Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival 2025: Date, Times and Schedule

On Thursday, November 20, downtown Milwaukee will transform into a winter wonderland as more than half a million twinkling holiday lights illuminate Pere Marquette Park and the surrounding streets. The Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Kickoff Extravaganza promises an unforgettable evening of entertainment, festivity, and pure holiday joy—and the best part? It's completely free for families to enjoy.

Mark your calendars for Thursday, November 20 at 6:30pm, when the official lighting ceremony will bring downtown to life with spectacular holiday displays. But savvy festival-goers will want to arrive early—pre-show entertainment kicks off at 5:30pm at Pere Marquette Park, giving families a full hour of performances before the big moment.

A Star-Studded Lineup of Local Entertainment

The evening features an impressive roster of performers:

Kid Boogie Down gets the party started with high-energy dance routines perfect for warming up on a chilly November evening. DJ Mr. NY will keep the festive beats flowing throughout the night, while beloved characters from Milwaukee Repertory Theater's production of "A Christmas Carol" will bring Dickensian magic to the modern celebration.

Dancers from Anita's Dance Center and The Squeezettes will showcase holiday choreography, and families will be treated to gravity-defying performances from The Diabolos and Jolly, cast members from Cirque du Soleil's "'Twas the Night Before..."—a stunning preview of the theatrical magic coming to Milwaukee this season.

Marquette University's Gold 'n Blues will bring their signature school spirit and vocal talent, while Willow Newell (Miss Wisconsin) and singer Jenny Thiel round out the stellar entertainment lineup. And of course, no holiday celebration would be complete without a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus themselves!

Fireworks, Treats, and Tours

The grand finale arrives shortly before 7pm with a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the Milwaukee sky. But the celebration doesn't end there. All guests in attendance will receive complimentary hot cocoa and cookies—the perfect treats to enjoy while soaking in the holiday atmosphere.

After the fireworks, families can hop aboard free Jingle Bus tours of downtown's holiday scenes, courtesy of KB Excursions. These festive rides showcase all the illuminated displays sprinkled throughout the downtown area, offering a comfortable way to experience the magic without braving the cold.

Can't Make It Downtown? Watch From Home

If you can't join the festivities in person, WISN 12 will broadcast the lighting ceremony live at 6:30pm, presented by Stein's Garden & Home. It's a wonderful way to share the excitement with family members who can't make the trip downtown or for those enjoying the warmth of their own homes.

Plan Your Visit

Location: Pere Marquette Park, Downtown Milwaukee
Pre-Show: 5:30pm
Main Event: 6:30pm
Fireworks: Shortly before 7pm
Cost: FREE
Parking: Downtown parking ramps and street parking available; arrive early for best spots
What to Bring: Warm layers, hats, gloves—November evenings can be chilly!

The Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Kickoff Extravaganza has become a beloved Milwaukee tradition, bringing together thousands of residents to officially welcome the holiday season. With its combination of dazzling lights, world-class entertainment, family-friendly atmosphere, and festive treats, it's the perfect way to create magical memories with loved ones.

Whether you're a downtown regular or making a special trip from the suburbs, this free celebration offers something for everyone—from toddlers mesmerized by the twinkling lights to grandparents enjoying the nostalgic magic of the season. The half-million lights will remain on display throughout the holiday season, but there's nothing quite like being there for that first magical moment when Pere Marquette Park comes alive with light.

Bundle up, bring the whole family, and get ready to kick off the most wonderful time of the year in true Milwaukee style. See you downtown on November 20!