Illustration of neighbours admiring a cottage yard full of lit snowmen and candy canes (Rotary Lights)

Rotary Lights

Visitors can experience a massive holiday display featuring over three million lights by walking, driving, or taking a carriage ride through Riverside Park. The grounds feature visits with Santa and his reindeer at the Santa House, an ice skating rink with skate rentals when weather allows, and free s'mores roasted near the giant snowman. Guests can also view handcrafted light displays and decorated trees representing local community organizations.

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Plan Your Visit

Website / Tickets

rotarylights.org

When

Tickets

Admission is free. Voluntary food and cash donations are requested. Free s'mores are available nightly, and free skate rental is available when the weather allows the ice rink to be used.

Hours

Daily: 5:00 p.m. until gates close after the last car in line at 10:00 p.m.; Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: 5–9:00 p.m.; New Year's Eve: 5–11:00 p.m. All Abilities Night: 5–8 p.m. Santa: 5–8 p.m. or until the last child in line at 8 p.m. Opening-night parade: 5 p.m.

Ages

All ages

Food & Drink

Hot chocolate, other hot drinks, and cookies are sold in the gingerbread house; chili and mac and cheese are available near the eagle statue, and free s’mores are offered near the giant snowman.

Parking

Street parking near Riverside Park and parking ramps within walking distance; a lot at the north end of the park may be available when there is no traffic line.

Accessibility

Sidewalks run throughout the park with ramps at all intersections, and the Santa House features metal entrance and exit ramps with no steps.

Pets

Pets are allowed on a leash.

Going?

Location

See it and nearby events on the map
Riverside Park · 410 Veteran Memorial Drive, La Crosse Wisconsin Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families and holiday-light fans

Vibe

Festive and dazzling

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Come Monday through Thursday if you want to skip the long traffic line that usually forms on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
  • Bring a food or cash donation, since the display is free and the organizers ask visitors for voluntary food and cash donations.
  • Visit before December 23 if the kids want to see Santa, because that's his last night in the Santa House.
  • Choose All Abilities Night on November 30 if flashing lights or loud music have kept someone in your group from enjoying the show.
  • When the traffic line is long, park on the street or in a nearby ramp and walk in rather than heading for the north-end lot.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Opening night, November 27, starts with a parade, followed by an opening ceremony and fireworks.
  • All Abilities Night is Monday, November 30, with lights and music subdued for visitors sensitive to flashing lights and loud music.
  • The Live Nativity runs on select nights.
  • Carriage rides by Cinderella Carriages and hayrides run on select nights.

Links & Contact

Run by Rotary Clubs of La Crosse

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

Can we drive through, or do we have to walk?

You can do either. Cars drive through once the display opens, and you can walk through the park any time.

Is there food in the park?

Hot chocolate, other hot drinks and cookies are sold in the gingerbread house. The Chili Revolution near the eagle statue serves chili and mac & cheese. Free s'mores are available every night near the giant snowman.

Where do kids see Santa?

Santa visits with children in the Santa House every night through December 23, and a couple of his reindeer are in the park too.

Which nights are least crowded?

Friday, Saturday and Sunday are the busiest, with a traffic line most nights. Monday through Thursday usually has only a short line.

How can my organization decorate a tree in the park?

Trees go to nonprofits that take a volunteer assignment, so apply through the Volunteer tab. Registration closes every year on September 15. A limited number of trees also go to sponsors.

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