'It's so fancy!': Pfister Hotel hosts lobby tree lighting ceremony with Santa and Mrs. Claus

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- An iconic Milwaukee fixture is ready to spread holiday cheer.

"After Thanksgiving, 2:00 a.m., 3:00 a.m., we start decorating this place for Christmas holidays," said Briana Greer, chef concierge at the Pfister Hotel.

Santa and Mrs. Claus officially light the lobby tree Friday, Nov. 24, at the Pfister.

"It's a tradition that's been going on for long before any other tree lightings, so we are the first one," Greer said. "I think it represents people coming together."

Each year, hundreds of families gather at the historic Milwaukee landmark to watch the ceremony, hot chocolate in hand.

"Just something fun we all get to do together," said attendee, Mandy Ziemienski. "It's so fancy!"

For many, it's an annual tradition.

"A lot of people actually don't make a point to come to the hotel even though we are open to the public, so I think for them, it's a special occasion," Greer said.

The Christmas kickstart is complete with carols and visits with Santa.

"Just the joy in their eyes is what it's all about," visitor Dean Ziemienski said about his kids.

For the season of giving, the Pfister is collecting food donations for Hunger Task Force.

"In the next month, I mean it's a lot, tons and tons of donations. We're probably over there twice a week," Greer said.

The tree lighting ceremony is the first of several holiday events at the Pfister Hotel, including Breakfast with Santa.

"It's our huge kickoff of just all the fun festivities to come," Greer said.

Click here for a list of holiday events at the Pfister.