The 25th annual Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival begins this Thursday, Nov. 16 with a Kickoff Extravaganza at Pere Marquette Park at 6:30 p.m. The lights kickoff will feature holiday performances from local talent.
“This year we have an extremely diverse lineup and entertainment,” says Rebecca Sue Button, marketing, events and social media director for Milwaukee Downtown Bid #21. “We have a local Irish dance company and Nate Ramos, one of the lead choreographers for the Milwaukee Bucks. This year we also have a new acapella group from UWM, called Public Hearing. We don’t always get a group from a local university, so we’re excited. We’re doing a nod to 50 years of hip-hop this year, that will be our finale. They’re all going to be super fun.”
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
Also on the lineup, DJ Lolo, Jenny Thiel and Donna Woodall. WISN 12 will broadcast the performance live at 6:30 p.m. There will also be a pre-show performance from Kid Boogie Down at 5:30 p.m.
The free, family-friendly event will also have free T-shirts, light-up wands, hot cocoa and cookies, as well as fireworks and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
“We shake it up every year and this year we have a really fantastic show,” says Button. “It’s a dynamic, diverse, super-fun, high energy show. There’s a little something for everybody. It’s going to be an evening to remember. It’s a really amazing way to kick off the holidays.”
