It’s hard to believe it’s time to talk holidays, but Halloween is in the rearview mirror and warm temps have long since fled the Dairy State. We’re heading full steam into winter and the holiday season. While that can bring plenty of stress, one great way to spend time with your family and be reminded of the magic of the season is to drive through Oshkosh’s Celebration of Lights. This massive display has more than a million sparkling lights spread out of over more than a mile. It’s a little bit of holiday magic right along the shores of the Fox River and Lake Winnebago and you won’t want to miss the twinkling beauty as it reflects off the water.
The Oshkosh Celebration of Lights has been delighting thousands of visitors every year for 17 years. It's a gorgeous, gigantic display of twinkling, sparkling joy that will put you and your family in the holiday spirit.
While there are plenty of gorgeous outdoor displays to see here in Wisconsin, this one is particularly special and lovely because it takes place right along the shores of Lake Winnebago and the Fox River. The shine of the million lights is multiplied and enhanced as they reflect and shine on the water.
This trip is so lovely because you and your family can enjoy it from the comfort and warmth of your car. Sure, you might roll down the windows for a closer look, but you can bundle on up and wrap in cozy blankets to take it all in. All the displays are big enough and easy to see right from the road.
You'll slowly meander along this mile-plus-long path and feel all the stresses of the holidays melt away as you relive the magic of childhood and give the gift of that wonder to your own family.
In addition to the light display, there's a gift shop and you can stop and visit with Santa, who's there every night from Black Friday through December 23.
The lights are on here for more than a month and though admission is $10 per car, with a $1 discount if you donate to the food drive, there are also free Community Nights filled with events and fun that also raise money and collect donations for local non-profits.
Never fear - this isn't a silent drive. You'll tune in to either Oshkosh Media (101.9 FM) or WRST (90.3 FM), depending on the night. These two stations will play holiday music throughout the park, as you drive through the displays.
This truly is one of the most stunning, wonder-filled ways you can spend your time during the holidays as you take in the sparkle and twinkle of more than a million lights.
This unique and gorgeous display is so worth checking out. The joy and magic of the season are impossible to ignore at this beautiful, fun, family-friendly display.
The Oshkosh Holiday Lights are set up in Menominee Park, 520 Pratt Trail, Oshkosh, WI 54901. They go on November 23 and will turn off the night of December 31. Santa is there every day from November 23 through December 23. They’re open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. every day. Admission is $10, but you can save $1 with a food donation. There are also five community nights where there is no cost to drive through the lights. Those days are December 4, 7, 11, 18 and 25.
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