MILWAUKEE – Deer District is transformed into Cheer District through Jan. 15. The City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree will also be displayed in Cheer District for the fourth straight year and lit by Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson at a ceremony on Friday, Nov. 21.

Dynamic Events by David Caruso, designer of the City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree, will produce the tree-lighting ceremony on Nov. 21 with Mayor Johnson.

The City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree is the second-longest running official tree in the United States after New York City, with this year marking the 112th year of the city’s tree.
 

MILWAUKEE — Oscar-nominated actor Hugh Jackman will be visiting the Badger State in the coming weeks for his upcoming film “Song Sung Blue.”

The film, starring Jackman and Kate Hudson, is based on an iconic Milwaukee Neil Diamond tribute band called Lightning & Thunder.

Mike Sardina was the “Lightning” while Claire Stengl was the “Thunder.” As the film’s description suggests, the two found love while following their musician dreams. They performed in the Midwest throughout the 80s and 90s and also opened for some major bands. They later married. Mike Sardina died in 2006.

Now, with the film about their lives and careers gearing up to play in theaters, there will be a special appearance in Cream City.

Hugh Jackman in director Craig Brewer’s “Song Sung Blue,” a Focus Features release. (Focus Features)

Because of the film’s roots, a premiere will take place at The Oriental Theatre in Milwaukee, 2230 N Farwell Ave, on Dec. 2.

During the hometown premiere, Jackman and the writer and director of the film, Craig Brewer, will attend.

Hugh Jackman as Mike Sardina (left) and Kate Hudson as Claire Stengl (right) in director Craig Brewer’s “Song Sung Blue,” a Focus Features release. (Focus Features)

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“Song Sung Blue” will start playing in theaters on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2025. The film also stars Michael Imperioli, Ella Anderson, King Princess, Mustafa Shakir, Hudson Hensley with Fisher Stevens and Jim Belushi.

MILWAUKEE – Downtown Milwaukee will glow again this holiday season with the 27th annual Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival, kicking off on Thursday, Nov. 20.

What we know:

The six-week event, presented by Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 and Johnson Financial Group, begins at 6:30 p.m. at Pere Marquette Park with live performances, treats and a firework show. The festival runs through Jan. 1, 2026.

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The main program includes DJ Mr. NY, characters from Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s “A Christmas Carol,” Anita’s Dance Center, The Squeezettes, select cast members from Cirque du Soleil’s “‘Twas the Night Before…,” Marquette University’s Gold ’n Blues, Christopher Gilbert, Willow Newell – Miss Wisconsin and Jenny Thiel.

Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival

Santa and Mrs. Claus are also scheduled to appear.

Fireworks are planned for shortly before 7 p.m., followed by free cocoa, cookies and complimentary Jingle Bus rides operated by KB Excursions.

After the kickoff, residents and visitors can view light displays coordinated by Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 through Jan. 1. Four downtown parks will feature themed installations: “Community Spirit Park” at Cathedral Square Park, “Santa’s Celebration Square powered by We Energies” at Zeidler Union Square, “¡Felices Fiestas!” at Pere Marquette Park and “Slice of Ice Lights” at Red Arrow Park.

Dig deeper:

Street decorations will line several downtown corridors, including an 18-block stretch of silver and gold chandeliers over Wisconsin Avenue.

The Jingle Bus, a 40-minute narrated tour of downtown holiday sights, will operate Fridays through Sundays from Dec. 5 to 28. Tours depart from the festival’s new Warming House at Red Arrow Park, 920 N. Water St. Tickets are $8 per person, with advance purchases encouraged.

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The Ornament Trail will also return this year, with 20 ornaments hand-painted by locally or nationally renowned artists with Milwaukee ties. The Ornament Trail will run from Thursday through Jan. 18.

More information about the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival and Jingle Bus tickets is available on the festival website.