Spectacular lights adorn many a tree and building in downtown Milwaukee during the holidays, but not everyone knows all of the "hot" spots. These are the can't-miss displays, plus a sure-fire way to see them without getting a cold nip on the nose. Parks that are part of the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival will have decorations on display from Thursday, November 19, 2009 through Sunday, January 3, 2010.
- Cathedral Square Park
This year, the theme at Cathedral Square is “Community Spirit Park.” Fifty metro Milwaukee schools have adorned fresh evergreens with handmade ornaments, and energy-efficient LED lights will keep a 50-foot tree glowing red, blue or green.
Where: North Jefferson and East Wells streets
- Pere Marquette Park
Busy elves will surely be toiling throughout the park, living up to their title of “Santa’s Little Helpers.”
Where: West State and Old World Third Streets
- Zeidler Union Square
I'm picturing water -- and pirates -- but we'll have to wait until November 19 to see what the "Holiday High Seas" decorations will look like.
Where: West Michigan between 3rd and 4th streets
- Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee's grand avenue will be decked with double wreaths of white and blue, and completed with six-foot Moravian stars suspended above each intersection.
The Jingle Bus
Don't know your way downtown, or don't want to freeze out in the cold? Why not see the sights from inside the toasty Jingle Bus. Forty-minute narrated rides through the heart of the festival zone are available for just $1 from 6 - 9 p.m. on Thursdays - Sundays, November 20 – January 3. The last bus departs at 8:20 p.m., so don't be late!
The Jingle Bus departs from the Warming House at The Shops of Grand Avenue (161 W. Wisconsin Ave.), and discounted parking is available in The Shops of Grand Avenue parking structure for $2 with a Jingle Bus voucher.
The Jingle Bus will not operate Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day or New Year’s Day.
Candy Cane Lane
Although it's not located downtown, don't forget about Candy Cane Lane if you want to see a great neighborhood light display. Proceeds from visitors to Candy Cane Lane benefit the MACC Fund -- another great reason to check it out.
