Mayor Johnson to Tip Off Milwaukee’s Holiday Season at 2025 City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree Lighting at Cheer District, Presented by the We Energies Foundation

The City of Milwaukee will open the holiday season with its 112th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration. This beloved holiday tradition returns Friday, November 21, to the plaza at Fiserv Forum in Cheer District, presented by the We Energies Foundation. Festivities kick off at 5:00 p.m., leading up to the tree lighting at 6:00 p.m.

“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.”

The City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree in Cheer District, presented by the We Energies Foundation, will sparkle with more than 600 colorful ornaments and 3,800 glowing lights in white, blue, magenta, purple, and green. Forty-five glowing LED snowflakes and stars will dance across the branches, filling the space with a sense of wonder and holiday cheer. A brilliant 6-foot LED White Northern Burst crowns the top of the tree, casting a brilliant glow over the celebration. Milwaukee entertaining and style expert David Caruso once again brings his signature creativity to the decorating of the tree, making it a breathtaking centerpiece for the city’s holiday celebration. “It’s always an incredible honor to design the official City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree — a tradition that brings our community together in the spirit of joy and celebration,” said Caruso. This year’s theme, Together We Shine Brighter, is all about the power of unity. When we come together as a city — with our creativity, compassion, and connection — Milwaukee truly shines its brightest.”

Adding to the excitement, “Mr. Bucks in Six,” Brandon Jennings, will join Mayor Johnson to help light the 2025 Christmas Tree and get the holiday started right.

“We are proud to once again partner with the City of Milwaukee to bring this cherished tradition to life in the heart of downtown,” said Michael Belot, Milwaukee Bucks Senior Vice President of Business Operations & Chief Real Estate Development Officer. “Each year, the transformation of Deer District into Cheer District, presented by the We Energies Foundation, captures the joy and togetherness of the holiday season. We can’t wait to celebrate the 112th City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree Lighting and share the magic with our community.”

“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.”

The entertainment lineup promises something for everyone this year. Back for another great performance, Guyton Entertainment returns with DJ YC and Milwaukee’s piano man extraordinaire, Marcell Guyton, founder of The Rhythm Kings. Adding to the festivities, carolers from the Milwaukee Repertory Theater will perform a medley from their 50th Anniversary production of A Christmas Carol, while the Varsity Drumline from Reagan High School brings the rhythm and energy of Milwaukee Public Schools. Attendees will also enjoy fan-favorite Bango spreading the holiday cheer, alongside Dancer, Cupid, and Vixen of Reindeer Games, and of course, Santa Claus himself. The New Fashioned will once again provide complimentary hot chocolate to all guests.

This year’s celebration is bigger and brighter than ever, offering even more ways for families to enjoy the holiday spirit together. Guests can explore an up-close display of City of Milwaukee vehicles, including Department of Public Works equipment, a Milwaukee Fire Department engine, and Milwaukee Police Department vehicles. MPD’s mounted patrol will also be on-site, adding to the festive atmosphere and providing great photo opportunities for attendees of all ages.

As the City’s annual Tree Lighting Celebration takes place in Cheer District, the holiday spirit will extend throughout the plaza with the opening day of the first-ever Deer District Holiday Market, presented by Deer District BID #53. Happening at the same time as the Tree Lighting Celebration, families can enjoy both events together as the market comes to life with a curated lineup of local vendors, holiday-themed photo opportunities, and seasonal food and beverage specials from Deer District establishments. The market will continue through November 30 on the Plaza at Fiserv Forum.

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 Kaitlyn Schmidt Thabet and Amgad Thabet and comes from Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic’s 14th District.

The 112th Annual City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree in Cheer District, presented by the We Energies Foundation, is made possible by our generous sponsors and partners. Sponsors: Deer District BID 53, Dynamic Events by David Caruso, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, The Trade Hotel, and VISIT Milwaukee. Partners: Majic Productions, Canopies, KEI Enterprises, Mindspike Design, and Elevated Identity.

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 (1030 N. 6th St.) and the 5th Street structure (1215 N. 5th St.). Bikes can also be secured at bike racks located at these structures for anyone who prefers to bike in.

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.