Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival
Dates: November 20, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Downtown Milwaukee will be aglow with over a half million lights during the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival presented by Johnson Financial Group
Recurrence:Recurring daily
🎄 Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival
The Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival is one of the biggest and most beautiful winter events in the city. It transforms downtown into a glowing holiday wonderland with more than 500,000 lights, decorated parks, sculptures, and festive displays.
The festival runs November 20 through January 1, which means this weekend (Dec 12–14) is the perfect time to enjoy it.
✨ What to Expect at the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival
You can explore lights, displays, and holiday décor in places like:
- Pere Marquette Park
- Cathedral Square Park
- Zeidler Union Square
- Red Arrow Park
- Along downtown streets and walkways
Each area has its own theme and photo-worthy setups.
🚍 Jingle Bus Details for the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival
There’s also the Jingle Bus, a cozy 40-minute narrated ride that takes you to the main decorated spots. It’s a fun, easy option if you’d rather stay warm while touring the lights.
Jump on the Jingle Bus
Jingle Bus Tours
*Weather permitting*
December 5 – December 28
Fri – Sun | 5pm to 9pm
Tours depart from Red Arrow Park
Hop on the Jingle Bus and cruise through Milwaukee’s holiday glow! This 40-minute guided tour takes you to the best light displays around downtown, including the festive scenes at Cathedral Square Park, Zeidler Union Square, Pere Marquette Park, and Red Arrow Park. A cozy, magical way to take in the city’s winter wonderland!
Heads up on the new boarding location!
Jingle Bus tours will now depart from Red Arrow Park, so be sure to dress warm while you wait. Riders will receive a free cocoa and cookie from Biggby Coffee, and once the Slice of Ice rink opens, you can enjoy skating before or after your tour. Skate rentals are $11 for adults and $9 for kids, or bring your own skates and skate for free.
Parking for the Jingle Bus is available at the BMO Tower garage (771 N. Broadway) for just $3.24 with validation. Stop by the Jingle Bus info table for details.
Please note: the Jingle Bus runs free from Pere Marquette Park on Kickoff Night, Nov. 20. All service is weather permitting.
Jingle Bus tickets are $8 per person and can be purchased at the link below. Guests can choose their tour date and time online, with an option to take a Spanish language tour on Sundays. Tickets may also be purchased on-site with cash.
❤️ Why It’s Great for This Weekend
- Perfect for a winter night out
- Beautiful for couples, families, or friend groups
- Tons of holiday photo opportunities
- Free or low-cost outing
- The whole downtown area feels festive and alive
