Nothing says holidays more than the cheer of carefully strung or hastily thrown lights and glitter. And let’s be honest, both have their charm. But when you have finished admiring (or envying) the neighborhood array of lights, where can you head for that awe-inspiring moment of “Wow! The holidays really are here!”
Holiday Lights in Milwaukee
Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival – Downtown
November 16, 2023 – January 1, 2024
Mark your calendars to explore the lights and sights around Downtown Milwaukee. With sparkling interactive displays at Pere Marquette Park, Zeidler Union Square and Cathedral Square, it’s the perfect chance to capture a memory that ignites joy for everyone, no matter their age.
Winter Wonders – Boerner Botanical Gardens
November 24, 2023 – December 31, 2023
Enter at: Whitnall Park Golf Course, 6751 S. 92nd St., Franklin
Gather family and friends for a spectacular drive-through holiday lights with over a million lights! Enjoy a variety of light displays throughout Whitnall Park from the comfort of your car as you drive alongside magnificent forest scenes and whimsical holiday fun.
Wild Lights at The Milwaukee County Zoo – Milwaukee County Zoo
Dec. 1 – 31 with the exception of the following dates: Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 24, 25.
Location: 10001 W Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee, WI
The Zoo will transform into an illuminated destination with millions (even more than 2022!) of glittering lights throughout the forests and pathways, letting guests enjoy an enchanted evening under the stars. Stroll along a 1-mile path glowing with animal-themed light displays.
Enchant Christmas – Franklin Field
November 24, 2023 – December 31, 2023
Location: 7035 S Ballpark Dr., Franklin, WI 53132
Escape to an incredible illuminated winter wonderland. Experience a world of adventure featuring over 4 million sparkling lights creating an immersive walk-thru, story-themed maze. Discover our charming Village offering ice-skating, live entertainment, dining, holiday shopping, Santa & Mrs. Claus, and much more.
Holiday Show: Calm & Bright – The Mitchell Park Domes
Nov 18, 2023 – Jan 7, 2024
Location: 524 S. Layton Blvd – Milwaukee
Gather your family in the warm glow of elegance and the timeless beauty of hundreds of velvety poinsettias. Capture photos of lasting memories and reunite in the spirit of the holidays.
Miller Valley Holiday Lites – Miller Valley
December 2 – December 25
Location: Miller Valley, 3897 W State St, Milwaukee, WI
Notes: Free. Kid-friendly lights show!
Candy Cane Lane in West Allis
Nov. 25 – Dec 25, 2022
Location: West Allis between 92nd-96th St. and between Montana Avenue and Oklahoma Avenue.
Bundle the kids in their jammies and let them sip cocoa while driving through an amazing spectacle of light. Donations are accepted and benefit the MACC Fund.
Jellystone Park’s Christmas Carnival of Lights – Caledonia
Nov. 18, 2023 – Sunday Jan. 1, 2024
Location: Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park; 8425 WI-38, Caledonia
A Milwaukee holiday light experience at Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Caledonia, just 20 minutes south of Milwaukee, that stretches for more than a mile and features more than two million sparkling holiday lights sure to delight kids and adults of all ages. Santa’s giant sleigh, which seats 43 guests in tiered and comfortable seating, will also travel through the light show and allow families to experience the show in a whole new way. Reservations to ride on the sleigh may be here.
Lights on Glen Cove – Glen Cove Ct, Muskego
When: The lights will normally be on from 5 pm to 9 pm Sunday thru Thursday. On Friday and Saturday from 5 pm to 10:00. Please check the Lights on Glen Cove Facebook Page for more specific information, as the weather does affect the display conditions. These Milwaukee holiday lights are run in a residential neighborhood in Muskego with over 30,000 LED lights synchronized to music broadcasted on 87.9 FM
Food and monetary donations accepted for the Muskego Food Pantry. The bins are located at the front of the property. Mr. Stark, who puts on the show, asked us to remind everyone that since the show is in a residential neighborhood, please be respectful of the neighbors, be patient if there is a line, and bring non-perishable food items for the food pantry.
Country Christmas – Ingleside Hotel
November 17, 18, 19, 2023 (walking); November 24, 2023 – January 1, 2024 (driving) **closed December 1, 2023
Where: Pewaukee, 2810 Golf Rd – Pewaukee
Each year, The Ingleside Hotel is transformed into a winter wonderland called Country Christmas. Admission to Wisconsin’s largest drive through Christmas lights display includes a trip through the Country Christmas Trail and entrance to two buildings located at the end of the trail, Christmas Village and The Streets of Bethlehem. The Country Christmas Trail features over a million holiday lights festively displayed on a mile-long trail. As you drive through the wooded countryside, you’ll experience enchanting animated figures and holiday scenes at every turn.
Making Spirits Bright – Sheboygan
Nightly – November 24th, 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. (Closed Dec 24)
Location: Evergreen Park in Sheboygan, off Hwy 42
Admission to the park remains free of charge. However, donations to the Sheboygan County Food Bank are highly encouraged, which will be distributed to local food pantries.
Enchantment in the Park – Regner Park
November 24th through December 24th, 2022
Location: 800 N. Main Street, West Bend
Casa Guadalupe Education Center serves hot cocoa and treats every night, including popcorn, candy and more. Take a horse and carriage ride or enjoy marshmallows by the fire pit on Friday and Saturday nights. Santa is available December 8–10 and December 15–23 at Regner Park from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. Dates and times are subject to change. To ensure a visit with Santa, it’s encouraged to arrive earlier in the evening.
Shalom Wildlife Holiday Drive-Thru – Shalom Wildlife West Bend
November 18th thru December 31st, Open Daily from 10 am to 5:00 pm (last car admitted at 4:00 pm), Closed: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
Location: 1901 Shalom Drive, West Bend
Illuminate Ozaukee – Herman A. Zeunert Park
December 1-2; December 8-9; December 15-16; December 22-23
Location: N25 W5598 Taft St, Cedarburg
