🎄 Holiday Lights Around the Greater Milwaukee Area (2025)

The holiday season is a magical time in Southeast Wisconsin. Twinkling lights, festive displays, and seasonal cheer can be found all across the Milwaukee area. Whether you are looking for a drive through light show, a family friendly walk through experience, or downtown holiday festivities, here is a guide to some of the best light displays to visit this year.

🌟 Country Christmas Light Show | Pewaukee

Where: The Ingleside Hotel, Pewaukee
When: Nov. 28 to Jan. 3

One of Wisconsin’s most beloved holiday traditions, Country Christmas features more than a million lights along a scenic drive through trail. Guests can enjoy village scenes, animated displays, and festive photo opportunities.

Website: https://www.thecountrychristmas.com/the-experience/

💡 Illuminate Ozaukee | Cedarburg

Where: Zeunert Park, Cedarburg
When: Dec. 4 to 6, 11 to 13, 18 to 22

Illuminate Ozaukee is a community focused drive through light display featuring themed scenes created by local nonprofits and businesses. A suggested donation supports the Ozaukee Nonprofit Center and participating organizations.

Website: https://ozaukeenonprofitcenter.org/illuminate-ozaukee/

🍭 Candy Cane Lane | West Allis

Where: 92nd to 96th Streets between Oklahoma and Montana Avenue
When: Nov. 28 to Dec. 25

A classic Milwaukee area tradition, Candy Cane Lane features more than 300 homes decorated with holiday lights. Visitors can walk or drive through the neighborhood at their own pace. Donations benefit the MACC Fund.

Website: https://candycanelanewi.com/about.php

✨ Walk of Lights | Waukesha

Where: Riverfront Plaza, Downtown Waukesha
When: Dec. 5 to Jan. 31

Enjoy a peaceful walk along the riverwalk while taking in holiday lights wrapped around bridges, walkways, and scenic downtown spaces.

Website: https://www.waukesha-wi.gov/residents/walk-of-lights.php

🐾 Wild Lights | Milwaukee County Zoo

Where: Milwaukee County Zoo
When: Nov. 21 to 29 and Dec. 3 to 31

Wild Lights transforms the zoo into a walk through holiday experience with animal themed light displays, music, and seasonal treats. This is a favorite for families and visitors of all ages.

Website: https://milwaukeezoo.org/visit/upcoming-events/wild-lights/

🎆 Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival | Downtown Milwaukee

Where: Cathedral Square, Pere Marquette Park, Zeidler Union Square, and surrounding downtown areas
When: Nov. 20 to Jan. 1

Downtown Milwaukee shines during the Holiday Lights Festival with hundreds of thousands of lights, public art installations, and seasonal attractions throughout the city center.

Website: https://www.milwaukeedowntown.com/bid-events/milwaukee-holiday-lights-festival

🎁 Other Holiday Light Displays to Check Out

Christmas in the Ward | Historic Third Ward, Milwaukee

A festive evening featuring holiday lights, music, and shopping throughout the Historic Third Ward. Event details are typically released closer to December.

Snowglobe Holiday Festival | Franklin

Held at Ballpark Commons, this winter festival includes holiday lights and family friendly activities. Dates run from late November through late December.

Christmas Carnival | Caledonia

Hosted at Jellystone Park, this colorful holiday event features lights, music, and family attractions. Tickets and schedules are available on the Jellystone Park Caledonia website.

Mitchell Park Domes Holiday Show | Milwaukee

The Mitchell Park Domes feature seasonal floral displays and holiday themed decorations inside the iconic glass domes.

📌 Tips for Visiting Holiday Light Displays

Check schedules and ticket requirements before heading out, as some events have limited dates or timed entry. Dress warmly since many displays are outdoors. Visiting earlier in the evening can help avoid crowds at popular locations.