When the nights grow long and the air turns crisp, Milwaukee trades fall colors for the cozy warm glow of winter lights. From downtown parks that sparkle to drive-thru spectacles that fill car-fulls of friends with cheer, the city takes the chill out of winter with creativity and color.
Whether you’re here with family, friends, or a private City Tours MKE group tour, these are the can’t-miss light displays to brighten your season.
Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival
Downtown Milwaukee shines brightest during the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival, running November 20, 2025, through January 1, 2026. Now in its 26th year, the event transforms the heart of the city into a twinkling wonderland, with more than 500,000 lights stretching across Cathedral Square Park, Zeidler Union Square, and Pere Marquette Park. Even Wisconsin Avenue joins the glow with oversized chandeliers suspended above the street.
Of course, you can also join the City Tours family and join us for our own Christmas lights tour in Milwaukee.
Winter Glow Experience at Brown Deer Park
If you like your lights larger-than-life, head to the Winter Glow Experience at Brown Deer Park, a drive-thru holiday light show featuring mile-long displays of animated scenes and tunnels of color. You can tune your radio to a synchronized holiday soundtrack and enjoy the show from the warmth of your car – ideal for cold nights or families with little ones.
It’s an easy addition to an evening out, and since tickets are per vehicle, it’s also one of the best value winter attractions in the city.
Wild Lights at the Milwaukee County Zoo
From November through December, the Milwaukee County Zoo hosts Wild Lights, an illuminated journey through themed animal displays. Giant glowing giraffes, twinkling elephants, and forests of color light up the walking paths. It’s equal parts enchanting and educational, with each zone designed to celebrate wildlife and conservation.
Warm drinks and snacks are available throughout the grounds, and the atmosphere is pure holiday joy. It’s a perfect choice for families, couples, or anyone who never quite grew out of their love for Christmas lights.
Candy Cane Lane in West Allis
No Milwaukee winter is complete without a trip to Candy Cane Lane, the city’s most beloved neighborhood light tradition. Stretching across several blocks of West Allis, this volunteer-run event raises funds for the MACC Fund, which supports childhood cancer research. Nearly every home takes part, decking lawns and rooftops with glowing Santas, reindeer, and thousands of lights.
It’s best enjoyed by car with a thermos of cocoa, windows down just enough to hear the music drifting from front yards. Donations are accepted at the entrance, and your contribution helps keep the tradition shining year after year.
Light & Sound Spectacles Beyond the City
If you’re up for a short drive, several nearby light shows make for an easy winter evening escape. Enchantment in the Park in West Bend features over a million lights and a live nativity scene. Farther north, Christmas in Candyland in Grafton fills the fairgrounds with animated displays and themed zones. These smaller-town attractions capture the cozy spirit of Wisconsin’s winters – community-run, heartfelt, and just the right amount of kitsch.
How to Make It a Tour
For private groups or company outings, our team can create a custom holiday lights route, complete with warm stops for mulled wine, cocoa, or dessert. Imagine your group gliding past the lights downtown in a comfortable private bus, music playing, the city glowing outside.
We can also build an itinerary that includes stops at the Holiday Lights Festival or Wild Lights before dropping your group off at a favorite downtown bar or restaurant. It’s an easy, festive way to enjoy the season – no parking stress, no planning required.Explore our custom Milwaukee tours if you want a tailor-made itinerary, or consider our own Christmas lights tour in Milwaukee.