By Kristen Rouse | Photo by Travel Wisconsin
The holiday season is upon us, and there are a plethora of seasonal activities to see and do. And, ’tis the season for holiday light shows — and there are plenty you can drive or walk through (or both)!
While there are many options throughout the state, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite holiday light shows for you to check out.
SOUTHERN WISCONSIN
- Holiday Fantasy in Lights | Madison
The Fantasy in Lights is an annual drive through holiday lights display in Madison. The event is held in Olin Park every holiday season and is free to all.
Runs Nov. 13-Jan. 3. Free event; donations welcome. -
Zoo Lights 2021 | MadisonThe Henry Vilas Zoo’s light display offers a unique way to walk and experience the zoo — at night! Peer at animal-themed light displays, sip a cup of hot cocoa and kiddos can ride the zoo carousel as many times as they’d like! Santa is also available for pictures.Runs through Dec. 30 (Fri-Sun). $10/person; free for children ages 3 and under.
- Christmas Carnival of Lights | Caledonia
Relax inside your own vehicle as you wind your way through this winter wonderland. Book your seat in Santa’s sleigh or take a ride in a golf cart holiday train for a unique experience. Enjoy Christmas in the country with lights on all sides that are high above in the trees and one-of-a-kind hand-crafted displays.
Runs Nov. 27-Jan. 1. Pricing starts at $30/vehicle, based on vehicle size. - Wonderland of Lights | Racine
Drive through the enchanting light displays of delightfully decorated trees, charming characters, a 96-foot tunnel with an incredible show of dynamic designs and more at the Racine Zoo.
Runs Nov. 19-Jan. 2. $5 per person; free for children ages 2 and younger. - Let It Glow | Elkhorn
Let It Glow is a free drive-through holiday festival on the Walworth County Fairgrounds. Whimsical light displays, Balsam Boulevard, Santa and so much more make Let It Glow a delight for all ages.
Runs Dec. 3-5. Free event. - Country Christmas | Pewaukee
Celebrating its 25th anniversary as Wisconsin’s most spectacular drive-through holiday lights event! As part of admission to Country Christmas, you can experience the Country Christmas Trail, Christmas Village and the Streets of Bethlehem.
Runs Nov. 26-Dec. 1; Dec. 3-Jan. 1. Pricing starts at $20/vehicle, based on vehicle size and date. - Winder Wonders | Hales Corners
The 1.4-mile course twists through Whitnall Park and the grounds of the Boerner Botanical Gardens. Dramatic lighting impacts are utilized to change the shades of goliath trees and hedges on the course. From 20-foot-tall inflatable Santas to neon palm trees, there are extraordinary scenes everywhere to view from the comfort of your own car!
Runs Nov. 19-Jan. 2. Pricing starts at $25/vehicle, based on vehicle size. - Magic of Lights | Milwaukee
Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of Milwaukee’s favorite holiday tradition. One carload, one price. Magic of Lights is a great family entertainment value!
Runs Nov. 24-Jan. 2. Pricing starts at $25/vehicle, based on date selection. - Holiday Light Show | Janesville
This year’s dazzling walk-through display on the Rotary Botanical Gardens’ paths features more than ONE MILLION lights, themed light displays and animations for a family-friendly outdoor activity.
Runs Nov. 26-Dec. 30 on select dates. $5 per child; $10 per adult. Kids 2 and under are free. - Wild Lights | Milwaukee
This holiday season, the Milwaukee County Zoo will transform into an illuminated world with millions of twinkling and sparkling lights placed throughout the forests and pathways, letting visitors enjoy an enchanted evening walk under the stars.
Runs Dec. 1-31 on select dates. Online pricing: $16 per child; $18 per adult. Kids 2 and under are free. - Santa Cruise | Lake Geneva
Climb aboard the Lake Geneva Cruise Line for a magical holiday cruise. Aboard the enclosed and heated boats, passengers hear the story of Santa’s summer in Lake Geneva and enjoy the light displays on the shoreline. From the boat, sneak a peek at the shoreline to see Santa’s Hideaway (and Santa himself!) as he reads the names of the children on board who are on his “Nice List.”
Runs Nov. 26-Dec. 30 on select dates. Online pricing starts at $9 per child; $18 per seniors (65+); $20 per adult.
NORTHERN WISCONSIN
- Rotary Lights | La Crosse
More than 3 million lights illuminate La Crosse’s Riverside Park for a beautiful drive-through display. Among the splendor is a 140-foot Christmas tree, and animated light displays fill the park.
Runs Nov. 26-Dec. 31. Free event; cash and food donations welcome. - Lakeside Park Holiday Lights and Light Show | Fond du Lac
Lakeside Park on picturesque Lake Winnebago shimmers with thousands of lights, animated scenes and heart-warming holiday music. See the show in the comfort and warmth of your car!
Runs Nov. 26-Jan. 1. Free event; donations welcome.
- Lights in Lincoln Park Zoo | Manitowoc
Over 70 wild animal light displays (many animated) fill the Lincoln Park in Manitowoc. Drive under beautiful light arches and enjoy numerous other lighting effects.
Runs Nov. 26-Dec. 11; Dec. 16-29. $5/vehicle.
- Making Spirits Bright | Sheboygan
A drive-through holiday lights display choreographed to music. Vehicles of all shapes/sizes can drive the 1.2-mile route. Across the street in Quarryview Center, you’ll find entertainment, concessions, Santa, a wreath raffle and more.
Runs Nov. 26-Dec. 31. Free event; cash and food donations welcome.
- Rotary Winter Wonderland | Marshfield
When it’s time to break out the holiday spirit, it’s time to head over to Rotary Winter Wonderland at Marshfield’s Wildwood Park & Zoo. The zoo glows and twinkles with 2 million LED lights. This marvelous drive-through winter wonderland helps support local food pantries each year. No entry fee, but cash and food donations encouraged.
Runs Nov. 26-Dec. 31. Free event; cash and food donations welcome.
- Enchantment in the Park | West Bend
Enchantment in the Park is a drive-through holiday light show that benefits hungry families and local nonprofits. New in 2021, view a 60-foot, RGB-lights Christmas tree — the tallest in Wisconsin.
Runs Nov. 26-Dec. 24. Suggested cash donation.
- WPS Garden of Lights | Green Bay
The Green Bay Botanical Garden is transformed during the holiday season for a walk-through-only tour, with more than 300,000 twinkling lights that take the form of nature-inspired displays, including an icicle forest and a 60-foot walk-through caterpillar.
Runs Thursday-Sunday now until Jan. 1. $5-20 per person based on peak or value night.
