Top spots in Milwaukee
for holiday lights
Milwaukee beams brightly through Jan. 1. In addition to the themed displays enjoy stunning chandelier-sculptures that glisten both day and night above downtown intersections. Here’s a list of the best holiday light displays in and around the city.
Holiday Lights Festival
Nov. 17-Jan. 1.
Visit three festive parks, sure to bring smiles to kids young and old. Community Spirit Park at Cathedral Square Park features evergreen trees decorated with handmade ornaments made by local organizations and schools, and an interactive Singing Tree. Escape to the North Pole at Christmas Chalet at Pere Marquette Park. Reindeer, elves and other displays—including Santa Claus on a giant tractor—recreate holiday magic. Santa’s Celebration Square Powered by We Energies at Zeidler Union Square provides visitors with the perfect holiday photo opportunities. Sit in a comfortable chair, relax by the fireplace, and capture holiday memories next to a large sleigh or inside an oversized picture frame. See details >>
Wild Lights Powered by We Energies
Dec. 1-31: Milwaukee County Zoo
See the zoo come alive after dark, illuminated by millions of lights. Take a leisurely walk on the Zoo’s one-mile path through its unique snow globe to view gleaming large-scale animal displays. Wild Lights will not be open the following dates: Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 24, and 25. milwaukeezoo.org
Country Christmas at the Ingleside Hotel
Dec. 2-Jan. 1: The Ingleside Hotel, Pewaukee
Experience rural charm along the Lighted Trail, visit Santa’s Workshop and watch Santa Claus and the elves in action and see gorgeous Nativity displays along the Streets of Bethlehem. New displays this year include a Waukesha Parade Memorial, Pirate Display, a Patriotic Display, and a Reindeer Barn. Visitors can take a Wagon Ride, which includes hot chocolate and a cookie, on select evenings. thecountrychristmas.com
Winter Wonders
Through Jan. 1: Boerner Botanical Gardens
Boerner Botanical Gardens captures the magic of the holiday season with over a million LED lights illuminating the Boerner Arboretum and Whitnall Park. Drive through the 1.4-mile route to see beautiful displays and take a trip through the new snow flurry tunnel. winterwonders.org
Candy Cane Lane
Through Dec. 25: West Allis, 96-92nd St., Montana Ave. to Oklahoma Ave,
A tradition since 1984, a West Allis neighborhood is transformed into a lighted holiday wonderland. The event is a fundraiser for the Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer Fund. Visit candycanelanewi.com for directions and more information.
Holiday Lites 2022
Dec. 2-25: Miller Brewing, 4251 W. State St.
The Miller Valley’s traditional light show is back, with a drive-through event to encourage social distancing. Shows are approximately 5 minutes with a minute and a half intermission to allow traffic flow. Visitors can tune their radio stations to 91.1FM to enjoy holiday classic songs, and can purchase a limited supply of Chocolate Lager at shopmillerbrewing.com. 32-oz crowlers are available for pickup at the Miller Visitor Center. millerbrewerytour.com
Enchantment In The Park
Through Dec. 24: Regner Park, West Bend
This interactive holiday display has nearly one million lights. Walk, drive or take a horse-drawn carriage ride (select nights) through the display and enjoy hot cocoa and treats. enchantmentpark.org