November 19, 2026 – January 1, 2027

Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival

Holiday Events

Kickoff Extravaganza

Holiday Ornament

Jingle Bus

Ornament Trail

Event Overview

Sights to SEe

Event Overview

Presented by Johnson Financial Group

Downtown’s got it glowing on! See Downtown Milwaukee shine in all its grandeur during the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival. Whether gathering with family and friends over dinner and drinks, enjoying a show, shopping for unique gifts, riding the festival’s Jingle Bus, or snapping a family selfie among the lights, Downtown Milwaukee is where holiday memories are made.

November 19, 2026 – January 1, 2027

Sights to See

“Community Spirit Park” at Cathedral Square Park

Sponsored by ATC, Ideal Property Management & Milwaukee County Parks

Each year, this park transforms into a festive forest of more than 100 evergreen trees. Take a close look at each tree’s unique ornamentation, as they have been artfully decorated by over 100 area schools and organizations. Be sure to discover the magical Singing Tree, which twinkles in real time to the sound of music, singing, and clapping.

Smiling couple walks through the many decorated evergreen trees.

Lights by ice skating rink at Red Arrow Park.

“Slice of Ice Lights” at Red Arrow Park

Sponsored by MGIC & Milwaukee County Parks

Home to the “Slice of Ice” skating rink, Red Arrow Park twinkles with holiday décor, setting the mood for enchanting evenings. The rick will open in early December, weather permitting.

“¡Felices Fiestas!” at Pere Marquette Park

Sponsored by Milwaukee County Parks

Explore this festive park packed with lighted scenes of a gingerbread family tumbling through the North Pole. Admire other confectionery-themed sculptures such as oversized candy canes and a gingerbread house, plus spot Santa in his sleigh and see the giant stocking.

Child admiring the bubbles and Christmas trees.

“Santa’s Mailbox” at Cathedral Square Park

Sponsored by Educators Credit Union with support from Serving Older Adults & National Association of Letter Carriers – Pioneer Branch 2

A magical connection to the North Pole awaits in Cathedral Square Park. Drop your child’s letter or wish list into Santa’s Mailbox, November 9 – December 13, for a personalized reply from Santa himself. No postage is needed—just include a return address.

“Santa’s Celebration Square” at Zeidler Union Square

Sponsored by We Energies Foundation and Milwaukee County Parks

Snap a photo of Santa’s electric reindeer at Celebration Square! This interactive park is the perfect place for families to create a memory near the cozy fireplace display, snuggled on the oversized chair or sleigh, or inside the giant picture frame.

“Cascading Chandeliers & Oversized Ornaments” on Wisconsin Avenue – 8th Street to Prospect Avenue

Experience this glittering stretch, where nearly 20 elegant chandeliers hang above the intersections, harp lamps are dressed in festive décor, and the Festival’s Ornament Trail displays oversized baubles with unique themes hand-painted by artists.