STARLIGHT, STAR BRIGHT, GIVE YOUR CHILD AN UNFORGETTABLE DOWNTOWN NIGHT!
Dancing luminaries, animated displays, elaborate storefronts and twinkling rooflines are just some of the things that make downtown Milwaukee’s holidays so grand. Combine this with hundreds of events surrounding Milwaukee’s performing and visual arts, sports teams, and family attractions, and you have the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival – a seven-week festival bundling downtown’s holiday festivities into one handy guide.
Each year, Milwaukee Downtown, Business Improvement District #21 sets the stage for dazzling park and street-level decorations. From rallying over 55 downtown buildings to illuminate their rooftops to lining Wisconsin Avenue and major thorough ways with wreathes of twinkling lights, the work of these elves is told by the millions of glowing lights, which greet visitors each evening. But perhaps most spectacular, is the transformation of three downtown parks into winter wonderlands that awe the young and young at heart. This year’s park themes include:
“Community Spirit Park” – Cathedral Square Park presented by Milwaukee County Parks, The Shops of Grand Avenue, Towne Investments & East Town Association
A 50-foot tree of ever-changing red, blue and green LED lights stands tall amid an array of Christmas trees decorated by over 40 schools. Each school’s tree is themed with a different holiday wish and handcrafted ornaments by the students.
“Penguin Playground” – Pere Marquette Park presented by Milwaukee County Parks & Midwest Airlines
The carefree penguins of “Penguin Playground” are sporting some frosty fun this season. Catch the pack skating, surfing, playing hockey and shooting hoops amid ice castles and igloos in downtown’s playground of season.
“Holiday Central at the North Pole” – Zeidler Union Square presented by Milwaukee County Parks & We Energies
The elves at “Holiday Central at the North Pole” are hard at work gearing up for Santa’s busiest day of the year. Transporting gifts by plane, train, truck and even dropping in by parachute, get a sneak peek of the action at their headquarters.
Wisconsin Avenue – A Stunning Stretch of Starry Sights Wisconsin Avenue returns to its original grandeur as newly installed decorations make this year remarkable. The stunning stretch will shine brightly with double wreaths adorned in blue and white LED lights on the avenue’s harp lamps, and 17 Moravian stars hanging high above intersections.
99.1 WMYX Santa’s Mailbox Visit the 99.1 WMYX Santa’s Mailbox in Cathedral Square Park from November 26 through December 14. Santa’s helpers will collect these letters and ensure a personalized letter from the jolly old elf himself!
NEED MORE INFO?
For more information on the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival, call 414.220.4700 ext. 30.
NEED HELP NAVIGATING DOWNTOWN?
Reconstruction of the Marquette Interchange may alter your route into downtown. Call 414.220.4700 ext. 29 to obtain a free Get Around Guide or visit MChange.org to map your route. For parking options and rates, visit ParkMilwaukee.com.
