Dec. 5–31, 2026
Season calendar
Magic, just like you remember it. From Dec. 5 to 31, the historic East Troy Village Square turns into a holiday movie come to life, with thousands of lights dancing to music, glowing tunnels and an igloo to walk through, and a free stroll among downtown shops and restaurants. Grab dinner, take a walk around the square, and watch the lights twinkle to music every night at 7 p.m.
December 2026
Light shows every night, Dec. 5–31, at 7 p.m.
Events
Saturday, Dec. 5
Santa on the Square & East Troy Lights Debut
- When
- Saturday, Dec. 5 | 5-7 p.m.
- Where
- East Troy Village Square Park, 2881 Main St.
Santa Claus is coming to the Square! Kick off the holiday season with an evening of festive fun featuring Christmas carols from the East Troy High School Choir, dance and cheer performances, Dickens Carolers, s’mores, holiday activities and more!
At 6:40 p.m., Santa, Mrs. Claus and their merry crew make a grand entrance aboard an East Troy Fire Department truck for the lighting of the Bob Barutha Memorial Christmas Tree and the spectacular debut of East Troy Lights!
Dec. 5-31
Daily Light Shows
- When
- Every night, timed shows on the hour at 7 p.m.
- Where
- Historic East Troy Village Square
Step into a holiday wonderland as East Troy Lights transforms the Village Square into a dazzling display of lights and music! Grab dinner, take a stroll around the square, & watch the lights twinkle to music every night in December at 7 p.m.
Dec. 6–30
Introducing the East Troy Lights Jukebox
- When
- On demand, 5 to 8 p.m. (Dec. 6–30)
- Where
- easttroylights.com
Gift a show. Play a show on demand. Share the magic! Make the magic of East Troy Lights your own with a personalized holiday light show. Surprise someone special or treat yourself to a dazzling display synchronized to music! On-demand shows are available from 5 to 8 p.m. during East Troy Lights, Dec. 6-30.
Dec. 10-31
The Candy Cane Adventure
- When
- Dec. 10-31
- Wands
- Make the Magic Concession Stand (Fridays & Saturdays), East Troy Brewery, Sauced Pizzeria, Home on the Square
Help power the magic of East Troy Lights!
Grab an interactive wand and a new East Troy Lights Comic Book, then explore the Village Square in search of magical Candy Cane friends. Unlock their powers, collect enchanted Glowstones and discover how YOU can control the lights!
Get Your Magic Wand!
Wands are available for purchase at the East Troy Lights Make the Magic Concession Stand (Fridays and Saturdays), East Troy Brewery, Sauced Pizzeria and Home on the Square. Thanks to a special partnership with the East Troy Elementary PTO and East Troy Community School District, local students will create their own wands through a hands-on STEAM project, bringing classroom creativity to life in the heart of downtown East Troy.
Fridays & Saturdays
East Troy Lights Live!
- When
- Dec. 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 & 26 | 7 p.m.
- Where
- East Troy Village Square
East Troy Lights is more than a holiday light display — it’s an immersive experience that puts you right in the middle of the magic! Watch the lights come to life with a special immersive show on Friday and Saturday evenings with East Troy Lights Live! These one-of-a-kind performances transform the Village Square into a spectacular celebration of synchronized lights, music and interactive entertainment, creating holiday memories for the whole family.
Friday, Dec. 11
Winter Wine Walk
- When
- Check-in from 4:30 p.m. (end time TBD)
- Where
- Check in at the Make the Magic Concession Stand, East Troy Village Square Park, 2881 Main St.
- Tickets
- $60 in advance, 21+ with valid photo ID. Limited; sells out.
Sip, shop and sparkle. Stroll the glowing square and taste more than 20 wines at 20 downtown locations, with cheese pairings from Hill Valley Dairy, a commemorative tasting glass, and raffle tickets. All proceeds benefit East Troy Lights.
Saturday, Dec. 19
Community Showcase & Santa Tours
Details coming soon
Thursday, Dec. 31
New Year's Eve Ball Drop
- When
- Ball drops at 8 p.m. (family-friendly) and at midnight; beverage bar and s'mores 7–8:30 p.m. and 11 p.m.–midnight
- Where
- East Troy Village Square Park
- Presented by
- Allan Integrated Control Systems
Ring in 2027 twice. Families can raise a toast of milk and cookies at the 8 p.m. ball drop, or join the midnight party with DJ JJJ and a sparkling New Year's Eve light show, the final East Troy Lights presentation of the season.
Saturday, Dec. 5
Santa Parade Train
- When
- Leaves The Elegant Farmer at 5 p.m.; reaches Division Street, East Troy, at 6:25 p.m.
- Where
- Along County Road ES, from Mukwonago to East Troy
Santa Claus is coming to town by rail. Santa, Mrs. Claus and their merry crew ride the East Troy Electric Railroad's beautifully lit four-car Santa Train down the century-old interurban line, a tradition dating back to 1972. Bundle up and see Santa up close as he rides in the open air aboard the festive train, passing through crossings along County Road ES!
Crossing times
| Crossing | Time |
|---|---|
| Elegant Farmer | 5:00 p.m. |
| N. Army Lake Rd | 5:25 p.m. |
| S. Army Lake Rd | 5:42 p.m. |
| St. Peter's Rd | 5:56 p.m. |
| Byrnes St | 6:13 p.m. |
| Division St | 6:25 p.m. |
| Santa arrives at East Troy Village Square Park via East Troy Fire Department truck to light the Bob Barutha Memorial Christmas Tree & debut of East Troy Lights | 6:40 p.m. |
