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Writer's pictureThe Tacky Tourist

Holiday Light Displays

Updated: Dec 26, 2023

Happy Holidays!


This was a project I started in 2020. I went around Madison, Milwaukee, and Janesville to check out some of the best Holiday Light displays. I updated it from the best of my knowledge in 2021. 2022 and forward, I don't expect many updates to this post/map. Life has become pretty hectic compared to the quiet 2020 winter. Many of these displays may not be up anymore.


Reach out if you have any to add or find one that needs to be removed.


Check out more holiday lights here: https://holidaylightfinder.com/


Light Shows means there is a light show at that location. Music is usually played through your vehicle's radio and the lights "dance" to the tunes. A Red Star means that the surrounding area has some great decor. Kick back and stay awhile!


Residential has resident's homes that have been decorated above and beyond for the holidays.


Commercial has Parks and Rec, Rotary, and Private business light shows. These are done by organizations and businesses, so they usually have a ton of lights and may ask for a donation or require a fee. The Indoor section has holiday must sees that aren't just outside lights.


*Most places on the map I tried to visit, but couldn't make it to them all. I added public displays that are a bit of a drive in case anyone planned to travel this season.


Madison


Light Shows


4289 Dicky Ln, Madison, WI 53718



(No Info for 2021 season)

1350 Connemara Ln, Oregon, WI 53575





(Moved for 2022)

After watching Lights on Fairview, stick around and check out this neighborhood! Almost every house is lit!


Loved seeing the addition of trees to this display!


Following the show on Cassidy Ct, stick around to look at all the other homes!

2984 Cassidy Ct, Fitchburg, WI 53711


After seeing the light show, stick around the area and check out all the decorated homes!

501 Ashton Dr, Verona, WI 53593



6202 Sharpsburg Dr, Madison, WI 53718


Residential


Great during the day or at night!


Not only does this home has some spectacular lights, it's an easy destination to look at all the other homes in this area decked out for the holidays.

808 Smithland Ln, Cottage Grove, WI 53527


Yes, I saved them for the giant holiday unicorn.

4682 Brown Thrush Trail, Cottage Grove, WI 53527


613 Topaz Ln, Madison, WI 53714



The surrounding homes on Progressive, Dean, and Rothman all have great displays!

Progressive Ln, Rothman Pl, and Dean Ave Madison, WI




Found a few big displays in the Dryden Dr neighborhood!

Dryden Dr and Shelley Ln



On my list of displays you have to see!

9018 Settlers Rd, Madison, WI 53717



A magically lit home with many colorful trees scattered across the yard!

4273 Blackstone Ct, Middleton, WI 53562


While checking out the lights, catch the beautiful view of Downtown Madison across the lake. (This is me pretending I remember this display or have photos)

535 S Shore Dr, Madison, WI 53715



This one is so cool, I even added a video

1220 S 4th St, Stoughton, WI 53589


Made the drive to Stoughton just a little brighter

2067 Nancy Ln, Stoughton, WI 53589



On my list of favorites!

2550 Upham St, Madison, WI 53704


A whole farm covered in lights! Worth checking out if you are in the Mt. Horeb area already

3033 Bergum Rd, Mt Horeb, WI 53572



Worth checking out if you are in the area. A farm covered in lights.

3674 Co Hwy P, Cross Plains, WI 53528



3760 Caribou Rd, Verona, WI 53593



(Photos to come when I eventually visit!)

South Hollyhock St-"deck their houses out with enough lights to see from space"

Hollyhock St, Fitchburg, WI 53711


"one of the most over-the-top displays" according to someone on the internet. Another one in my top list

2926 Sachs St, Madison, WI 53704


The neighborhoods West and East of Sprecher Rd (Reston Heights) have some amazing displays. After watching the show at Sharpsburg, I suggest sticking around for a while



The house on Milward has a pretty fantastic display, but don't forget to drive down Coney to check out the neighbors!

5026 Milward Dr, Madison, WI 53711


(Photos to come soon!)


The neighborhood surrounding Meister Park in Verona is worth seeing if you're around the area

Jenna Dr, Verona, WI 53593



While this is a business, I threw it in residential since it is more of a drive by display.

Hickory Hill Academy

3276 S High Point Rd, Madison, WI 53719



Ardsley Ln, Madison, WI 53713



2802 Wayland Dr

Madison, WI 53713



6466 Collins Ridge Rd

Dane, WI 53529


(Photos to Come!)

New for 2023!

Monroe St

Madison, WI


Commercial








Janesville


Light Show




Residential


907 N Pontiac Dr, Janesville, WI 53545


Commercial

Our favorite display we saw. I 100% suggest to go see this. It is worth the drive.

1455 Palmer Drive Janesville WI 53545