Brew the hot cocoa and buckle up!
With the days getting shorter, there’s something truly magical about driving around to look at Christmas lights this time of year – for kids and adults alike.
This holiday season, we found 15 dazzling holiday light displays that your whole family will love. From the Holiday Lights Festival in downtown Milwaukee to Country Christmas in Pewaukee, you’re sure to find something in the Milwaukee area that will get you into the holiday spirit.
Whether you decide to take in the beauty of the season from the warmth of your car or while strolling in the crisp winter air, the kids are sure to delight in these spectacular holiday lights displays:
Sponsored By:
1. Wild Lights at Milwaukee County Zoo
Location: 10001 W Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226
Dates: December 1-4, 7-11, 14-23, 26-31, 2022
Hours: 5:30-9 p.m.
Entry fee: Adult $20; Child (3-12) $18; 2 and under FREE (Parking included; purchase tickets online for a $2 per ticket discount; Zoological Society members receive 15% discount with code “twinkle” and membership number; group rates available.)
milwaukeezoo.org
For the second year, the Zoo will transform into an illuminated destination, letting guests enjoy an enchanted evening under the stars while they stroll along a 1-mile path filled with vibrant, animal-themed light displays.
There will be hundreds of thousands of glittering lights throughout the forests and pathways – even more than in 2021! New this year: sparkling sculptures of a gorilla, gazelle, rhino, zebras, and a dazzling peacock photo op.
The carousel and Safari Train will be running (weather permitting), and festive food and drinks will be available for purchase.
2. The Corners of Brookfield
Location: 20111 W Bluemound Rd, Brookfield, WI 53045
Dates: Nov. 26, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023
Hours: Dusk-Mall closing time (special holiday hours here)
Entry fee: FREE
thecornersofbrookfield.com
This holiday season, the Corners of Brookfield will be lighting up the night with larger-than-life light installations and displays, featuring Santa’s sleigh and throne. A light tunnel boasting over 16,000 lights will also provide ambiance for the perfect photo op or holiday stroll.
The beloved Town Holiday Tree Lighting will kick off the holiday season on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022 (3-5:30 p.m.), complete with entertainment, food and beverage stations, crafts and more.
There will also be a North Pole mailbox located in the Market Square vestibule, where kids can drop their letters to Santa.
3. The Wisconsin Christmas Carnival of Lights
Location: Jellystone Park Camp-Resort, 8425 Hwy 38, Caledonia, WI 53108
Dates: Nov. 19, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023 (Closed 11/24-11/25 and Christmas Day)
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 5-9 p.m. (Santa’s Workshop is open until 9:30 p.m.); Friday-Saturday, 5-11 p.m. (Santa’s Workshop is open until 11:30 p.m.)
Entry fee: $30 per car (up to 8 people)
(262) 835-2565
wichristmascarnival.com
Just 20 minutes south of Milwaukee, the Christmas Carnival of Lights bills itself as “the Midwest’s biggest, brightest, and most dazzling brightest drive-through holiday light show,” with more than 2 million colorful lights covering a 1.6-mile path through the campground.
Enjoy the winter wonderland scenes from the comfort of your vehicle, or get even closer to the lights aboard Santa’s giant sleigh for an open-air experience (starting at $14 per person). On Sundays and Mondays, you can enjoy a sleigh ride with Santa (starting at $26 per person). Or rent a Golf Cart Holiday Train for up to 8 people (4 adults maximum) (starts at $60). Tickets must be purchased in advance online.
Don’t forget to visit Santa in his workshop on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Take your own free picture with Santa for a small donation, or buy a 4×6 photo for $10.
Shop for unique gifts at the Firefly Boutique, cozy up next to the outdoor fire pits with a s’mores kit, or warm up inside with snacks, coffee or hand-crafted hot cocoa.
4. Candy Cane Lane
Location: West Allis between 92nd-96th St. and between Montana Avenue and Oklahoma Avenue.
Dates: Nov. 25-Dec. 25, 2022
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 6-9 p.m.; Friday 6-10 p.m.; Saturday 5-10 p.m.; Sunday 5-9 p.m.
Entry fee: At-will donation to the MACC Fund
(414) 955-5830
candycanelanewi.com
There’s no better way to celebrate the holiday season in Milwaukee than with a visit to Candy Cane Lane. It is the perfect holiday tradition for any family who loves Christmas lights. Just look for the candy canes!
Grab some hot cocoa-to-go, and drive over to this brightly lit West Allis neighborhood (bordered by Montana Avenue on the north, Oklahoma Avenue to the south, 96th Street to the west, and 92nd Street on the east.)
You’ll enter to find a winter wonderland with candy cane-wrapped trees and more than 300 houses full of festive holiday lights. You can drive (with your lights on) or walk through for a chance to see Mr. and Mrs. Claus spreading holiday cheer.
Don’t forget to leave a donation for the MACC fund (which fights childhood cancer) at 95th and Manitoba!
5. Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival
Location: Downtown Milwaukee, including Pere Marquette Park, Cathedral Square Park, and Zeidler Union Square, Wisconsin Avenue
Dates: Nov. 17, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023
Entry fee: FREE
(414) 220-4700
milwaukeedowntown.com
For 24 seasons, the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival has made spirits bright in the city of Milwaukee with its animated sculptures, interactive displays and twinkling street décor.
Take a stroll or a drive and experience the brilliance of more than 500,000 lights throughout downtown’s parks and streets, including Pere Marquette Park, Cathedral Square Park, Zeidler Union Square, and sparking chandeliers on E. Wisconsin Ave. You can also drop off your Christmas list in Santa’s Mailbox at Cathedral Square Park (through Dec. 12).
Don’t miss the return of the Kickoff Extravaganza in Pere Marquette Park on November 17 at 6:30 p.m. (pre-show entertainment starting at 5 p.m.). This holiday spectacular features live musical performances, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, a magnificent fireworks display and complimentary cocoa and cookies.
New this year, Jingle Bus tickets are $5 per person and MUST be purchased in advance at milwaukeeholidaylights.com. Guests can choose their tour date and time online, with a Spanish tour option. (The Jingle Bus will be free on Nov. 17, 7-9 p.m., following the Kickoff Extravaganza.)
Buses will depart from the Warming House at The Avenue, 275 W. Wisconsin Avenue, where parking is only $3 for Jingle Bus riders. Enjoy free treats inside the Warming House, and take in the amenities of the adjacent 3rd Street Market Hall.
6. Lights on Glen Cove (Free)
Location: S71 W16459 Glen Cove Ct. Muskego, WI 53150 (off Janesville Rd.)
Dates: Starting the second week of December
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 5-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 5-10 p.m.
Entry fee: Non-perishable food item or monetary donation for the Muskego Food Pantry
www.facebook.com/lightsonglencove
For a unique experience, marvel at over 35,000 LED lights synchronized to holiday music broadcast on 87.9 FM. The lights run every night starting at 5 p.m., running through 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. on weekends (weather permitting). Special VIP showings are available too!
7. Country Christmas at the Ingleside Hotel
Location: 2810 Golf Rd., Pewaukee, WI 53072
Walking Dates: Nov. 18-20, 2022
Drive-Through Dates: Nov. 25-30, 2022; Dec. 2, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 5-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday and holidays, 5-10 p.m.
Entry fee: $25 per carload Sunday-Thursday; $30 per carload Friday-Saturday and holidays; $7 per person on walking dates
thecountrychristmas.com
Admission to Country Christmas includes The Country Christmas Trail, which features over a million holiday lights festively displayed on a trail that’s more than one mile long. Drive through the countryside and experience enchanting animated figures and holiday scenes from the comfort of your car. Wagon rides are also available.
For three nights only (Nov. 18-20, 2022, 5-9 p.m.), you can walk through the illuminated displays for $7 per person.
The Streets of Bethlehem is a building located at the end of the drive-through trail. Guests can get out of their car and walk through the collection of nearly life-size Fontanini nativity figurines. Country Christmas has the only display of this magnitude in the area, a replica of the Pope’s personal collection.
Christmas Village is another warming house at the end of the trail, where guests can get out of their car and enjoy a hot cup of cocoa or an evening treat while surrounded by a cuddly cast of animated holiday characters and a spectacular working model train display.
8. Enchantment in the Park
Location: Regner Park, 800 N. Main Street, West Bend, WI 53090
Dates: Nov. 25-Dec. 24, 2022
Hours: 5-9 p.m.
Entry fee: Donation of cash, check ($10 is suggested) or non-perishable food items
enchantmentpark.org
This huge twinkling lights display in Regner Park is impressive for all ages. It’s made up of more than one million LED lights and staffed by over 775 volunteers who donate more than 4,600 hours to the event, making it one of the largest light shows in the state.
You can choose to walk or drive through the display (except on Christmas Eve, when you can only drive). It gets very busy on the weekends, so visit during the week if you can. This year, don’t miss the addition of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Bumble.
Visitors can hear live music from local artists and kids will have the chance to meet Santa Claus most nights throughout the event. On Friday and Saturday nights, there’s a fire pit with marshmallows and horse and carriage rides available on a first come, first serve basis ($5 per adult; children under 16 ride free).
Bring a bag of non-perishable food items or $10 cash donation. Since its founding in 2009, Enchantment in the Park has collected and donated more than 18,750 pounds of non-perishable food items to local food pantries and more than $285,000 to nonprofits around Washington County.
9. Miller Valley Holiday Lites
Location: Miller Valley, 3897 W State St, Milwaukee, WI 53208
Dates: TBD
Hours: 6-10 p.m.
Entry fee: FREE
molsoncoors.com
Drive through the historic Miller Valley at Christmastime, and you’ll find a new holiday lights display each year. The illuminated valley comes alive with over half a million LED lights synchronized to music broadcast over the radio. The theme changes each year, and it’s totally free to drive through.
10. Winter Wonders at Boerner Botanical Gardens
Location: Whitnall Park, 6751 S. 92nd Street, Franklin, WI 53132
Dates: Nov. 18, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023; Preview Weekend: Nov. 11-13, 2022 (5-9 p.m.)
Hours: 5-9 p.m. (Line opens at 4:30 p.m., Last entry at 8:45 p.m.)
Entry fee: $25/carload
Website
Gather family and friends for a spectacular drive-through holiday display with more than one million LED lights! The route is about 1.5 miles long, and you can even drive by Santa!
A snow flurry tunnel is a new feature this year, as is the Snack Pack add-on option, which includes two bottled waters with two flavoring packets and an assortment of treats (i.e., Hershey kisses, popcorn balls, cookies, Rice Krispies treats, chips, mini candy bars, hard candy, Tootsie pops, nuts, fruit snacks and more),
Admission includes a holiday gift pack with coupons and gifts (varies nightly), plus an email letter from Santa through Dec. 20. Skip the line and opt for early entry (4:30-5 p.m.) for $35 (limited dates and availability).
11. Kids2Kids Christmas Wonderland
Location: 1150 Cheyenne Avenue, Grafton, WI (corner of Highway 60 and Cheyenne)
Dates: TBD
Hours: TBD
Entry fee: TBD
Website
Celebrate the season of joy and giving with Wisconsin’s ultimate walk-through holiday experience. In the past, the event has featured millions of lights, three mesmerizing light tunnels, hundreds of inflatables and holiday décor pieces, a rink for ice skating villagers, a Christmas market with food and crafts, a nativity scene, Santa’s Workshop with live reindeer, a bustling Christmas Village and more!
Proceeds are utilized to provide new toys to children in need and facing adversity. All guests are also encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy(s) that will be contributed to a child in need in our community.
12. Winter Wonderland in the Garden District
Location: 6th & Howard in Milwaukee, WI
Dates: Nov. 29, 2022-Jan. 6, 2023
Hours: Dusk-Midnight
Entry fee: FREE
Website
It’s Winter Wonderland at the Garden District Community Garden at 6th and Howard in Milwaukee! There is no fee, and you can walk through or drive by at any time through January 6.
A tree lighting will take place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 29, 2022. Get there early (around 6 p.m.) to enjoy caroling by area schools, free cookies and hot chocolate (while supplies last), and lots of photo ops, including one with Santa in the tent.
13. Illuminate Ozaukee
Location: Herman A. Zeunert Park, N25 W5598 Taft St, Cedarburg, WI 53012
Dates: Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 2022
Hours: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Entry fee: $10 suggested donation to support Ozaukee Nonprofit Center and nonprofit partner agencies.
Website
Located in downtown Cedarburg, Illuminate Ozaukee is a drive-through holiday light show that helps support and illuminate the human service nonprofits of Ozaukee County. Tune your radio dial into 93.9 FM when you go through.
Santa will be on hand every night to say hello; bring your letters to drop into his mailbox! Plus, don’t forget to vote for your favorite plot in the display competition. Each one is decorated by a local nonprofits and local businesses.
14. Santa’s Workshop
Location: Washington Avenue, downtown Cedarburg, WI 53012
Dates: Nov. 25, 26, Dec. 2, 3, 10, 16, 17, 20, 23, 2022
Hours: Fridays 5-8 p.m.; Saturdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Tuesday 4-7 p.m.
Entry fee: FREE (donations appreciated)
Website
Thanks to generous grants from the Greater Cedarburg Foundation and Festivals of Cedarburg, Inc., a charming 15×15-foot gingerbread house graces Cedarburg’s Washington Avenue for the entire Christmas season.
Santa and Mrs. Claus often stop by in the days leading up to Christmas. When Santa’s not in to greet guests, you can peek in the windows to see his charming fireplace and the toys he and the elves have been working on!
Santa’s helpers will be welcoming walk-up visitors and scheduling families into time slots the day of each event. On Friday, December 23, Santa and Mrs. Claus will spend the evening walking around Cedarburg and posing for photos!
15. The Lightmare Before Christmas
Location: N102W17515 Lone Oaks Dr., Germantown, WI 53022
Dates: Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, Dusk-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, Dusk-10 p.m.
Entry fee: FREE
Website
The same Germantown house that hosts a not-so-spooky Halloween light show in October also does a very merry Christmas show set to music. It runs from shortly after Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve.
Songs include traditional holiday classics as well as contemporary favorites, and the playlist changes nightly throughout the holiday season. Tune your car radio to 101.5 FM, sit back and enjoy the show.
The house is located in the Lone Oaks subdivision, one mile north of County Line Road and just west of Division Road.
Related Articles:
Did you like this article?
Check out “101 Best Things to do in Milwaukee With Kids“.
