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Get ready to be dazzled as the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival returns for its 27th season!
From November 20, 2025, to January 1, 2026, 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.
Families can stroll through festive scenes, catch a narrated tour on the Jingle Bus, marvel at community-decorated trees, find interactive selfie spots, and explore more 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.
✨ Looking for even more lights? Explore our Complete Guide to Holiday Lights Around Southeastern Wisconsin for drive-through shows, walk-through trails, neighborhood displays, and glowing destinations all season long.
1. Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Kickoff Extravaganza
Thursday, November 20, 2025 | 6:30 PM | WISN 12
Downtown Milwaukee officially shines bright as the Holiday Lights Festival kicks off with live performances, Santa and Mrs. Claus, fireworks, and free Jingle Bus rides. The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. in Pere Marquette Park and airs live on WISN 12 for those watching from home.
2. Jingle Bus Rides
December 5 – December 28 | Thursday – Sunday, 5 PM – 9 PM
Red Arrow Park
Hop aboard the Jingle Bus for a 40-minute narrated tour of downtown’s most dazzling holiday displays, including all four festively lit parks. Tickets are $8 per person, with Spanish tours available on Sundays and departures from the new Warming House at Red Arrow Park.
3. “Santa’s Celebration Square powered by WE Energies” at Zeidler Union Square
📍 Zeidler Union Square, 301 W. Michigan St., Milwaukee
Open daily throughout the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival (Nov. 20, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026). Displays are free and available for self-guided visits anytime the park is open.
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
📍 Cathedral Square Park, 520 E. Wells St., Milwaukee
Open daily during the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival (Nov. 20, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026). All displays are free and can be enjoyed anytime the park is open.
Over 100 evergreens have sprung on Cathedral Square Park! Wind your way through the forest of trees, where more than 70 area schools and businesses are sharing their wish for the season with handmade ornaments and garlands. Don’t miss the Singing Tree, which blinks to singing, music and clapping in real time.
5. “Felices Fiestas” at Pere Marquette Park
📍 Pere Marquette Park, 900 N. Plankinton Ave., Milwaukee
Open daily throughout the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival (Nov. 20, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026). The animated displays are free and accessible for self-guided viewing.
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, 920 N. Water St., Milwaukee
2025 Dates Coming Soon
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. Holiday Window Display at Milwaukee Public Market (NEW for 2025)
Just steps from the riverwalk and a short stroll from the festival routes, the Public Market debuts ten illuminated, large-scale window installations designed by MIAD students. This colorful, block-long display makes a great stop before or after viewing the downtown lights. On opening day, enjoy free cocoa, caroling, and a festive sidewalk celebration.
8. Wisconsin Avenue’s Stunning Stretch – 6th Street to Prospect Avenue
📍 Wisconsin Avenue, from 6th Street to Prospect Avenue
Holiday décor and lighting installations are on display for the full duration of the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival (Nov. 20, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026). Viewable by car or on foot.
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.
9. City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree Lighting
📅 Friday, November 21, 2025 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
📍 Deer District
Gather with family and friends to see the 110th annual Milwaukee Christmas tree lighting, plus visit from Santa, reindeer, live DJ and performances, free hot cocoa, and more!
10. Holiday Lights on the Hoan
Enjoy Friday Night Lights through the end of the year beginning at 7pm, plus enjoy Hanukkah on the Hoan, Christmas Light Shows, and an NYE Countdown.
11. Ornament Trail
📍 Wisconsin Avenue, Water Street & Historic Third Ward
The larger-than-life ornaments are on display daily for the entire Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival (Nov. 20, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026). Free and open to the public.
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.
12. Cocoa with the Clauses (Free!)
📅 Saturday, December 13, 2025
📍 Cathedral Square Park
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.
13. Santa’s Christmas Calvalcade (Free!)
📅 Saturday, December 6 & Friday, December 12, 2025
📍 Departs from Milwaukee Public Market
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.
14. Father Christmas at the Pabst Mansion
📅 Sundays, 3:00-5:30pm
📍 November 30 – December 21, Special Christmas Eve hours 11am-1pm
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.
15. Breakfast with Santa
📍 The Pfister Hotel
📅 November 29 & 30 | December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 2026
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.
📍 Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel
📅 Dec 13 – Dec 14, 2025 from 9:00AM–1:00 PM
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.
16. Santa’s Mailboxes
Send your child’s wish list straight to the North Pole! From November 10–December 14, drop letters into Santa’s Mailbox at Cathedral Square Park or The Pfister Hotel. Every child receives a personalized reply from the Cathedral Square Park location, and a free cookie at The Pfister front desk.
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.
