Travel Wisconsin: Holiday Lights

The dazzle and color of holiday lights are a beloved tradition across Wisconsin. This year there are still incredible light displays bringing seasonal cheer to communities around the state, and many offer safe ways to enjoy them with drive thru options. We want to remind travelers to follow public health guidance and take necessary precautions for safe recreation this season.

La Crosse Rotary Lights at Riverside Park – La Crosse, WI  

Celebrating its 25^th year in 2020, the Rotary Holiday Lights at Riverside Park feature over three million lights that transform the park to a dazzling holiday display along the Mississippi River. The holiday light show features a 140-foot holiday tree and Santa on site each day until Christmas Eve to wave to guests. Visitors can drive, walk or take a carriage ride through the festive riverfront park. Admission is free but donations are appreciate and go towards supporting local food pantries and non-profits.

Christmas Village at Irvine Park and Zoo – Chippewa Falls, WI

Located in the gorgeous Irvine Park and Zoo in Chippewa Falls, this holiday display features over 60,000 lights. The full-size holiday scenes are reminiscent of the Victorian era and local historical replicas. Open now through January 1^st. Admission to the Christmas Village is free but donations are encouraged.

Rotary Winter Wonderland at the Wildwood Park & Zoo – Marshfield, WI

In its 15^th year of festive winter wonder, this light show illuminates the Wildwood Park and Zoo with over 1 million LED lights. The seasonal spirit is bright with the captivating glow and twinkles of these gorgeous displays. Admission is free but donations support 27 local food pantries. The Winter Wonderland is open daily from 5pm-9pm through December 31^st.

Wonderland of Lights at Racine Zoo – Racine, WI

Wonder in the dazzling illuminations and decorations spread across the zoo from the warmth of your car. The light display features a 96ft tunnel with dynamic show designs and is great for guests of all ages.

Admission to the Wonderland of Lights is $5 per person and the light display is open through January 3^rd from Wednesdays to Sundays.

Holiday Light Show at Janesville Rotary Botanical Gardens – Janesville, WI

This iconic holiday show is a seasonal escape into a winter wonderland of more than one million twinkling lights. The gorgeous display offers unparalleled family-friendly, festive fun and is a beloved tradition for many across Wisconsin. The Holiday Light Show is open every weekend until December 30^th from 4:30-9pm. Advanced ticket purchase for a specific night is required.

Holiday Fantasy in Lights at Olin Park – Madison, WI

From now through January 3^rd, each night Olin Park in Madison comes alive with the festive sights and scenes of holiday light displays. As you loop around the park, visitors are treated to gorgeous lake views of downtown Madison and the capitol. The annual drive-through light show is free but donations support community organizations. 

We love helping travelers find ways to celebrate the season, but please call ahead to destinations to check if their hours or offerings have changed, and learn what necessary health precautions are in place. For more great travel ideas and resources, visit TravelWisconsin.com or call 1-800-432-TRIP.