MAYOR JOHNSON TO LIGHT THE CITY OF MILWAUKEE CHRISTMAS TREE IN CHEER DISTRICT,
ILLUMINATED BY WE ENERGIES, ON NOV. 18

Tree lighting celebration to take place on Friday, Nov. 18 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

MILWAUKEE (Nov. 17, 2022) – The 109th Annual City Christmas Tree lighting ceremony will take place on Friday, Nov. 18 in Cheer District, located on the Plaza at Fiserv Forum. Musical entertainment will begin at 5 p.m. and the tree lighting program at 6 p.m.

The City Christmas Tree, illuminated by We Energies, will stand in Deer District Among the hundreds of ornaments adorning the tree are 30 designed by Milwaukee-based artists. The uniquely crafted ornaments represent each of the 15 Milwaukee aldermanic districts. The City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works Forestry Division staff, in partnership with Dynamic Events by David Caruso, decorated the tree with more than 3,500 lights – made up of four different types of bulbs.

“Our grand tradition brings in new partners this year and new contributions from the community with these artists contributing their talents,” said Mayor Cavalier Johnson. “This celebration will be a great representation of the joy, creativity and excitement Milwaukee and Deer District has to offer.

Pre-lighting activities begin at 5 p.m. with music and family entertainment. Special guests include Santa Claus, Rudolph, Vixen & Holly of Reindeer Games, DJ Shawna, Salvation Army Brass Ensemble, Milwaukee Repertory Theater's cast of A Christmas Carol and Milwaukee Ballet's cast of The Nutcracker. Deer District will provide complimentary hot chocolate to guests the first 500 guests.

“We are thrilled to host the 109th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in Deer District,” said Michael Belot, Senior Vice President of Bucks Ventures and Development. “For the first time ever, the City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree is being displayed in front of Fiserv Forum. It’s an extraordinary honor and symbolizes the continued growth of Deer District.”

“We Energies is proud to light your homes with affordable, reliable and clean energy,” said Gale Klappa, Executive Chairman of We Energies. “We’re delighted to once again illuminate your holiday season with Cheer District and are thrilled to be part of this historic moment in Deer District and downtown Milwaukee.”

The 109th annual Christmas tree is a 31-foot Colorado Blue Spruce donated by retired City of Milwaukee Firefighter, Erwin Boehme, and comes from Milwaukee’s 10th Aldermanic District.

The 109th Annual City Christmas Tree, illuminated by We Energies, is made possible by our generous partners: Deer District, Visit Milwaukee, The Hop, Dynamic Events by David Caruso, City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works Forestry Division, Majic Productions, Canopies, Mindspike Design, Front Room Studios, Signarama and Saint Kate Arts – The Arts Hotel.

The intersection of Vel R. Phillips Ave. and Highland Ave. will be closed to traffic for the duration of the Tree Lighting Event. Free parking will be available at the Highland Ave. structure, 1030 N. 6th St.

About Deer District:

Deer District is Milwaukee’s newest neighborhood and is redefining the city’s downtown. Anchored by the world-class Fiserv Forum, a preeminent sports and entertainment venue and home to the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, the 30-acre Deer District is Milwaukee’s premier location for people to live, work and play, and is a hub for the city’s vibrant future. A year-round destination, Deer District features a myriad of dining and entertainment options in addition to Fiserv Forum including The MECCA Sports Bar & Grill, The Cluckery, The Beer Garden, Good City Brewing, Punch Bowl Social, Drink Wisconsinbly, Fat Tuesday and Insomnia Cookies. Deer District also features a large plaza which serves as an ideal setting to enjoy live music, festivals, outdoor movies, fitness classes and other events. Additionally, Deer District includes GATHER at Deer District, the Bucks’ state-of-the-art training center, the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Sports Science Center, and the 550 Ultra Lofts apartment building, which are both located directly across from Fiserv Forum. Future developments for Deer District include The Trade Milwaukee, a 200-plus room Marriott Autograph Collection hotel, two FPC Live operated music venues, additional high-end apartments, and further commercial, office space, real estate and entertainment opportunities. For more information on Deer District, visit DeerDistrict.com.

City of Milwaukee Contact:
Brian DeNeve
[email protected]

Deer District Contact:
Cassie Ziegelbauer
[email protected]