Deer District to Transform Into Cheer District, Presented by the We Energies Foundation, for 2025 Holiday Season
City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree to be lit by Mayor Cavalier Johnson on Friday, Nov. 21, in Cheer District
MILWAUKEE (Nov. 14, 2025) – Deer District will transform into Cheer District, presented by the We Energies Foundation, for the seventh consecutive year starting tomorrow, Nov. 15, through Jan. 15. The City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree will also be displayed in Cheer District for the fourth straight year and lit by Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson at a ceremony on Friday, Nov. 21.
“It is our pleasure to present Cheer District this holiday season for our friends and neighbors,” said Beth Straka, President of the We Energies Foundation. “Illuminating the Cheer District has become a special tradition for the We Energies Foundation. This holiday season we are delighted to warm your hearts and your homes.”
Dynamic Events by David Caruso, designer of the City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree, will produce the tree-lighting ceremony on Nov. 21 with Mayor Johnson. The City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree is the second-longest running official tree in the United States after New York City, with this year marking the 112th year of the city’s tree.
“Milwaukee embraces the Christmas spirit every year, and Cheer District is a center of our city’s celebrations,” Mayor Cavalier Johnson said. “I am grateful to all the partners who continue our tradition and make this event an annual success.”
Celebrations for the City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree Lighting on Nov. 21 will begin at 5 p.m. with a live band, performance by DJ YC, provided by Guyton Entertainment, and a special performance by Milwaukee Rep celebrating its 50th anniversary of A Christmas Carol. The tree-lighting ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. with Mayor Johnson and special guest appearances by Bango, Santa Claus and Dancer, Cupid and Vixen of Reindeer Games.
Free parking will be available to attendees in the Highland Structure, located at 1030 N. 6th St., and 5th Street Parking Structure, located at 1215 N. 5th St. For more information on all upcoming events, visit www.deerdistrict.com.
In addition to the City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree, more than 30 trees will be lit up around Fiserv Forum. The following events and attractions will take place throughout the holiday season in Cheer District:
- Deer District Holiday Market from Nov. 21-30 featuring seasoned crafters, artists, freelance designers and more
- Hanukkah Menorah from Dec. 14-22
- Fireworks on New Year’s Eve after the Bucks game, starting at 10 p.m.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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