Milwaukee unveils Ornament Trail for Holiday Lights Festival's 25th anniversary

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee is marking the 25th anniversary of the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival with the introduction of the Ornament Trail, a new attraction featuring 15 large, hand-painted ornaments situated along Wisconsin Ave. and Water St.

The festival, which has been a staple in Milwaukee for a quarter-century, offers residents and visitors a chance to experience the city's holiday spirit in a unique way. The Ornament Trail will be open from Monday, Nov. 6 through Jan. 6, 2024.

Each ornament, sponsored by downtown properties, local businesses and organizations, was crafted by artists both local and national, all of whom share a connection to Milwaukee.

Among the ornaments, visitors can find "Untitled" by The Couto Brothers outside of Northwestern Mutual Tower and Commons, "Current Pastimes" by Dave Watkins outside the U.S. Bank Center and "Winter’s Rabbit" by Drew York at 600 EAST Café. "Winter Reflections" by Josephine Rice can be seen near The Milwaukee Club, while "Lotería Holiday" by Nicole Acosta is displayed outside The Pfister Hotel. "Merry & Bright in Flight" by John Kowalczyk is located outside PNC, with "Flourish & Frolic" by Emma Daisy Gertel outside Two-Fifty.

The trail continues with "The Four Graces" by Nova Czarnecki at the Railway Exchange Building, "Merry in Pink" by Monique Machut outside Chase Tower and "Dwennimmen (Ram’s Horns)" by Brad Anthony Bernard and Grace Gasser at MIAD Gallery at The Avenue. Visitors will also come across "Paz, Amor Y Amistad" by Mauricio Ramirez outside The Capital Grille, "Snow Season" by CERA outside Kohl’s, "Painting the Town" by Dave Watkins at The Clark Building, "The Joys of Winter" by Rozalia Singh at 1000 N. Water St. and "Life Has Always Gathered Here" by Jeff Zimpel outside the Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel.

Those who attend can take a look at the Ornament Trail Activity Guide, which not only offers a comprehensive overview of each ornament's location and artist but also features coupons for businesses located along the trail.

More information can be found at the Milwaukee Downtown website.