103 Annual City Christmas Tree Lighting to Take Place Thursday

The 103rd Annual City Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place Thursday in Milwaukee. 

Rex Hayes and Anna Maria Wallace donated this year's tree.

The event starts at 5:00 PM at City Hall, with the actual lighting happening at 5:29.

With more than 5,000 lights and 150 ornaments, it should be a spectacular sight.

Performances include the Lincoln Center of the Arts Ambassador Choir, Salvation Army Brass Ensemble, and the cast from the Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s “A Christmas Carol.” 

There will be special appearances by Santa Clause and his reindeer, Rudolph, Vixen & Holly, and characters from the Milwaukee Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.”

Custom ornaments crafted by local artists will be hung from the tree to represent Milwaukee’s many flourishing neighborhoods.

Hot cocoa will be provided by Starbucks.

After the tree lighting, the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival kick-off extravaganza will begin at 6:30 PM at Pere Marquette Park. Live music begins at 5:30 PM, followed by holiday entertainment, a visit from Santa and fireworks show.

Free hot cocoa and cookies, plus Jingle Bus rides, will be available and are presented by Meijer