STARLIGHT, STAR BRIGHT, GIVE YOUR CHILD AN UNFORGETTABLE DOWNTOWN NIGHT.
The holidays are just around the corner and here to signal the start of the season are three spectacular lighting ceremonies. Each offers an unforgettable evening of free family fun, so bundle up the kids and head downtown!
A TIMELESS TRADITION CONTINUES
City/County Official Christmas Tree Lighting presented by City of Milwaukee, Greening Milwaukee and Milwaukee County Parks
Wednesday, November 14, 5 p.m., Red Arrow Park
Kicking off a week of holiday festivities is the city’s oldest holiday tradition – the lighting of the city tree. The City/County Official Christmas Tree Lighting – Past, Present & Future begins with traditional and contemporary holiday grooves by DJ Rock Dee of 88.9 Radio Milwaukee at 4:30 pm, followed by the start of the City/County of Milwaukee Christmas Tree lighting program at 5 pm led by Master of Ceremonies John McGivern. Mayor Tom Barrett and County Executive Scott Walker will then light the City/County Official Christmas Tree at 5:15 pm and lead the crowd in singing “O Christmas Tree.” A visit by Father Christmas, holiday tunes by Pius XI High School Choir, and refreshments by the Starbucks Cheer Patrol will keep the celebration going until 6 pm.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS BEGINS WITH A BANG
Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Kick–Off Extravaganza presented by Midwest Airlines
Thursday, November 15 – 6 p.m., Pere Marquette Park
Starry nights are near in sight with the city’s largest holiday lights kick-off ceremony. It all begins with a repertoire of festive acts, including an extreme fire and ice show by Fear No Ice, rockin’ dance routines, skits by Milwaukee’s performing arts groups, appearances by local celebrities, plus a visit by Santa Claus. Then it’s on to the “official flip switching” of downtown’s park and street décor, topped off by a breathtaking fireworks show. FREE hot cocoa, coffee and cookies will keep guests toasty all night, and kids will enjoy FREE coloring books, crayons and glow sticks.
After the show, take in downtown’s dazzling displays with FREE Potawatomi Jingle Bus rides from Pere Marquette Park. From thousands of glowing lights and animated displays in three parks to new street-level decorations along Wisconsin Avenue, the Potawatomi Jingle Bus is your sightseeing connection. Catch the tour all season long! The Potawatomi Jingle Bus will operate from 6 to 9 pm, Thursdays through Sundays until December 30 for $1 per person from the Hilton Milwaukee City Center.
LIGHTS FOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Festival of Trees Lighting Ceremony
Thursday, November 15 – 7 p.m., Marcus Center for the Performing Arts Atrium
The Milwaukee Choristers will raise their voices amid a forest of beautifully decorated trees to kick off the seventh annual Festival of Trees celebration. Sponsored and decorated by local businesses and individuals, over a dozen firs will grace the atrium of the Marcus Center. Creatively themed and some brimming with gift certificates and other special ornaments, the trees will remain on display until they are auctioned at the Festival of Trees Gala on Thursday, December 6. Proceeds from the event will benefit Habitat for Humanity International. For more info or tickets to the Festival of Trees Gala, call 414.610.3021 or visit www.FestivalofTreesMilwaukee.org.
GETTING DOWN TO THE GIGS
Milwaukee’s flip-switching ceremonies are conveniently located within steps of restaurants and pubs. Park once and make it a night on the town. For parking options and rates, visit www.ParkMilwaukee.com. To map your route through the Marquette Interchange, visit www.Mchange.org.
