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 20, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Website
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.
Wild Lights at The Milwaukee County Zoo – Milwaukee County Zoo
Nov. 21-29, Dec. 3-31; except closed Nov. 24-27, 30, Dec. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 24-25
Location: 10001 W Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee, WI
Website
The Zoo will transform into an illuminated destination with millions 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.
SnowGlobe Holiday Festival – Franklin Field
Dates TBD
Location: 7035 S Ballpark Dr., Franklin, WI 53132
Website
Enjoy a captivating holiday experience that brings all the enchantment of a grand Christmas festival into a beautifully contained story-propelled holiday light maze experience. Featuring stunning larger-than-life light sculptures, unique ice skating and snow tubing experiences, and countless other festive attractions. Every detail is designed to evoke wonder and joy, creating unforgettable memories for all who visit.
Show Dome Holiday Show – The Mitchell Park Domes
Nov. 22, 2024 – Jan. 4, 2025
Location: 524 S. Layton Blvd – Milwaukee
Website
The Show Dome always shows out in the holiday season! Stay tuned for more details about what to expect for this year’s festivities.
Miller Valley Holiday Lites – Miller Valley
TBD
Location: Miller Valley, 3897 W State St, Milwaukee, WI
Website
Notes: Free. Kid-friendly lights show! More details to come!
Candy Cane Lane in West Allis
November 28th – December 25th, 2025
Location: West Allis between 92nd-96th St. and between Montana Avenue and Oklahoma Avenue.
Website
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. 22nd, 2025 – January 31st, 2026
Location: Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park; 8425 WI-38, Caledonia
Website
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
2025 Holiday Dates:
Nov. 14 – 16 & 21 – 23, 26 (walking)
Nov. 24 – 25 (biking)
Nov. 28 – Dec. 2, & Dec. 4 – Jan.3, 2026 (driving)
Nov. 30 – Dec. 2 & Dec. 4, Dec. 7 – 11, Dec. 14 – 18, 2025 (wagon rides)
Where: Pewaukee, 2810 Golf Rd – Pewaukee, tickets required.
Website
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 – Nov. 28th – Dec. 31st, 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. (Closed Dec 24)
Location: Evergreen Park in Sheboygan, off Hwy 42
Website
Admission to the park remains free of charge. However, donations to the Sheboygan County Food Bank are highly encouraged.
Enchantment in the Park – Regner Park
November 28th through December 24th, 2025
Location: 800 N. Main Street, West Bend
Website
Enjoy live music, take a horse and carriage ride, or enjoy marshmallows by the fire pit on Friday and Saturday nights. Dates and times are subject to change. Check the website for updates on the dates Santa is expected to stop by.
Shalom Wildlife Holiday Drive-Thru – Shalom Wildlife West Bend
November 22nd – December 31st
Hours 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm(Last walkers admitted at 3:30 pm, Last cars admitted at 7:30 pm)
Closed: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
Location: 1901 Shalom Drive, West Bend
Website
Bring your family and friends! Walk or drive through in the comfort of your own car, relax, and enjoy the wildlife along with the unique holiday displays and decorations. The drive-through experience takes approximately one hour.
After your journey through the zoo, enjoy access to the petting zoo and a cozy, crackling campfire. Animal feed for the petting zoo is available for purchase in the gift shop.
Illuminate Ozaukee – Herman A. Zeunert Park
December 4th – 22nd, 2025
Location:N25 W5598 Taft St, Cedarburg
Website
Each December, the Ozaukee Nonprofit Center partners with local businesses and nonprofits to transform Zeunert Park in Cedarburg into a glowing drive-thru winter wonderland. Families can wind through the park and take in dazzling light displays, festive music, and plenty of holiday cheer.
Keep an eye out for Santa or other fun holiday characters appearing throughout the season. They love surprising guests along the route!
