Wauwatosa Village Tree Lighting
Visitors gather in the Pocket Park to usher in the holiday season with the annual tree lighting ceremony. The event features a countdown to illuminate the community tree and a special arrival by Santa on a fire truck.
What to Expect
Watch Santa arrive on a fire truck to light the tree.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Wauwatosa Village
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Village of Wauwatosa BID
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and local holiday-season visitors
Vibe
Festive and communal
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: 5 pm ceremony start; 5:20 pm countdown and Santa arrival.
- Parking: There are 7 free public parking lots with almost 550 spaces within a five-minute walk of the center of the Village. The Harts Mills Lot and Harmonee Bridge Lot are nearest to the Village Christmas Market, on Harwood Avenue south of the train tracks; the market is a 1-2 minute walk over the pedestrian footbridge from either lot. A parking map and more details are linked at L4.
Tips & Advice
- Bring non-perishable food to drop off for the Tosa Cares holiday food drive, which collects donations during the evening.
- Park at the Harts Mills or Harmonee Bridge lot and take the pedestrian footbridge, which is a 1-2 minute walk to the market.
- If the closest lots fill, head to Hart Park, which has 300+ free spots and a footbridge route into the Village.
- Arrive early for the Christmas Market grand opening, then stay after the lighting because the market keeps going into the evening.
- Dress warmly, since the ceremony, countdown and Santa's fire truck arrival all happen outdoors in Pocket Park on a December evening.
Special Events & Promotions
- Grand opening of the Village Christmas Market on Harwood Avenue, the same evening as the tree lighting.
- Food donations collected for the Tosa Cares holiday food drive.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at the tree lighting?
The ceremony opens the holiday season in the Village. There's a countdown to light the tree, and Santa arrives on a fire truck.
Is there anything to do before or after the ceremony?
Yes. The Village Christmas Market has its grand opening on Harwood Avenue the same evening, and it stays open after the lighting.
Can I donate to a food drive?
Yes. Food donations are collected for the Tosa Cares holiday food drive, and you can also donate online.
Where should I park?
Seven free public lots with almost 550 spaces are within a five-minute walk. The Harts Mills Lot and Harmonee Bridge Lot on Harwood Avenue, south of the train tracks, are closest. The market is a 1-2 minute walk over the footbridge from either one.
More Christmas Events Near Wauwatosa
More Christmas Events near Wauwatosa
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.