Illustration of a child whispering a wish to Santa in an armchair by the fireplace while an elf holds a list (Lightin' Up Downtown Kenosha)

Lightin' Up Downtown Kenosha

The celebration marks the start of the holiday season with the lighting of the city's towering Christmas tree, decorated with thousands of colorful lights, alongside live entertainment and an appearance by Santa Claus. Visitors can browse a street market, watch a drone light show, and stroll along streets adorned with twinkling lights and creative shop window displays. Local shops and businesses host family activities and offer extended shopping hours throughout the evening.

Details Official site

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Plan Your Visit

Website / Tickets

visitkenosha.com

When

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Kenosha

Food & Drink

Seasonal treats are mentioned as part of the downtown celebration.

Parking

Free parking is available downtown, including the City parking ramp at Eighth Avenue and 57th Street.

Going?

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families and holiday shoppers

Vibe

Festive and community-minded

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive in time for the City's Christmas tree lighting ceremony, since the Lightin' Up activities and promotions start once the tree is lit.
  • Use the free City parking ramp at Eighth Avenue and 57th Street, then walk the decorated downtown streets.
  • Bring your gift list, because downtown shops stay open extended hours with special offers and plenty of locally made gifts.
  • Take the kids to Rhode Center for the Arts, where Santa visits as part of the evening's festivities downtown.
  • Dress warmly, because the street market, drone light show and tree lighting all happen outdoors downtown in late November.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Downtown businesses run special promotions and offers and keep shops open extended hours on Lightin' Up night.

Links & Contact

Run by City of Kenosha, Lakeshore Business Improvement District, Visit Kenosha

Website / Tickets Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during the evening?

The City of Kenosha's Christmas tree lighting comes first, with a program of entertainment and an appearance from Santa Claus. Lightin' Up then carries on downtown with family activities, live entertainment, a street market, a drone light show and special promotions at local businesses.

Where can kids see Santa?

Santa makes a special appearance at the tree lighting and is also at Rhode Center for the Arts.

Where should I park?

Free parking is available downtown, including the City parking ramp at Eighth Avenue and 57th Street.

Can I do holiday shopping while I'm there?

Yes. Downtown shops stay open extended hours with special offers. You'll find locally made gifts and seasonal treats along the decorated streets.

Where does the Christmas tree come from?

Each year a different local family donates a tall evergreen, and the City's Parks Department crew harvests it.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

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