Top Opportunities to See Christmas Lights in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee, Wisconsin has several opportunities to see Christmas lights put on by corporate and municipal area this season. These are in addition to the many fabulous, over-the-top Milwaukee Christmas lights put on by DIY homeowners.

Boerner Botanical Gardens Winter Wonders: Experience a drive-through holiday lights spectacle at Boerner Botanical Gardens from Nov. 24 to Dec. 31, featuring dazzling displays. Open on all holidays, admission options range from $35 per carload to skip-the-line and season pass options.

Cheer District Illuminated by We Energies: Join the City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree Lighting program on Nov. 17 at Fiserv Forum plaza. Enjoy performances by various theaters and witness the illumination of the Jack Daniel’s barrel tree and 30 lit trees throughout the holiday season.

Candy Cane Lane: From Nov. 24 to Dec. 25, the neighborhood light display at West Allis comes alive from 6 to 9 p.m. (Mon-Thu), 6 to 10 p.m. (Fri), 5 to 10 p.m. (Sat), and 5 to 9 p.m. (Sun). Free-will donations benefit the MACC Fund.

Cedarburg Zeunert Park: Illuminate Ozaukee with a drive-thru Holiday Light Show on select December dates. Entry to the park is free, with a suggested $10 donation per vehicle benefiting the Ozaukee Nonprofit Center.

Christmas at the Pabst Mansion: Explore the festively adorned rooms of the historic Pabst Mansion from Nov. 16 to Jan. 7. Self-guided tours, twilight tours, and Sunday visits by Father Christmas are available.

The Corners of Brookfield: Witness the new 16-foot lighted teddy bear in Market Square from Nov. 24 to the new year. The Holiday Town Tree Lighting Celebration is on Dec. 2.

East Troy Lights: Join the East Troy Electric Railroad’s Santa Train on Dec. 2 for the annual lighting of the Memorial Christmas Tree, followed by the Holiday Light Show with timed displays daily through Dec. 31.

Feztival of Trees: Experience an indoor display of fully decorated trees with a synchronized light show from Nov. 18 to Nov. 25 at Tripoli Shrine Center.

Garden District Neighborhood Association Winter Wonderland: Attend the tree lighting on Nov. 28 and enjoy the display from dusk to midnight daily through Jan. 5. Enter from the farmers market area at 6th Street and Norwich Avenue.

Hawthorn Glen Winter Wonder Woods: Walk the illuminated trails through the woods on Dec. 8-9 and 15-16. Entry is $4 per person, with advance registration required for timed entry.

Holiday Lights on the Hoan: Experience the changing colors of the holidays over Milwaukee’s harbor, with Hanukkah on the Hoan (Dec. 7-15), Christmas Light Shows (Dec. 24-25), and a New Year’s Eve Countdown Show (Dec. 31).

Ingleside Hotel Country Christmas: Drive through a holiday lights display with a Christmas Village and the Streets of Bethlehem from Nov. 24 to Jan. 1. Various night experiences are available.

Lake Geneva Cruise Line Santa Cruise: Embark on Lake Geneva Cruise Line’s Santa Cruise to see lighted holiday displays and witness Santa’s appearances on select dates in November and December.

Light the Square: Experience a holiday light show with synchronized music at Drexel Town Square starting Dec. 1, with a kickoff event including complimentary cookies, hot cocoa, and a light show.

Milwaukee County Zoo Wild Lights: Walk through pathways adorned with animal-themed light displays from Dec. 1 to Dec. 31 (closed on select dates). Drive-thru options are available, and new this year are drive-thru dates for $40 per carload.

Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival: The annual display kicks off on Nov. 16 in Pere Marquette Park, featuring live music, Santa, Mrs. Claus, a fireworks ceremony, and lights in three downtown parks.

Milwaukee Public Museum: Explore holiday adornments, decorations, and artifacts in the Streets of Old Milwaukee and the European Village through Jan. 22.

West Bend Enchantment in the Park: View an interactive holiday light show in Regner Park from Nov. 24 to Dec. 24. Horse-drawn carriage rides are available on select Fridays and Saturdays.

Wisconsin Christmas Carnival of Lights: Drive through a holiday light show synchronized to music at Jellystone Park Camp Resort from Nov. 18 to Jan. 1 (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas). Timed entry ticket options are available.
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