‘Tis the season for bright lights and shiny things all around the city, but where’s the best place to get a good look at them? Here are a few options for your viewing pleasure.
Olin Park Holiday Lights
Drive through more than 50 light displays with local flavor including the Forward Flamingos and Bucky Badger at Olin Park. The display runs through the end of the year from dusk to dawn. It’s free but donations are accepted.
Santas on Monroe Street
Take a stroll through the Monroe Street neighborhood and you’ll see a 12-foot-tall inflatable Santa on nearly every corner. The quirky new neighborhood tradition is truly a sight to behold. How long will they stay up? That's up to the residents of Monroe Street, so go see them while you can.
The Wisconsin State Capitol Holiday Tree
A holiday tree has been a winter tradition for the state since the early 20th century. This tree's theme commemorates the state's 175-year anniversary and features hundreds of ornaments handmade by Wisconsin’s schoolchildren. You can see the tree from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. It’s expected to stay up through Jan. 7.
Zoo Lights
Head to the Henry Vilas Zoo after dark to see the space lit up with nearly one million lights. The ticketed event runs through Dec. 30 (but will be closed Christmas Eve and Day) and kids under three get in for free.
