Mayor Johnson to Light 2023 City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree on Friday, November 17 at Cheer District, Illuminated by the We Energies Foundation

The City of Milwaukee is ready to tip off the holiday season with its 110th Annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. This year’s event will take place on Friday, November 17 on the plaza at Fiserv Forum in Cheer District, illuminated by the We Energies Foundation. The fun begins at 5:00 p.m., with the tree lighting program starting at 6:00 p.m.

“With both tradition and enthusiasm, Milwaukee is ready to officially launch the holiday season.  We have lit a City Christmas tree for 110 years, and it’s an event that brings together people from all across the city,” Mayor Cavalier Johnson said. “I am so pleased that, once again, we have great partners who have stepped up to make our celebration spectacular.”

The City of Milwaukee City Christmas Tree in Cheer District, illuminated by the We Energies Foundation, will be decked out in 18,000 lights. In addition to producing the lighting ceremony, Milwaukee entertaining and style expert David Caruso took on the tall task of decorating the magnificent tree. “The vibrancy and energy that it will showcase is important for so many reasons as we focus on uplifting the spirits of everyone who visits Cheer District, illuminated by the We Energies Foundation during the next few months,” said Caruso.

“We are thrilled to once again partner with the City of Milwaukee to host such a historic event for downtown Milwaukee,” said Michael Belot, Senior Vice President of Bucks Ventures and Development. “The transformation of Deer District into Cheer District, illuminated by the We Energies Foundation, is the perfect start to the holiday season and we are excited to celebrate the 110th City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree Lighting.”

“The We Energies Foundation is committed to enhancing the well-being of the communities we serve. We hope illuminating the Cheer District brings a little extra joy to our friends and neighbors during this holiday season,” said Beth Straka, President of the We Energies Foundation. “We are delighted to carry on this special tradition.”

The family friendly entertainment starts at 5:00 p.m. presented by United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF). Special guests include DJ Quadi, Bango, Santa Claus, Dancer, Vixen and Cupid of Reindeer Games. Deer District will provide complimentary hot chocolate to the first 500 guests.

Each year the Milwaukee Department of Public Works Forestry division harvests a Christmas tree donated by a local citizen. This year’s beautiful 38-foot Colorado Blue Spruce was donated by Denise Blue and comes from Alderman Mark Chambers, Jr.’ 2nd District.

The 110th Annual City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree in Cheer District, illuminated by the We Energies Foundation, is made possible by our generous sponsors and partners. Sponsors: Deer District, Dynamic Events by David Caruso, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, FPC Live, The Trade Hotel, and VISIT Milwaukee. Partners: City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works Forestry Division, Majic Productions, Canopies, Front Room Studios, KEI Enterprises, Mindspike Design, and Signarama.

The intersection of Vel R. Phillips Ave. and Highland Ave. will be closed to vehicular traffic for the duration of the Tree Lighting Event. Free parking will be available at the Highland Avenue structure at 1030 N. 6th St and the 5th Street structure at 1215 North 5th Street.

About Deer District:

Deer District is Milwaukee’s newest neighborhood and is redefining the city’s downtown. Anchored by the world-class Fiserv Forum, a preeminent sports and entertainment venue and home to the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, the 30-acre Deer District is Milwaukee’s premier location for people to live, work and play, and is a hub for the city’s vibrant future. A year-round destination, Deer District features a myriad of dining and entertainment options in addition to Fiserv Forum including The MECCA Sports Bar & Grill, The Cluckery, The Beer Garden, Good City Brewing, Drink Wisconsinbly, Fat Tuesday and Insomnia Cookies. Deer District also features a large plaza which serves as an ideal setting to enjoy live music, festivals, outdoor movies, fitness classes and other events. Additionally, Deer District includes GATHER at Deer District, the Bucks’ state-of-the-art training center, the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Sports Science Center, the 550 Ultra Lofts apartment building and The Trade Milwaukee, a 200-plus room Marriott Autograph Collection hotel, which are located directly across from Fiserv Forum. Future developments for Deer District include a FPC Live operated music venue, additional high-end apartments, and further commercial, office space, real estate and entertainment opportunities. For more information on Deer District, visit DeerDistrict.com

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.