerbread house. The Chili Revolution near the eagle statue serves chili and mac & cheese. Free s'mores are available every night near the giant snowman.
Where do kids see Santa?
Santa visits with children in the Santa House every night through December 23, and a couple of his reindeer are in the park too.
Which nights are least crowded?
Friday, Saturday and Sunday are the busiest, with a traffic line most nights. Monday through Thursday usually has only a short line.
How can my organization decorate a tree in the park?
Trees go to nonprofits that take a volunteer assignment, so apply through the Volunteer tab. Registration closes every year on September 15. A limited number of trees also go to sponsors.
More Christmas Events Near La Crosse
More Christmas Events near La Crosse
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.