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Thiensville Christmas Tree Lighting

Thiensville kicks off their holiday season on Friday, December 5 from 6-7 PM with the annual Village Christmas Tree Lighting. Join friends and neighbors at the Walgreens corner for an evening of cheer, carols, and twinkling lights. Enjoy hot cocoa, refreshments, and a visit from Santa on a fire truck. 

Brown Deer Holiday Lights

This community tradition features the official lighting of the Village Holiday Tree and menorah in the Original Village on Sunday, Dec. 7. Activities kick off at 3 PM with the Brown Deer Farmers Market Winter Market at the Brown Deer Beer Garden located at 8725 N. Deerwood Dr. in the Original Village. Starting at 4 PM, there will be caroling, refreshments, and family-friendly activities at the North Shore Fire Station located at 4401 W River Lane. All activities are free. The tree and menorah lighting will take place at 5 PM.

Downtown Milwaukee Festival of Lights

Downtown Milwaukee transforms into a winter wonderland as more than half a million twinkling holiday lights illuminate Pere Marquette Park and the surrounding streets. The Milwaukee Holiday Lights have become a beloved Milwaukee tradition, bringing together thousands of residents to officially welcome the holiday season.

Illuminate Ozaukee

Illuminate Ozaukee transforms Zeunert Park into a dazzling winter wonderland featuring displays created by local nonprofits and area businesses. This isn't just a light show—it's a celebration of community that supports the vital work of Ozaukee County nonprofits. Illuminate Ozaukee takes place December 4-22 (Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays), plus Sunday, December 21 & Monday, December 22. Admission: $20 suggested donation per vehicle (cash or credit accepted).

Winter Glow at Brown Deer Park

The most significant addition to Milwaukee County's holiday offerings arrives this season with Winter Glow at Brown Deer Park, a mile-long drive-through experience running November 20, 2025 through January 4, 2026. Located at 7835 N. Green Bay Road, this inaugural display features dazzling lights perfectly synchronized to cheerful holiday music broadcast to your car radio. The approximately 60-minute experience allows families to stay cozy while immersed in festive illumination, with treats available for purchase. Hours run 5 PM to 9 PM nightly with tickets starting from $16.

ROAD TRIP: Irvine Park Christmas Village

When the holiday season arrives in Wisconsin, few places capture the festive spirit quite like the Irvine Park Christmas Village in Chippewa Falls. Open daily from 7 am to 9:30 pm from Thanksgiving Night through January 1st, the Christmas Village offers ample opportunity to fit a visit into your holiday schedule. This display features over 125,000 twinkling lights in the backdrop of Victorian-era scenes throughout the park that transports visitors back in time. See our guide.

More Local News + Adventures

[Sponsored] Create holiday sign-up forms quickly and easily with Jotforms 

Reindeer encounter experiences in greater Milwaukee

North Shore Holiday gift guide 

North Shore History: Bayshore Theater

Theater performances near the food court at Bayshore Mall, circa 1982. Source: Estate sale find via Kodachrome Milwaukee

See you out there,
North Shore Family Adventures

P.S. Forward this guide to anyone still asking, “What should we do this November???”