Get ready to be dazzled as the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival returns for its 26th season!
From November 21, 2024, to January 5, 2025, downtown Milwaukee will come alive with holiday magic, featuring over half a million lights, animated sculptures, and enchanting displays across Cathedral Square, Zeidler Union Square, and Pere Marquette Park.
Whether you’re strolling through festive scenes or enjoying a narrated tour on the Jingle Bus, the city has endless holiday cheer to offer.
This year’s festival includes community-decorated trees, interactive selfie spots, and unique holiday attractions.
Here’s your ultimate guide to the top 10 must-see stops and events to make the most of this year’s festivities in downtown Milwaukee.
1. Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Kickoff Extravaganza
Thursday, November 21, 2024 | 6:30 PM | WISN 12
Downtown Milwaukee will light up with festive cheer on November 21 as the 26th annual Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival, presented by Johnson Financial Group, kicks off in grand style.
The celebration begins at 5:30 p.m. with pre-show entertainment by Kid Boogie Down to get the crowd moving.
The main show starts at 6:30 p.m. at Pere Marquette Park, featuring live performances by DJ Shawna, Erin Fricker, First Stage, the Dance Academy of Mexico, Jenny Thiel, the Marquette University Gospel Choir, Studio K Flamenco, and Ben Mulwana.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a special appearance, adding extra holiday magic. The night will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display just before 7 p.m. Guests can enjoy complimentary cocoa and cookies, and after the fireworks, free Jingle Bus rides, operated by KB Excursions, will be available for those in attendance.
Can’t make it downtown? Catch the live broadcast on WISN 12 at 6:30 p.m., presented by Stein’s Garden & Home.
2. Jingle Bus Rides
Weather permitting
December 5 – December 29 | Thursday – Sunday, 5 PM – 9 PM
Courtyard Milwaukee Downtown
milwaukeeholidaylights.com
Experience Downtown Milwaukee’s winter wonderland from the cozy comfort of a Jingle Bus tour, powered by KB Excursions. This 40-minute narrated tour brings you to the highlights of the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival, including “Community Spirit Park” at Cathedral Square Park, “Santa’s Celebration Square powered by WE Energies” at Zeidler Union Square, “¡Felices Fiestas!” at Pere Marquette Park, and “Slice of Ice Lights” at Red Arrow Park.
Tickets
Tickets are $8 per person and must be purchased in advance on milwaukeeholidaylights.com. Limited availability, so book early to secure your spot! Spanish tour options are also available.
Departure
Buses depart from Courtyard Milwaukee Downtown at 300 W. Michigan Street. Discounted parking for Jingle Bus riders is available at InterPark The Avenue Garage, with validation at the Jingle Bus information table.
Additional Details
Jingle Bus rides will operate free from Pere Marquette Park on Kickoff night, Nov. 21. Guests are also invited to explore the 3rd Street Market Hall vendors before their tour.
3. “Santa’s Celebration Square powered by WE Energies” at Zeidler Union Square
This interactive park is a favorite among families. Take a selfie in the oversized chair or newly added sleigh, stand before the flickering fireplace, snap a photo in the Season’s Greetings frame, and say hello to Santa’s electric reindeer.
4. “Community Spirit Park” at Cathedral Square Park
Over 100 evergreens have sprung on the square! Wind your way through the forest of trees and pay close attention to each tree’s décor. More than 70 area schools and businesses are sharing their wish for the season with handmade ornaments and garlands.
Plus, check out the park’s Singing Tree, which blinks to singing, music and clapping in real time.
5. “Felices Fiestas” at Pere Marquette Park
It’s a celebration of the season! Animated elves and other holiday characters will electrify the season with cheerful North Pole scenes.
6. Slice of Ice Lights
Red Arrow Park will twinkle this year with new holiday decor, creating an enchanted holiday vibe at the Slice of Ice ice rink.
Bring your own ice skates and skate for free, or rent a pair at the warming house. Call ahead to confirm the season opening date.
7. Wisconsin Avenue’s Stunning Stretch – 6th Street to Prospect Avenue
The lights along Downtown Milwaukee’s main street guide your way with glittering chandeliers and harp lamps embellished with decorative sculptures throughout. As you tour along the Avenue, by car or on foot, take a gander at the festive décor within each business and storefront.
8. City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree Lighting
Date and time TBD
Gather with family and friends to see the 110th annual Milwaukee Christmas tree lighting: an
event in partnership with local entertaining and style expert David Caruso and the City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works Forestry Division.
9. Holiday Lights on the Hoan
December 7 – 15
December 24 & 25
Sun, December 31
Hoan Bridge
lightthehoan.com
Enjoy Friday Night Lights through the end of the year beginning at 7pm, plus enjoy Hanukkah on the Hoan (Dec. 7 – 15), Christmas Light Shows (Dec. 24 & 25) and an NYE Countdown (Dec. 31).
10. Ornament Trail
Back for its second year, the Ornament Trail brings larger-than-life ornaments to downtown Milwaukee, adding holiday charm along Wisconsin Avenue, Water Street, and now in the Historic Third Ward. Starting on November 21 and running through January 19, 2025, visitors can follow the trail to see over a dozen unique ornaments designed by local and national artists.
Pick up an Ornament Trail activity guide to enhance your experience, and enjoy exclusive discounts from participating businesses along the way. For more details, visit milwaukeeholidaylights.com.
11. BMO Holiday Display (TBD for 2024)
Must-Do Events:
Cocoa with the Clauses (Free!)
Date and time TBD
Santa and Mrs. Claus return for this annual cocoa klatch. The free outdoor event is a chance for kids to share their wish lists and for moms and dads to grab a keepsake photo.
Elves and other holiday characters will also be there! Plus, complimentary cookies and hot cocoa sponsored by Taste of Home will be provided.
Santa’s Christmas Calvalcade (Free!)
Date & Time TBD
Downtown Milwaukee
milwaukeeholidaylights.com
See Santa and Mrs. Claus on the festive route riding atop a vintage fire truck. Sarah Fierek will also be on board singing jazzy holiday tunes. On Dec. 2, the Cavalcade will feature a Black Santa. The route departs from the Milwaukee Public Market and travels throughout downtown.
Father Christmas at the Pabst Mansion
With his lantern, walking stick and red cloak with white trim, a whimsical Father Christmas travels south to visit the Pabst Mansion each Sunday during the holiday season. Create magical memories with holiday treats, letters to Santa, and room after room of enchanting Christmas displays.
Breakfast with Santa
The Pfister Breakfast with Santa is a holiday tradition that creates lifelong memories. Guests can share a jolly breakfast selection with Santa and his elves in The Pfister’s festive ballroom. Seatings are available at 8:30am and 11am.
Start a new holiday tradition at Saint Kate’s “Brunch With Santa” and create lifelong memories! Guests will have the opportunity to experience a plentiful brunch in Saint Kate’s festive ballroom and visit with the jolly man himself. There will be chefs in the room griddling up waffles with all the trimmings, along with traditional buffet favorites.
Supper with Santa
Experience a magnificent dinner in Saint Kate’s festive ballroom, topped off with a visit from the jolly man himself! In addition to the opportunity to take photos with Santa, every child will receive a special gift, and will be able to make crafts and write their own letter to Santa.
Santa’s Mailbox
Downtown has a magical connection to the North Pole right in Cathedral Square Park.
From November 7 through December 17, drop your child’s letter and wish list into Santa’s Mailbox to receive a personalized reply from the big guy himself!
No postage is required; just remember to include a return address.
Letters to Santa at the Pfister
Write a letter to Santa and drop it off at The Pfister Hotel North Pole Mailbox. Each child will receive
a personalized note from Santa himself, plus all children will receive a free cookie from the Pfister front desk when they drop off their letters.
For more details about the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival, head to milwaukeedowntown.com.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
