Key Milwaukee

December 2012

An A-Z visitors guide to Milwaukee Wisconsin. Sponsored by Key Magazine Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/95766

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Key COVER FEATURE Holiday Lights Festival adds glamour to downtown DOWNTOWN MILWAUKEE sparkles through Dec. 31 as part of the 14th Annual Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival. The festival features hundreds of events, dozens of light displays and a convenient Jingle Bus tour that connects visitors to all the sights. Seconding the rave reviews of both locals and visi- tors to Milwaukee is the American Bus Association (ABA). The association has designated the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival as one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2012. According to ABA, "Inclusion in the list indicates that the event offers excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers from around the world." New to the festival this year are oversized chande- lier decorations, hung along Wisconsin Avenue at intersections in the heart of downtown. Also debut- ing are redesigned harp lamp lights, made to resem- ble the crest of a wave. "The chandeliers bring stunning sophistication to the Wisconsin Avenue décor, dovetailing with the ongoing revitalization of the Avenue," said Beth Weirick, executive director of Milwaukee Downtown, Business Improvement District #21. 8 "These glamorous lights reflect the amazing cultural life that keeps downtown bustling days and evenings – plays, concerts, dining and nightlife." Weirick adds, "At the same time, we are just as focused on kids and families and the great commu- nity spirit of Milwaukee." Themes transform three parks Cathedral Square Park, located at North Jefferson and East Wells Streets, again hosts "Community Spirit Park." More than 60 metro Milwaukee schools have adorned fresh evergreens with handmade ornaments reflecting a class theme. Energy efficient LED-lit trees surround the centerpiece of the display – a 50-foot tree of changing red, blue and green lights. Saturday, Dec. 8, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. is Cocoa with the Clauses in Cathedral Square Park. Santa, along with Mrs. Claus and some holiday characters, will be in the park for photo opportunities. The Salvation Army Brass Ensemble also will perform. Pere Marquette Park, located at West State and Old World 3rd Streets, showcases "Santa's Toyland" with circus-themed decorations. Santa has unloaded his sleigh with presents for this season's boys and girls. Look for larger-than-life sculptures of the most requested gifts. Among them, a giant locomotive, holiday plane, sailboat, jack-in-the-box, rag dolls, a giant red teddy bear and a puppy.

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