MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee celebrated the lighting of its 112th annual Christmas tree Thursday evening in the Deer District, marking the second-longest-running Christmas tree lighting tradition in the United States behind only New York City.

The 42-foot Colorado blue spruce, donated by Kaitlyn Schmidt Thabet and Amgad Thabet, was transformed with vibrant jewel tones, large reflective metallic ornaments, oversized snowflakes and lighted stars inspired by the theme “Shining Together.”

“This tree stands as a celebration of Milwaukee’s incredible spirit during the winter season,” said David Caruso, designer of the Christmas tree and local event planner and TV host. “My hope is that it fills your evening and your holidays with light, joy and pride.”

Watch the full tree lighting ceremony:

Milwaukee lights 112th annual Christmas tree in historic Deer District celebration

Mayor Cavalier Johnson emphasized the historic significance of the event during his remarks to the crowd gathered in the Deer District.

“Tonight is special, not just because the holiday brings people together, but because this is a historic night for Milwaukee,” Johnson said. “Our Christmas tree lighting in the City of Milwaukee is the second-longest-running Christmas tree lighting in the United States of America, only behind New York City.”

The celebration featured performances by the Reagan High School varsity Drumline and entertainment by Guyton Entertainment and DJ YC.

Santa Claus made a special appearance, accompanied by his reindeer. Another famous deer — Bucks mascot Bango, also took part in the celebration.

Peter Feigin, president of the Milwaukee Bucks and Fiserv Forum, expressed pride in hosting the tree lighting in the Deer District.

“This is what we dreamed about when we built the Deer District,” Feigin said. “This is one of the greatest things.”

The celebration concluded with the mayor’s family and other children helping to officially light the tree, continuing Milwaukee’s 112-year tradition of bringing the community together for the holidays.

The event also launched the new Deer District Holiday Market, which runs through November 30 in the beer garden area. The market features local makers, food and drinks.

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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.