The holiday season officially gets started with the City of Kenosha Christmas Tree Lighting and Lightin’ Up on the day after Thanksgiving – Friday, November 29. All are invited to join the festivities in Downtown Kenosha!
The City of Kenosha Christmas Tree Lighting is at a new location this year: next to City Hall at Veterans Memorial Park, 5220 Sixth Avenue. The family of Douglas F. DeMoe generously donated the blue spruce. The tree weighs over 2,500 pounds and is over 25 feet tall. It was installed at Veterans Memorial Park on November 12.
The free Tree Lighting program begins at 3:30 p.m. on November 29. Live entertainment including Ben Mulwana and caroling will lead up to the tree lighting, which will be led by Mayor David Bogdala and Santa Claus. Mrs. Claus will be present as well. The tree lighting will happen at 4:30 p.m. More lights, more activities, and more special winter surprises will make this a tree lighting event you won’t want to miss!
"We will gather as a community to celebrate the season and the spirit of togetherness that makes Kenosha so special. I want to thank the Lakeshore Business Improvement District and Visit Kenosha for their collaboration to make this year's Lightin' Up Downtown celebration a magical experience for all," states Mayor David Bogdala.
Following the Tree Lighting, the Lightin' Up Downtown celebration continues with family activities, live entertainment, and special promotions at participating Downtown businesses, attractions, and outdoor spaces throughout the evening of November 29. Shops will be open extended hours. View all the decorated storefronts. The Electric Streetcar will be free to ride.
There will be multiple areas with entertainment, which will take place following the Tree Lighting to 7 p.m. Letters to Santa with Mrs. Claus will happen at Actor's Craft 7th Avenue Theater & Acting Studio. Visit with Santa at Rhode Center for the Arts.
A second tree lighting ceremony happens at Friendship Park at 5:30 p.m. along with roasted chestnuts, music, and shopping at businesses in the Friendship Park neighborhood.
Wyndham Garden - Kenosha Harborside will have an outdoor family activity area with holiday tunes playing, fire pits for making s’mores (kits available to purchase), and more.
Herzing University will have live reindeer, music by Haley Klinkhammer, hot cocoa served by DayBreak Church, food trucks, firepits, and a free giveaway for the first 500 kids. New toys, along with new twin bedding and pillows will be collected for local charities.
"The Tree Lighting and Lightin’ Up activities have always been an event that brings people to the downtown area, but this year will have some big additions,” states Brit Windel, Lakeshore BID Board President.
“We are thrilled to be able to implement some changes to grow the event and give attendees additional reasons to stay downtown to explore the shops, restaurants, and attractions in the district. This is an opportunity for local businesses to spread cheer. It’s also a chance for the community to support small businesses while enjoying the kick-off to the holiday season. It’s truly one of the best nights of the year.”
In recent years, the Christmas Tree Lighting has taken place outside of the Kenosha Public Museum. Both the Kenosha Public Museum and Civil War Museum host their own Christmas celebrations on December 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
At the Civil War Museum, step into a world of 19th Century and present-day traditions. Experience living history and historic trades demonstrations, live performances, crafts, games, a seasonal display of Civil War Santa figurines, and a bake sale.
Next door at the Kenosha Public Museum, enjoy a warm cup of hot cocoa from their toppings bar as you browse a cozy vendor market filled with local crafts and gifts. There will be an ornament-making craft, hot food, and music. The free Holiday Train Display is also at the Kenosha Public Museum, November 29 to January 5.
The Tree Lighting and Lightin’ Up are just the start to the holiday season in Kenosha. Now through December, enjoy Merry & Bright – a collection of holiday events and activities in Kenosha. An online holiday hub is filled with details on holiday events and how to Shop Local, Dine Local, and Play Local! Check the Merry & Bright website – VisitKenosha.com/Holidays – often for updates!
