Jingle Bus offers tour of downtown Milwaukee’s sights and holiday lights

Downtown Milwaukee continues to beam brightly over the holiday season and into the New Year, as more than 500,000 lights and dozens of animated displays remain aglow for the 20th Annual Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival.

The annual display of lights, coordinated by Milwaukee Downtown BID #21, includes themed installations in three parks, “Community Spirit Park” at Cathedral Square Park, “Candy Cane Cove” at Pere Marquette Park and “Santa’s Lighted Lodge” at Zeidler Union Square. Also featured are street decorations along three thoroughfares, including an 18-block stretch of lights along Wisconsin Avenue.

Families can view all the decorated sights aboard the Jingle Bus presented by Meijer. The 40-minute tour, narrated by Milwaukee Downtown’s Public Service Ambassadors, is a no-fuss way to see the magic of downtown.

“The Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Jingle Bus is an annual tradition for many Milwaukee-area families,” said Beth Weirick, CEO of Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21. “Through our partnerships with Coach USA and Meijer, we’re delighted to continue offering this convenient and wallet-friendly activity to our residents and guests.”

Tours depart from the Plankinton Clover Apartments, 161 W. Wisconsin Ave., from 6:00 p.m. to 8:20 p.m., Thursdays through Sundays, until December 30.

Rides are just $2 per person, cash only, and parking is available in the attached structure for $3. While waiting to board, families are invited to enjoy free treats and a holiday coloring activity.