Virtual and “snowcially-distanced” activities slated for six-week festival
MILWAUKEE (Oct. 8, 2020) – Milwaukee’s downtown will shine brightly Nov. 19 – Jan. 1 as more than 500,000 lights and dozens of animated displays are set aglow for the 22nd annual Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival – a “snowcially-distanced” celebration.
The annual display of lights, coordinated by Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21, will transform three downtown parks into winter wonderland scenes – “Community Spirit Park” at Cathedral Square Park, “Tinsel Town Express” at Pere Marquette Park and “Polar Plaza powered by We Energies” at Zeidler Union Square – as well as illuminate three downtown thoroughfares, including an 18-block stretch of lights along Wisconsin Avenue.
The much-anticipated Kickoff Extravaganza variety show in Pere Marquette Park will be postponed this year; however, the festival will continue to start off with a bang. In lieu of an in-person event, WISN 12 will broadcast performances to get the community into the holiday spirit on Thursday, Nov. 19 at 6:30 p.m., and feature an all-new finale that Milwaukee will be talking about.
In another break with tradition, the festival’s Jingle Bus service will also look slightly differently. Pivoting from a warming house and motor coach tour, guests can experience this year’s lighting displays through a virtual or self-guided audio tour of downtown’s most brilliant scenes. The interactive map and audio tour can be accessed at www.milwaukeeholidaylights.com beginning in mid-November.
Among the new attractions for motorists and pedestrians will be window displays designed by Retailworks Inc. Featuring the likenesses of 25+ well-known Milwaukeeans, the four decorated storefronts can be found at 324 E. Wisconsin Ave., 205 E. Wisconsin Ave., 400 E. Wisconsin Ave. and 733-737 N. Milwaukee St. beginning in early November.
Another new highlight of the fest will be grab-and-go gift boxes curated by Milwaukee Food & City Tours. In a new partnership with Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21, Milwaukee Food & City Tours will make Jingle Joy Boxes available for purchase in a socially-distanced drive-through at Zeidler Union Square from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursdays through Saturdays, Dec. 3 – 19. Jingle Joy Boxes will be $15/each and feature goodies from local businesses.
“The Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival will continue to deliver the joy of the holiday season while keeping our residents and visitors safe,” said Beth Weirick, CEO of Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21. “Though we have pivoted slightly from the events locals have come to know and love, this year’s virtual and ‘snowcially- distanced’ version will carry on the tradition of making spirits bright.”
Cathedral Square Park will continue the tradition of hosting a direct connection to the North Pole. Santa’s Mailbox presented by Serving Older Adults returns Nov. 2 – Dec. 6. As part of the magic of the season, boys and girls who drop their letters into Santa’s Mailbox will receive a personalized reply in the mail, provided they include a return address. No postage required.
Also returning this year is the festival’s annual ornament, hand-carved by local artist Andrew Schumann. Perfect for friends, family or business associates, this year’s featured landmark is the Hoan Bridge. Selected for its iconic golden arches, the Hoan Bridge will also appropriately be lit permanently beginning Oct. 22. The Hoan Bridge ornament is available for $19.95 plus shipping and handling at shop.milwaukeedowntown.com. A limited number of past editions are available for $24.95 plus shipping and handling.
For more information on the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival, along with virtual and socially-distanced happenings for the season, visit www.milwaukeeholidaylights.com.
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