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WISCONSIN — There’s nothing like driving around neighborhoods and communities during the holidays to gaze at holiday lights.
From Country Christmas to SnowGlobe, there are dozens of holiday light displays with various themes across the state.
Here’s where you can enjoy one near you.
Calendonia
Event: Christmas Carnival of Lights
Dates: Nov. 23-Dec. 31
This drive-thru holiday show winds its way through Jellystone Park’s campgrounds. Those who attend can also book their seat on Santa’s Giant Sleigh or take a ride on the Golf Cart Holiday Train.
Door County
Event: Capture the Spirit in Sister Bay
Dates: Nov. 29-30
Sister Bay’s village lights up with special decorations, caroling, a holiday art fair and more. It takes place at Waterfront Park on State 42.
Green Bay
Event: Garden of Lights
Dates: Nov. 29-30, Dec. 1, 5-8, 12-15, 19-23, 26-30
Green Bay Botanical Garden’s nature-inspired holiday light show features over 40 enchanting nature-themed light displays and more than 350,000 twinkling lights. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Janesville
Event: Holiday Light Show
Dates: Nov. 29-30, Dec. 1, 5-8, 12-23, 26-30, Jan. 2-4
An after-dark walk, this year’s Gardens’ paths feature more than 1.5 million lights, themed displays and more. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. each day with fina admission at 8:30 p.m.
Kenosha
Event: Jerry Smith Farm Holiday Lights on the Farm
Dates: Nov. 29-Dec. 22
Since 2020, this holiday tradition has dazzled locals with holiday lights around the farm. It not only includes lights but also hot drinks, cozy fires and more. Admission is just $8 per person, and it’s open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Sunday.
La Crosse
Event: Rotary Lights Display
Dates: Nov. 29-Dec. 31
This year, Rotary Lights will celebrate its 30th anniversary at Riverside Park. On select nights, the event will offer carriages ride through the light display. There is also an ice rink with free skate rental as weather allows. Free s’mores will be available and Santa will be in attendance.
Madison
Event: Holiday Fantasy in Lights
Dates: Nov. 9-Dec. 31
Madison’s Olin Park will be lit up from dusk until dawn through the holiday season. Visitors can stroll through the park as they take in over 50 light displays. Entry is free and free candy canes are available from 4:30-10 p.m. every night.
Milwaukee
Event: Holiday Lights Festival
Dates: Nov. 21-Jan. 1
Milwaukee’s annual Holiday Lights Festival is lighting up downtown with holiday cheer. Attendees can hop on a Jingle Bus tour, walk the new Ornament Trail or drop a letter in Santa’s Mailbox. Festivities take place Thursday through Sunday nights.
Franklin
Event: SnowGlobe (Powered by Enchant)
Dates: Nov. 22-Dec. 30
Last year it was Enchant Christmas’ first year in the Badger State. This year, it has a new twist. Attendees will find a light maze inspired by a snow globe. There’s also a village with storefronts featuring local vendors selling foods home decor and more. The event will additionally have an ice-skating trail, a build-a-buddy workshop, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Christmas cocktails and more.
Oshkosh
Event: Celebration of Lights
Dates: Nov. 29-Dec. 31
This Oshkosh holiday tradition boasts over a million twinkling lights. The Celebration of Lights offers visits with Santa, horse-pulled wagon rides, animated light shows and more. Visitor admission fees help support local charities.
Pewaukee
Event: Country Christmas
Dates: Nov. 15-Jan. 1
The more than a mile long Country Christmas Trail features over a million holiday lights. Along the way, visitors can experience a 200-foot tunnel of lights, the Christmas Village and the Streets of Bethlehem. There are several ways to see the lights including, walking nights, biking nights, driving through and wagon rides.
Rhinelander
Event: Lights of the Northwoods
Dates: Dec. 1-Jan.1
Hodag Park will be lit up with joy this holiday season. From 5-9 p.m., visitors can view the lights, listen to holiday music, warm up by bonfires or drive through a tunnel of lights. Celebrations end with a fireworks show on New Year’s Day.
Sheboygan
Event: Making Spirits Bright
Dates: Nov. 29-Dec. 31
Making Spirits Bright is a drive-through lights display choreographed to music. After the 1.1-mile route, visitors can enjoy entertainment across the street in the Quarryview Center. There, guests can find concessions, a wreath raffle and Santa.
Sparta
Event: Sparta Holiday Lights
Dates: Dec. 6-Jan.1
Evan’s Bosshard Park will be decked out with thousands of lights and other displays this holiday season. The Park Lighting Ceremony will follow the Holiday Parade on Dec. 6. Visitors can go Christmas carolling around a bonfire or get their picture taken with Santa on that date.
Wisconsin Dells
Event: Mt. Olympus Nights Of Lights
Dates: Nov. 29-Jan. 4
Over two million lights will transform Mt. Olympus into a breathtaking light show. Guests are encouraged to have their cameras ready for the half-mile stroll through lights. Hot cocoa and snacks are available to purchase at the theme park.
