We Energies Foundation lights up Milwaukee for holidays

While keeping the lights on is everyday business at We Energies, the holidays call for some extra cheer. The Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival begins Nov. 17, presents nightly displays through Jan. 1 and includes multiple events that bring holiday lights to the city. The We Energies Foundation has helped sponsor the festival since its inception 18 years ago.

The Holiday Lights Festival begins with the Kick-Off 

Extravaganza at Pere Marquette Park on Nov. 17.

Lighting festivities begin at City Hall with the 103rd annual tree lighting by Mayor Tom Barrett at 5:29 p.m. After the tree is lit, viewers are invited to walk across the Kilbourn Avenue Bridge to Pere Marquette Park for the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Kick-Off Extravaganza, organized by Milwaukee Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) #21. Here music and dance groups will energize the crowd to help turn on more than 500,000 lights throughout downtown.

The lights and holiday cheer continue after the event with Jingle Bus rides, Santa’s mailbox and other happenings throughout the holiday season. A full list of these events can be found on the Milwaukee Downtown website.

“The support of We Energies has been critical in bringing this free family fun event to downtown Milwaukee,” says Beth Weirick, CEO of Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21. She thanks We Energies for its “support and commitment in making downtown Milwaukee a great destination that not only enhances the city but also helps to build a stronger region.”

If you can’t make the event, tune in to WISN 12 Live at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17, and catch the fireworks and performances at Pere Marquette Park. Or take a walk during the holiday season through some of the many sites, including the North Pole Power Depot in Zeidler Union Square adjacent to the We Energies offices, where the light animations depict Santa’s elves decorating, shopping, building and shipping as they prepare for the holidays.