There’s something special about the glow of the holidays in Milwaukee. From twinkling streets downtown to small-town celebrations with cocoa, carols, and Santa sightings, the season brings light to every corner of the city and beyond. Here’s your complete guide to the most festive holiday displays, parades, and light shows lighting up Milwaukee and nearby communities this year — listed in the order they sparkle to life.
November 14–26: Country Christmas at The Ingleside Hotel (Pewaukee)
Kick off the season with one of Wisconsin’s biggest holiday traditions. Country Christmas offers walking nights, bike nights, wagon rides, and a mile-long drive-through route featuring over a million lights, animated displays, and a massive tunnel of twinkling color. The experience runs through early January, with themed nights and refreshments along the way.
November 16–January 25: Streets of Old Milwaukee & European Village (Milwaukee Public Museum)
Step back in time with holiday décor straight out of the Victorian era. This nostalgic walk-through of the museum’s historic streets is trimmed with garlands and lights, offering a peek at how Milwaukee’s early settlers celebrated the season.
November 20–January 1: Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival (Downtown Milwaukee)
Downtown Milwaukee comes alive with glowing parks, chandeliers strung across Wisconsin Avenue, and the famous Ornament Trail. The kickoff event on Nov. 20 features fireworks, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and live music in Pere Marquette Park.
November 20–January 4: Christmas at the Pabst Mansion (Milwaukee)
The city’s most historic home transforms into a Victorian Christmas dreamscape. Wander through elaborately decorated rooms filled with trees, garlands, and train displays — all inside the grand halls of the Pabst Mansion.
November 21: City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree Lighting (Fiserv Forum Plaza)
Gather in the Deer District for Milwaukee’s official tree lighting, complete with live performances, hot cocoa, and a visit from Santa and his reindeer.
November 21–January 3: Santa Cruise (Lake Geneva)
Board a festively lit cruise and sail along the shoreline to Santa’s secret hideaway. Each trip includes storytelling, lights, and a special appearance from the big guy himself.
November 21–January 1: Town Tree Lighting at The Corners of Brookfield
Brookfield’s Market Square glows with its annual tree lighting celebration, live music, drone show, and sweet treats starting Nov. 22 — with the lights staying up through New Year’s Day.
November 21–December 31: Milwaukee County Zoo Wild Lights
Wander through the zoo after dark as it’s transformed into a glowing forest of animal-shaped lights. Select nights also feature a drive-through option for cozy car viewing.
November 22–December 31: Christmas Carnival of Lights (Caledonia)
This drive-through extravaganza at Jellystone Park is a favorite for families. Expect synchronized lights, music, reindeer, drone shows, and even a walk-through night for those who want to stretch their legs.
November 22–January 4: Holiday Show at the Mitchell Park Domes
The Domes’ holiday floral display takes on a “Twelve Days of Christmas” theme this year, complete with twinkling light shows on select evenings.
November 22: St. Nick’s Festival of Trees (Racine)
Racine’s Festival Hall opens its doors to a winter forest of creatively decorated trees and wreaths, all benefiting local nonprofits. Activities run through early December.
November 22–29: Feztival of Trees (Milwaukee)
See dozens of trees choreographed to holiday music at the Tripoli Shrine Center. Enjoy photos with Santa, a craft fair, and a chance to win a fully decorated tree.
November 28–December 25: Candy Cane Lane (West Allis)
A Milwaukee classic! Drive or stroll through West Allis neighborhoods glowing with thousands of lights — all raising money for the MACC Fund. It’s festive, heartfelt, and pure Wisconsin tradition.
November 28: Pfister Hotel Tree Lighting (Downtown Milwaukee)
One of the city’s most elegant trees shines in the historic Pfister Hotel lobby. Expect warm drinks, sweet treats, and the arrival of Santa himself.
November 28–December 24: Enchantment in the Park (West Bend)
Regner Park sparkles with more than a million LED lights, live music, marshmallow roasting, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Proceeds benefit local food pantries.
December 2–January 9: Winter Wonderland (Garden District, Milwaukee)
A neighborhood effort with plenty of heart — featuring a tunnel of lights, a decorated gazebo, and nightly illumination from dusk to midnight. The fun begins Dec. 2 with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
December 4–22: Illuminate Ozaukee (Cedarburg)
Take a drive through Zeunert Park for a glowing display of community-made light scenes, all supporting local nonprofits.
December 5: Christmas in the Ward (Historic Third Ward, Milwaukee)
Bundle up for a night of fireworks, food trucks, live reindeer, and music in Catalano Square. The annual tree lighting draws crowds for good reason — it’s a perfect mix of city sparkle and small-town cheer.
December 5: Light the Square (Oak Creek)
Oak Creek flips the switch on its synchronized light show with music, carols, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The display stays lit nightly through the holidays.
December 5 & 12: Friday Night Holiday Lights at the Villa (Milwaukee)
The Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum opens its gardens for two cozy evenings filled with glowing lights, cocoa, and family fun overlooking the lakefront.
December 6–31: East Troy Lights (East Troy)
Watch Santa arrive by train, then enjoy an interactive light display that lets you control the colors with special candy cane wands. It’s one of the most creative displays of the season.
December 10–13: Winter Wonder Woods (Hawthorn Glen)
For a quieter kind of magic, take a peaceful evening stroll through the softly lit trails of Hawthorn Glen. Nature-inspired displays and free cookies make this one feel extra warm and local.
From drive-through dazzles to candlelit strolls, Milwaukee’s holiday calendar is packed with sparkle this year. Whether you’re sipping cocoa in West Allis, cruising Lake Geneva, or marveling at the Domes, there’s a light for every mood and memory. Bundle up, make a playlist, and go chase the glow — it’s the most wonderful time to be in Milwaukee.