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 17th from 5:00-7:00 pm. in the “Cheer District”
The tree will be lit up and on display starting Friday, November 17th. There will be a Tree Lighting Ceremony from 5:00 – 7:00 that night that includes live entertainment and holiday activities for all to enjoy.
2. Season to Sparkle at Bayshore
Bayshore recently announced its 4th annual Season to Sparkle Holiday Celebration on Friday, November 17th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. in The Yard.
This year the celebration will include lively entertainment, the Kid Boogie Down dance party, Bayshore’s giant holiday tree, 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 24, 2023
5:00-6:30 p.m.
The Pfister Hotel’s signature holiday tradition is back this year as Santa lights the spectacular lobby tree. Sip warm drinks and nibble on a holiday treat while you enjoy the fun.
To help those in need within our community, they will be collecting food for Hunger Task Force. To contribute, please bring a non-perishable food item.
4. Whitefish Bay Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting (Free!)
Friday, November 24th, 2023
6:00 – 9:00 p.m. (Parade at 6:00 p.m., tree lighting after parade at 7:00 pm)
E. Silver Spring Dr.
Website
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
Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 2:00-6:00
Brighten up your holidays by celebrating with neighbors and friends at the Annual Greenfield Holiday Tree Lighting! This is a FREE event to kick-off the holiday season.
- Festive Music
- Kids Winter Games
- Entertainment
- Photos with Santa & Friends
- Horse Drawn Sleigh Ride
- Konkel Park & Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Free Hot Chocolate (while supplies last)
6. Holiday Town Tree Lighting at the Corners of Brookfield
Saturday, December 2, 2023
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 1, 2023, 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. 2nd, 2023, at 4:45 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.
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The West Allis Christmas Parade is an annual holiday tradition and the premier night-time Christmas parade in southeastern Wisconsin! Enjoy marching bands and live performers, creative floats and vintage vehicles, meet elves and cartoon characters, and of course, wave to Santa Claus himself at the end of the parade.
Check back soon for more local tree lightings!
