Experience Downtown Blog

Holiday Lights Kick Off Begins this Week!

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It is the most wonderful time of the year… Milwaukee Downtown’s Holiday Lights Festival, presented by Johnson Financial Group, kicks off this Thursday, November 18th at 6:30pm! Tune in to WISN 12, to enjoy an all new, lively, televised kickoff produced by The Pabst Theater Group and WISN 12.

The city will be shining oh-so bright with over half a million (500,000!) lights. Get a first look this Thursday, November 18th; the televised kickoff will be packed with local talent and a spectacular finale, your friends and family do not want to miss!

For over 23 seasons, The Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival has lit up the city, making spirits bright. Join your friends and family anytime between November 18th to January 1st to enjoy animated holiday sculptures, interactive displays and twinkling street décor, and festive events all across Downtown Milwaukee- there’s truly something for everyone, all ages, to enjoy! Importantly, all the displays and events are in safe, socially-distanced environments.

There are many events across downtown that cater to all ages! Cocoa With The Clauses takes place in Cathedral Square on Saturday, December 11th. Join Santa and Mrs.Claus while enjoying a hot cup of complimentary cocoa and cookies and a chance to capture a keepsake photo; Don't forget to bring your letters to Santa as there will be a Santa's Mailbox located in the park! We are so excited to bring back Santa’s Christmas Cavalcade this year. Join us on Friday, December 10th and 17th to see Santa and Mrs.Claus ride around town on a vintage fire truck! New this year is Santa Camp Pop’s Up in Turners’ Alley on Friday and Saturday, December 17th and 18th. You do not want to miss this one-of-a-kind holiday pop-up! The alley activation will include festive drinks, photo opportunities, and an ice bar by Art Below Zero. 

We are so excited and honored to continue lightning up Downtown Milwaukee and spreading Holiday cheer for this season and many more to come! We cannot wait to celebrate with you, virtually, this Thursday, November 18th at 6:30pm on WISN 12! 

About the Author: Payton Trieglaff is a Junior at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the Special Events & Marketing Intern with Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21, advancing downtown's strategic priorities through marketing, events, and social media.