Milwaukee is lit. Literally.
We found Tree Lightings happening all over the city to dazzle you and your family.
They are listed in chronological order and by month, for maximum busy-parent convenience.
November Tree Lightings
1. 109th Annual City Christmas Tree Lighting
November 18th from 5:00-7:00 pm. in the “Cheer District”
Website
Milwaukee’s official city Christmas tree will have a new home this year.
In years past, the tree was set up at Milwaukee’s City Hall or in Red Arrow Park, but this year it has moved to the ‘Cheer District’ outside of the Fiserv Forum.
The tree will be lit up and on display starting Friday, November 18th. There will be a Tree Lighting Ceremony from 5:00 – 7:00 that night that includes live entertainment including DJ Shawna, the Milwaukee Ballet, the Salvation Army Brass Band and more.
There will also be live reindeer and holiday activities for all to enjoy.
2. Season to Sparkle at Bayshore
Bayshore recently announced its 3rd annual Season to Sparkle Holiday Celebration on Friday, November 18th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. in The Yard.
This year the celebration will include lively entertainment from the Tracy Hannemann Group, the historic and interactive Kooky Cooky House, Bayshore’s giant holiday tree, Fairytale Princesses, El Sazon Dominicano and Rose Mob Grill food trucks, and even more sparkle and shine with new festive décor.
This family event is geared towards all ages. Find out more on Bayshore’s Events Page.
3. All is Bright – The Pfister Hotel’s Annual Tree Lighting Event
Friday, November 25 | 5:00-6:30 PM
The Pfister Hotel’s signature holiday tradition is black this year as Santa lights the spectacular lobby tree. Sip warm drinks and nibble on a holiday treat while you enjoy the fun.
Open to the public, complimentary parking with purchase.
4. Whitefish Bay Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting (Free!)
Friday, November 29th, 2022
5:00 – 9:00 p.m. (Parade at 6:00 p.m., tree lighting after parade at 7:00 pm)
E. Silver Spring Dr.
Website
Held each year on the Friday following Thanksgiving, the Holiday Stroll includes a nighttime parade, tree lighting ceremony, food, music, and more. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a free pony, train, or trolley ride, visit Santa and his reindeer, and cross things off your holiday list.
The seasonal celebration features a parade with music, Dancing Grannies, racing sausages, Alaskan Malamutes, scout troops, media, and Santa in his sleigh pulled by Cupid and Vixen. It’s an evening not to miss!
The parade begins at 6:00 p.m. at the corner of Kent Avenue and Silver Spring Drive, heading east on Silver Spring Drive ending at Lake Drive in front of Sendik’s. The parade lasts about 45 minutes.
December Tree Lightings
5. Holiday Tree Lighting in Greenfield
December 3, 2022 from 2:00-7:00 PM in Konkel Park (5151 W. Layton Ave.)
Brighten up your holidays by celebrating at the Annual Greenfield Holiday Tree Lighting. This is a free event to kick-off the holiday season.
Scheduled Events (Subject to Change):
- 2:00-3:00 PM Candy Cane Hunt Walk
- 2:30-4:45 PM Horse Drawn Wagon Rides
- 3:00-6:30 PM Food vendors, beverages, and popcorn for sale. FREE hot chocolate (while supplies last).
- 3:15-3:45 PM Balloon Animals with Magician Anthony
- 4:00-4:45 PM Magician Anthony
- 4:50-5:25 PM Tree Lighting Ceremony (including caroling by Greenfield Middle and High School Caroling Club and an appearance by Santa).
- 5:30-6:30 PM Photos with Santa
6. Holiday Town Tree Lighting at the Corner of Brookfield
Saturday, December 3rd from 3:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Website
Discover Brookfield, the Town of Brookfield & The Corners have teamed up this year to bring back he Holiday Town Tree Lighting Celebration with joyous activities, carolers, live music with Ocean Rush, bites to eat, warm drinks, light displays, a visit from Santa, Holiday Crafts, and more!
7. Christmas in the Ward
Catalano Square, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Friday, December 2, 2022, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Admission: FREE
Website
Each Christmas season, you’ll find a magical tree lighting in Catalano Square (which is actually a triangle shape – go figure), live music, costumed characters, a fireworks show over the Milwaukee River, and more.
You can visit with Santa Claus in Jolly’s Outdoor Gingerbread House (suggested $5 donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities), and meet live reindeer with Mrs. Claus. Santa’s elves will be on hand to answer questions like “Do reindeer really fly?” and “Is Rudolph’s nose really red?”
Refreshment options include festive fare from Historic Third Ward restaurants and food trucks, hot chocolate, and a cookie sale to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities. Adults, don’t miss the “hot cocoa cocktails,” local brewery offerings, and — new for this year — mulled wine, courtesy of Cafe Benelux.
8. Annual West Allis Christmas Tree Lighting & Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec. 3rd at 4:00 p.m. in City Hall Centennial Plaza (7525 W. Greenfield Ave.)
Parade follows at 4:45 p.m. at the 81st St. State Fair Park entrance, east on Greenfield Ave. then south to Orchard Ave.
Visit Website
The West Allis Christmas Parade is an annual holiday tradition, and one of the only night-time Christmas parade in Southeast Wisconsin. Enjoy marching bands and live performers, creative floats and vintage vehicles, meet elves, cartoon characters, and of course, wave to Santa Claus himself at the end of the parade!