With temperatures seemingly ready to begin their descent to wintry levels this weekend, Milwaukee Downtown BID #21 came through with details about the annual Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival that will bring the twinkle to downtown during the festive season.
This year’s switch will get flipped at the customary kickoff celebration, which is set for 5:30 p.m. Nov. 20 at Pere Marquette Park. The night starts with pre-show entertainment by Kid Boogie Down, followed by a series of appearances/performances from:
- DJ Mr. NY
- Characters from the Milwaukee Rep’s A Christmas Carol
- Anita’s Dance Theater
- The Squeezettes
- Cast members from Cirque du Soleil’s Twas the Night Before …
- Marquette University's Gold 'n Blues
- Christopher Gilbert
- Miss Wisconsin Willow Newell
- Jenny Thiel
- Santa and Mrs. Claus
Things will wrap up once again with a fireworks show scheduled for just before 7 p.m. When the smoke clears, everyone in attendance will have the chance to grab complimentary cocoa and cookies, as well as free Jingle Bus rides operated by the folks from KB Excursions. The motorized tour is a 40-minute, narrated affair that takes passengers to downtown’s featured holiday spots:
- “Community Spirit Park” at Cathedral Square Park
- “Santa’s Celebration Square powered by We Energies” at Zeidler Union Square
- “¡Felices Fiestas!” at Pere Marquette Park
- “Slice of Ice Lights” at Red Arrow Park
Along the way, you’ll also be able to catch the street decorations that line three downtown streets, including the 18-block stretch of silver and gold chandeliers on Wisconsin Avenue. In addition to the free rides Nov. 20, the Jingle Bus will operate Friday through Sunday, Dec. 5-28, with tickets available for $8 per person. The tour has booking times from 5-9 p.m. and departs from the new warming house at Red Arrow Park.
For more information on Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival and more holiday goings-on, visit the Milwaukee Downtown website.
