Experience Downtown Blog

Downtown's Top 5 Christmas Trees

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Just as the fabled Bing Crosby sings, "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas." And, no city gets into the holiday spirit quite like Milwaukee. So, we've rounded out the list of downtown's Top 5 Christmas trees to make your visit even merrier. Downtown's Christmas trees offer the perfect spots for selfies, a family scavenger hunt, or even a wedding proposal! Whether by car or by foot, it's time for a magical sleigh ride through the streets of downtown and to bask in the glow that only the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival can offer. Share your holiday memories by using #mkeholidaylights. 

City of Milwaukee's 107th Annual Christmas Tree presented by Metro Market and Pick 'n Save

City Hall, Wells and Market Street

Did you know that Milwaukee is home to the second longest-running Christmas Tree tradition in the country, only surpassed by New York City? Topping out at nearly 35-feet, the City of Milwaukee's 107th annual Christmas Tree, presented by Metro Market and Pick 'n Save, can be found on Market Street, between City Hall and the Frank P. Zeidler Municipal Building. With the glimmering, new 25-story BMO Tower as its stunning backdrop, the City of Milwaukee's Christmas Tree has served as a symbol of hope and peace for over a century.  

Community Spirit Park presented by Madison Medical Affiliates

Cathedral Square Park, 520 E. Wells Street

Adorned with over 100 evergreens, Cathedral Square Park transforms into Community Spirit Park presented by Madison Medical Affiliates, a pop-up forest featuring trees decorated by nearly 50 area schools and community groups. At its center stands a 40-foot rope light tree, synchronized in red, green, and white lights all season long. While at Community Spirit Park, stop by Milwaukee's Singing Tree. Clap and sing to see the tree's lights respond to the sound!

Westown Holiday Tree presented by 310W

310W Plaza, 310 W. Wisconsin Avenue

Back for its second year, Westown gets lit with the return of its neighborhood tree on the 310W plaza, at the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and Old World Third Street. The 25-foot tree is a beacon for Westown's renaissance. With several openings slated in 2021, including the 3rd Street Market Hall and Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Westown's future looks bright. Looking for a place to warm up? Head inside Canary Coffee, located across the street from the plaza, at 720 N. Old World Third Street, for the ultimate local coffee shop experience.  

Polar Plaza presented by We Energies Foundation

Zeidler Union Square, 301 W. Michigan Street

Each year, Zeidler Union Square transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with interactive photo opportunities, including a giant, red plush chair, walk-through ornaments, and a decorative frame fit for a greeting card. The 25-foot tree features red and gold bows and topped off with a white star.  

Christmas in the Ward presented by PNC

Catalano Square, 147 N. Broadway

Shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts? Look no further than the Historic Third Ward for safe shopping and dining experiences and streets filled with holiday cheer. Make your way to the end of Broadway for the Historic Third Ward Christmas tree at Catalano Square. The 33-foot Colorado Blue Spruce dazzles with red lights and ornaments, creating a charming town square setting fit for a Hallmark Channel movie! 

For more lights and sights, visit www.milwaukeeholidaylights.com.