Milwaukee Hosts ’27th Annual Holiday Lights Festival Kickoff’

Milwaukee’s downtown was set aglow on Thursday, November 20, 2025 during the “27th Annual Holiday Lights Festival Kickoff,” held at Père Marquette Park hosted by WISN 12 News anchors Diana Gutiérrez and Gerron Jordan, presented by Stein’s Garden & Home.

The bright night of festivity started with pre-show entertainment by Kid Boogie Down. Following this dance warm-up, guests enjoyed performances by DJ Mr. NY, characters from Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s “A Christmas Carol,” Anita’s Dance Center, The Squeezettes, cast members The Diabolos and Jolly from Cirque du Soleil’s “Twas the Night Before…,” Marquette University’s Gold ‘n Blues, Willow Newell – Miss Wisconsin, and Jenny Thiel. Santa and Mrs. Claus also made an appearance. The evening was wrapped up with a fireworks show. Guests in attendance received free cocoa and cookies and took part in free Jingle Bus rides, operated by KB Excursions, after the fireworks.