Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival
Downtown parks and streets transform into a winter wonderland illuminated by more than a half million bulbs. Sights include a festive forest of decorated evergreen trees at Cathedral Square Park, animated winter sports sculptures at Pere Marquette Park, and interactive photo settings at Zeidler Union Square. Visitors can also view glittering chandeliers and decorated storefronts stretching along Wisconsin Avenue.
What to Expect
More than half a million lights illuminating downtown parks and streets.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Milwaukee
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Milwaukee Downtown BID #21
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-light fans
Vibe
Festive and wintry
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Tips & Advice
- Come to the Kickoff Extravaganza at Pere Marquette Park on opening night, then hop on the free Jingle Bus to tour the other light scenes downtown.
- Bring your child's letter to Santa's Mailbox in Cathedral Square Park and include a return address so Santa's helpers can send a personalized reply.
- Take a close look at the trees in Cathedral Square Park, because each one has its own decorations from an area school or organization.
- Tour Wisconsin Avenue by car or on foot to see the new gold-motif chandeliers and the holiday décor in each storefront.
- Dress the kids warmly for Cocoa with the Clauses, a free outdoor event at Cathedral Square Park that goes ahead only if the weather allows.
Special Events & Promotions
- Kickoff Extravaganza at Pere Marquette Park on Thu, Nov 19: the lights switch on, with live music, dance routines, fireworks, a visit from the Clauses and free goodies.
- Free Jingle Bus tour of the downtown light scenes after the Kickoff Extravaganza.
- Cocoa with the Clauses at Cathedral Square Park on Sat, Dec 12 (weather permitting): a free outdoor visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus and elves, with free cookies and hot cocoa.
- Santa's Mailbox at Cathedral Square Park from mid-November to mid-December: every child's letter gets a personalized reply, and no postage is needed.
- New this year: gold-motif chandeliers along Wisconsin Avenue.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see?
Cathedral Square Park becomes a forest of more than 100 evergreen trees decorated by area schools and organizations. Pere Marquette Park has animated snow boys and snow girls playing winter sports. Zeidler Union Square has Santa's electric reindeer, and Wisconsin Avenue is lit with chandeliers and decorated storefronts.
Is it good for families with young kids?
Yes. Santa's Celebration Square at Zeidler Union Square is an interactive park where families can take photos by the fireplace, on the oversized chair or sleigh, or inside the giant picture frame.
Can I see the lights from my car?
Yes. You can tour Wisconsin Avenue by car or on foot and look at the holiday décor in each storefront.
What's new this year?
The chandeliers along Wisconsin Avenue have a new gold motif.
How can my child send a letter to Santa?
Drop it in Santa's Mailbox at Cathedral Square Park between mid-November and mid-December. Include a return address and your child will get a personalized reply. No postage is needed.
More Christmas Events Near Milwaukee
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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.