MILWAUKEE — This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival. A brand new attraction will kick off the festivities beginning Nov. 6.

The Ornament Trail, a collection of 15 larger-than-life ornaments, will be displayed along Wisconsin Avenue and Water Street this holiday season.

What You Need To Know

  • This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival

  • The brand new Ornament Trail, a collection of 15 larger-than-life ornaments, will be displayed along Wisconsin Avenue and Water Street

  • The Ornament Trail Activity Guide has activities for kids and also features coupons for businesses along the trail

  • The ornaments will be on display from Nov. 6, 2023 to Jan. 6, 2024

The oversized ornaments were hand-painted by local and national artists with ties to Milwaukee, according to a news release from Milwaukee Downtown.

“We are thrilled to announce this new feature to the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival,” said Beth Weirick, CEO of Milwaukee Downtown, Business Improvement District #21. “There’s no better way to celebrate 25 years of magical moments with Milwaukee-area families than showcasing Milwaukee artists during the holidays.”

The ornaments will be placed at 15 different spots along the trail and will be on display until Jan. 6, 2024.

Milwaukee residents and visitors can find all the ornaments with the Ornament Trail Activity Guide. The free guide has activities for kids and also features coupons for businesses along the trail. These coupons include a complimentary hot cocoa from Café at the Pfister, a free scoop of ice cream from Baskin-Robbins, a free cannoli from Proof Pizza and more. You can preview all the deals on the Milwaukee Downtown website.

Here’s a look at the ornaments, where they’ll be and the artists that created them.

Related Stories