Milwaukee starts holiday season with ‘Holiday Lights Kick-off’ extravaganza

Milwaukee’s annual big start to the holiday season returned to downtown on Thursday, November 21, 2024, with the “Holiday Lights Kick-off” extravaganza at Pere Marquette Park. The grand event marked the start of the “27th Annual Festival of Lights.” The event featured live performances from dancers, singers, and musicians from all around Milwaukee. The highlight was a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus who flipped the switch and turned on the downtown lights. There was also free cocoa and cookies for those in attendance. This year’s Holiday Lights celebration is presented by Johnson Financial Group and runs from November 21, 2024 – January 1, 2025.

Visitors can see all these sights aboard the Jingle Bus, a 40-minute narrated tour that offers a no-fuss way of viewing all downtown Milwaukee has to offer during the holiday season. Tours will operate Thursdays through Sundays, Dec. 5 – 29, 2024 for $8 per person. Tickets must be purchased in advance. The Jingle Bus can be boarded at Courtyard Milwaukee Downtown, 300 W. Michigan Street.