1. Wild Lights
THROUGH DEC. 31, 5:30-9 P.M. | MILWAUKEE COUNTY ZOO
At the Milwaukee County Zoo’s Wild Lights, you’ll witness the Zoological Society’s take on the holiday light displays, featuring a safari train ride and lighted animal figures! There is also a 21+ variation of Wild Lights, which includes specialty cocktails, food and entertainment. Tickets are available online.
2. SnowGlobe Holiday Festival
THROUGH DEC. 30 | BALLPARK COMMONS, FRANKLIN
Powered by Enchant, the SnowGlobe Holiday Festival features a snow globe-inspired light maze, Christmas cocktails, a Christmas village, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, an ice-skating trail, live entertainment and more. Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online.
3. Santa’s Celebration Square
THROUGH JAN. 1 | 301 W. MICHIGAN ST.
This light show at Zeidler Union Square features Santa and his reindeer hard at work. Take your kids and watch the lights on display by a warm, mellow fireplace or take a selfie on a ridiculously-oversized chair.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
4. ¡FELICES FIESTAS! at Pere Marquette Park
THROUGH JAN. 1 | 900 N. PLANKINTON AVE.
The light show located in Pere Marquette Park includes reindeer, elves and Santa Claus riding a tractor. The animated elves and North Pole scenes are ideal for a lively experience. This light show could also be the perfect end to a winter date night as you and your date can take a cute picture under some mistletoe.
5. Community Spirit Park
THROUGH JAN. 1 | 520 E WELLS ST.
See Cathedral Square Park transform into a true winter wonderland in Community Spirt Park! Each tree has distinct embellishments that have been designed by over 80 area schools and organizations, including the Singing Tree which responds to music and singing by twinkling.
6. Wisconsin Christmas Carnival of Lights
THROUGH DEC. 31 | JELLYSTONE PARK
A drive through display of over 2 million dazzling lights synced to a unique Christmas playlist. Experience Christmas decor from around the world, with opportunities for shopping, concessions, and hot cocoa. Tickets are $30-55 per vehicle.
7. Cheer District
THROUGH JAN 10, TIMES VARY | DEER DISTRICT
Home to Milwaukee’s largest Christmas tree, the Cheer District hosts the Maker’s Market and many other festive activities just outside the Fiserv Forum.
8. Wisconsin Avenue’s Stunning Stretch
THROUGH JAN. 1 | DOWNTOWN MILWAUKEE
Wander downtown Milwaukee’s main street and get lost in the warm, festive lights that drape across the Wisconsin Avenue.
9. Candy Cane Lane
THROUGH DEC. 25, TIMES VARY | W. OKLAHOMA AVE., WEST ALLIS
Walk or drive through this neighborhood filled with Christmas lights and cheer. Candy Cane Lane was started by a group of neighbors in West Allis to raise money for the MAAC fun (Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer).
10. Christmas at the Zoo
THROUGH DEC. 31, 1-8:30 P.M. | 1901 SHALOM DR., WEST BEND
Drive or walk through the Shalom Wildlife Zoo and watch your favorite animals graze or sleep under the warm glow of holiday lights! After the drive, you can check out the petting zoo to pet and feed animals such as llamas and goats. Tickets are $10 per child, $15 for adults (ages 2 or younger get free admission) and can be purchased in person.
11. Country Christmas
THROUGH JAN. 1, STARTS AT 5 P.M. | 2810 GOLF ROAD, PEWAUKEE
The Ingleside Hotel’s annual Country Christmas event returns this year. Experience holiday light displays such as Bearville, a stunning, illuminated 200-foot tunnel, and visit the Christmas Village where you can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate while watching a working model train set and cute animatronic raccoons that dance to Christmas music. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth or online.
12. East Troy Lights
THROUGH DEC. 31, 5-8 P.M. | 2881 MAIN ST., EAST TROY
Visit downtown East Troy to view the incredible holiday light show that you can create and control. You can either create and submit your own light show using the light show simulator, or you can use your smartphone and create magic live from the palm of your hand. This show is free to attend.
