It doesn’t feel like the holidays until the lights are on outside! Here are 7 worth-the-drive large Christmas light shows in and around Northeast Wisconsin this holiday season. Make sure to add these private home Christmas light displays that are sure to impress as well. Pack your hot cocoa and popcorn and plan a route that will take you past some of the smaller shows on the way to your destination!
1. Oshkosh Celebration of Lights
Oshkosh Celebration of Lights is a 1.2-mile car drive through Menominee Park along the shores of Lake Winnebago. Highlights include a 100-foot tree, sculptured scenes, and animated light displays. This holiday light show is a yearly event and a great event to spot Santa.
- Where: Menominee Park, 520 Pratt Trail, Oshkosh, Wisconsin
- When: November 26, 2021 – January 1, 2022: 5:20 – 9 pm daily
- Admission Cost: $10.00/vehicle ($1.00 off with donation of sealed hygiene items. (Shampoo, deodorant, soap, etc.))
- FREE on the following Community Nights with non-perishable food donations: November 26 & 29, December 3, 5, 14, 17, & 25, 2021.
- 2021 Changes: Santa will be in his Workshop in a non-contact environment from November 26 through December 23, 2021, from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Visitors can drop off Santa letters, take a carriage ride (by reservation only), and enjoy a newly redesigned digital show at the end.
- More Information: www.oshkoshcol.org
2. WPS Garden of Lights
Walk (about 30-45 min.) or ride in a horse-drawn wagon (about 10-15 minutes) through a light tour of over a quarter of a million twinkling lights. Most paths are shoveled and salted and should be accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- Where: Green Bay Botanical Gardens, 2600 Larsen Road, Green Bay, Wisconsin
- When: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays November 26–December 23, 2021
- Additional Dates: Saturday, December 26 – Wednesday, December 30, 2021 & Friday, January 1, 2022
- Admission: Tickets must be purchased online and in advance, see website for ticket and reservation information.
- 2021 Changes: Dated and timed entry tickets must be purchased in advance. Purchase tickets early, it is expected to sell out. Face coverings are strongly recommended in all Garden buildings (ages 2 and up).
- More Information: gbbg.org
3. Lakeside Light Show
Enjoy an approximately 20-minute show with dancing trees! Tune your car radio to 87.9 FM to listen to the synchronized music. This year’s light show is in the park on the hill by the water treatment plant. When entering the park from Main street, take a left after passing the children’s play area. The best spot for viewing is in the parking lot across the street but be careful it does get busy. Don’t forget to see who is on top of the lighthouse!
- Where: Lakeside Park, 555 N Park Ave, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
- When: November 25, 2021 – January 1, 2022: 5 pm to 11 pm
- Admission Cost: FREE (donations accepted for light display)
- More Information: www.travelwisconsin.com
4. Rotary Winter Wonderland
Holiday lights display at Wildwood Zoo, Marshfield with over 1,000,000 L.E.D. lights! They also host many fun activities like Santa visits, horse-drawn carriage rides, and more. Walkthrough or drive through.
- Where: Wildwood Zoo, 608 W 17th St, Marshfield, Wisconsin
- When: Open Daily, November 26 – December 31, 2020: 5 – 9 pm
- Admission Cost: FREE (donations accepted for food pantry)
- More Information: www.rotarywinterwonderland.org
- Ongoing Updates: www.facebook.com/MarshfieldRWW/
5. Making Spirits Bright
A drive-through holiday display by the Sheboygan County Rotary Clubs. Thousands of lights synchronized to music, tune your radio to 89.1 FM while driving through.
- Where: Evergreen Park, 3000 Calumet Dr, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
- When: November 26 – December 31, 2021: 5 – 9 pm
- Admission Cost: FREE (donations accepted for food pantry or light display)
- Drop off a donation for the food pantry or leave a cash donation for the display.
- More Information: makingspiritsbright.com
6. Christmas at the Zoo
Drive through the zoo in the warmth of your car and enjoy lights, holiday displays, decorations, and animals! Kids will receive a treat from Santa Claus. Plan for about an hour to drive through. Families can also purchase animal feed and enjoy a campfire after.
- Where: Shalom Wildlife Zoo, 1901 Shalom Drive – West Bend, Wisconsin
- When: Open Daily November 20 – December 31, 2021: 1 pm – 8:30 pm
(Last car admitted at 7:30 pm) - Closed: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day
- Admission Cost: $10 per person (2 & under are free)
- More Information: www.shalomwildlife.com/christmas-at-the-zoo
7. Santa’s Rock N Lights
Drive-thru light show almost a full mile of nearly 1,000 programmable elements and over 100,000 animated lights dancing to Christmas music.
- Where: Brown County Fairgrounds, 1500 Ft Howard Ave. De Pere, Wisconsin
- When: November 20, 2021 – January 3, 2022
- Admission Cost: Starts at $19.99 / vehicle
- More Information: santasrocknlights.com
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