Night of Lights
Visitors gather to kick off the holiday season with a community tree lighting accompanied by music, hot chocolate, and Santa. Guests then light lanterns and follow Santa on a caroling stroll through Downtown Waukesha to Riverfront Street. The evening concludes at Riverfront Plaza with the Walk of Lights illumination ceremony, holiday ornament giveaways, treats, and a chance to meet Santa.
Fri, Dec 4, 2026
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Plan Your Visit
Hours
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.; tree lighting at 5:30 p.m.; lantern stroll following tree lighting; Walk of Lights lighting ceremony at 6:15 P.M.
Food & Drink
Hot chocolate is offered at the tree lighting, with treats and goodies after the ceremony.
Parking
Free 2-hour parking is available around Downtown Waukesha, at the South Street Parking Ramp and the Transit Center Parking Ramp. South Street is closest to the tree lighting; the Transit Center ramp is closest to the Walk of Lights, where the event concludes.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Park at the South Street ramp for the closest access to the tree lighting, or use the Transit Center ramp near the Walk of Lights finale.
- Bring a lantern for the stroll, which follows the tree lighting through downtown with Santa and caroling.
- Allow for the event order to change as the evening approaches; the schedule may be adjusted.
- Stay for the finale at Riverfront Plaza to collect a holiday ornament, enjoy treats and meet Santa.
Special Events & Promotions
- Santa will be at the tree lighting and available to meet after the Walk of Lights ceremony.
- Holiday ornaments are given away after the Walk of Lights ceremony.
Links & 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 website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during the evening?
It begins with a community tree lighting with music, hot chocolate and Santa, followed by a lantern stroll and caroling downtown. The evening ends with the Walk of Lights illumination, ornament giveaways, treats and a chance to meet Santa.
Where can I park near the tree lighting and the Walk of Lights?
Free two-hour parking is available around Downtown Waukesha. The South Street Parking Ramp is closest to the tree lighting, while the Transit Center Parking Ramp is closest to the Walk of Lights.
Can I bring a lantern for the stroll?
The event invites visitors to light their lanterns and follow Santa on the stroll.
Is there food or drink during the event?
Hot chocolate is served at the tree lighting, and treats and goodies are offered after the Walk of Lights ceremony.
Can I volunteer to help with the event?
Yes. Volunteers are being sought to help make the event a success.
Browse Christmas in Waukesha
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.