Christmas Lights in Milwaukee 2024-2025

Milwaukee gets completely transformed with holiday lights during the Christmas season. Downtown, Pere Marquette Park, and West Allis residential area are among the best places to see the beautiful displays. However, many beautiful light installations can also be viewed in the Greater Milwaukee area. Light tunnels and enchanted forests are ideal for an evening drive-through or even a winter walk.

Holiday Lights Festival (November 21, 2024–January 1, 2025)

The Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival, presented by Johnson Financial Group, is the most popular holiday event in the city. The festival transforms the city into a winter wonderland, with thousands of lights and animated displays across four parks—Cathedral Square Park, Zeidler Union Square, Pere Marquette Park, and another festive location. Sparkling rooflines, harp lamp lighting, and suspended garlands create a magical atmosphere, while Wisconsin Avenue and Mason Street dazzle with glittering street chandeliers.

The festivities kick off on November 21 with a celebration at Pere Marquette Park. Pre-show entertainment begins at 5:30 pm, with the main event, which features Santa, Mrs. Claus, and fireworks, starting at 6:30 pm. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be broadcast live on WISN 12.

Throughout the season, Zeidler Union Square features a unique lighted living room set for holiday snapshots, while Pere Marquette Park shines with dazzling displays. Visitors can also enjoy the Jingle Bus, available Thursday through Sunday, offering tours of the city’s beautifully decorated sights. Don’t miss “Cocoa with the Clauses” on select days for a warm holiday treat.

Winter Wonders at Boerner Botanical Gardens (Unconfirmed for 2024)

Winter Wonders at Boerner Botanical Gardens in Whitnall Park features modern lighting techniques, creating fantastic displays through illuminated forests and fields of the Boerner Arboretum and Whitnall Park. The scenic 1.5-mile (2.4-km) drive-through route features over a million LED lights. 80 two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and animated displays are among the highlights of the show. Holiday gift bag giveaways and Santa visits take place every night. The display is on from 5 to 10 pm. Tickets begin at $25 per car.

Christmas Carnival of Lights (November 23–December 31, 2024)

The Christmas Carnival of Lights at Jellystone Park in Caledonia, Wisconsin, returns for its 2024 season from November 23 to December 31 (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas). Known as the largest drive-through light display in Southeastern Wisconsin, this event features a 1.5-mile (2.4-km) route with over two million dazzling lights, including a stunning 200-foot (61-m) tunnel with images synchronized to holiday music. Visitors can enjoy the lights from the comfort of their vehicle or opt for a ride on Santa’s GIANT Sleigh or the Golf Cart Holiday Train for a unique open-air experience.

New this year, Santa Sleigh Rides are available on Sundays and Mondays until December 17. Guests can also visit Santa’s Workshop for gifts, festive treats like hot cocoa and soft serve ice cream, and even pick up the new book, “Evy the Evergreen Finds His Shine.” Admission is $30 per vehicle (up to 8 people), with larger vehicle options available. Hours are 5-9 pm Sunday through Thursday and 5-10:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays until December 24, with extended hours from December 26-31.

For a special experience on November 28, guests can participate in a Walkthrough & 5k from 4:30-10 pm. Pre-purchasing tickets is recommended to manage traffic flow.

Grand Geneva Christmas (November 24–December 30, 2024)

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is the perfect winter family retreat, which transforms into a festive wonderland during its annual “Christmas in the Country” celebration. Kicking off on November 24, 2024, with the 30th Annual Illumination Ceremony, the event features over two million dazzling lights, a fireworks display, photos with Santa, and holiday treats.

From November 25 to December 30, guests can take the Grand Geneva Trolley Tour of Lights, running hourly at 5, 6, 7, and 8 pm. Resort guests can ride for free, while non-resort guests pay $20 for adults and $15 for children (ages 3-12). For those who miss the trolley, driving through the light displays in your vehicle is also an option.

In addition to the lights, families can enjoy a Brunch with Santa on weekends, stroll through the Gingerbread House Walk showcasing local creations, and participate in the Elf Mail Run, where kids can drop off letters to Santa. Guests can even enhance their stay by adding a fully decorated Christmas tree to their room for $129. Grand Geneva Resort offers a memorable winter getaway filled with holiday cheer and family traditions.

Ingleside Hotel’s Country Christmas (Select Dates November 15, 2024–January 1, 2025)

Country Christmas at The Ingleside Hotel offers a magical holiday experience, celebrating its 28th anniversary as Wisconsin’s most spectacular drive-through lights event. Guests can explore the Country Christmas Trail, which dazzles with over a million lights along a mile-long path. Highlights include an enchanting winter forest with animated figures, giant teddy bears, and a stunning 200-foot (30-m) tunnel adorned with 30,000 shimmering lights. Country Christmas admission also includes access to two buildings at the end of the trail, Christmas Village and The Streets of Bethlehem.

In addition to drive-through nights, there are special walking nights from November 15-17 and 22-24, allowing guests to stroll through the illuminated trail from 5 to 9 pm. Admission on these nights is $8 per person. For a unique twist, the “Bikes and Lights” event will take place on November 26 and 27, inviting guests to bike through the trail, also from 5 to 9 pm. Guests are encouraged to decorate their bikes and wear festive attire, with contests for the best-decorated bikes. Wagon rides will be available from December 1-3 and December 5, 8-12, and 15-19, providing a cozy way to experience the lights. These rides, which include hot chocolate and a cookie, are priced at $20 per person.

Krampus in Milwaukee (December 1, 2024)

The Alpine folkloric figure of Krampus has been celebrated in Milwaukee for several years already. Known as the evil companion of St. Nicholas, Krampus is celebrated by throwing loud Krampusnacht in Milwaukee and embarking on a costumed parade in the historic Brewery District.