A weekly column written by the staff of Discover Wisconsin highlights things to do and see throughout the State of Wisconsin, and is made available for publication to members of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association. The column is accompanied by photos for use in print and online. The Discover Wisconsin logo can be downloaded here.
Once the first frost settles in, Wisconsin shifts into a season of shimmering beauty. Twinkling lights appear along waterfronts, weave through trees, and illuminate neighborhoods, creating enchanting spaces that feel straight out of a snow globe. Visitors can wander glowing trails, admire animated scenes, and experience the holidays in a new, radiant way.
Discover some of the most magical light displays to enjoy this winter:
Rotary Lights – La Crosse County
Set along the Mississippi River in La Crosse’s Riverside Park, Rotary Lights is one of Wisconsin’s largest holiday displays. With more than three million lights, a live nativity, carriage rides, ice skating, and visits from Santa, it’s no surprise that families return year after year. Guests can walk through the park or take the driving route while enjoying magical reflections of the lights shimmering across the river. Don’t forget to bring food and cash donations!
Holiday Fantasy in Lights – Dane County
A Madison winter tradition, Holiday Fantasy in Lights brings hundreds of glowing displays to Olin Park. Visitors can drive or walk through the route and enjoy sparkling characters, festive animations, and breathtaking arches of lights — all while taking in views of Monona Bay and the city skyline. Best of all, this beloved experience is free to enjoy.
Oshkosh Celebration of Lights – Winnebago County
At the Experimental Aircraft Association grounds, the Oshkosh Celebration of Lights covers a 2.4-mile-long route with animated scenes, colorful arches, and nearly a million sparkling lights. Visitors can enjoy special event nights and Santa appearances. This drive-thru experience is perfect for families looking to make a full evening of holiday cheer.
Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival – Milwaukee County
Downtown Milwaukee shines bright during the Holiday Lights Festival, a multi-week celebration featuring decorated parks, interactive displays, and hundreds of thousands of lights. Cathedral Square Park, Zeidler Union Square, and Pere Marquette Park each feature their own festive themes. Walking the downtown loop — cocoa in hand — is a must-do winter tradition.
Garden of Lights at Green Bay Botanical Garden – Brown County
A true winter wonderland, the Garden of Lights transforms the Green Bay Botanical Garden into a glowing landscape of nature-inspired designs. Walk a mile among blooming light flowers, towering light trees, and creatively crafted woodland scenes. This walking experience shines especially bright under a fresh snowfall. New this year, discover two new interactive displays.
Lights in Lincoln Park – Manitowoc County
This zoo-based holiday show adds an extra layer of magic. Visitors can view spectacular light displays while strolling through Lincoln Park Zoo’s pathways. Each year brings new scenes, from glowing animals to festive winter characters. This is the Zoological Society’s largest fundraiser of the year, so make sure to support this season!
From dazzling walk-through gardens to drive-through wonderlands glowing for miles, Wisconsin lights up the winter season with festive shows fit for every holiday lover. Bundle up, grab your favorite people, and get ready to experience the magic of Holiday Light Shows Across Wisconsin.
Josie Bartol is a Marketing Specialist and Project Manager at Discover Mediaworks. Watch the show online at DiscoverWisconsin.com. Follow Discover Wisconsin on Facebook (facebook.com/discoverwisconsin), Instagram (instagram.com/discoverwisconsin), and TikTok (tiktok.com/discoverwisconsin).
