Each holiday season, the Rotary Lights transform Riverside Park into a dazzling winter wonderland. With over three million lights illuminating the park, this beloved community tradition brings joy to visitors of all ages. From beautifully lit displays to horse-drawn carriage rides and festive activities, the Rotary Lights offer a magical way to celebrate the season!
Location: Riverside Park – 410 Veteran Memorial Drive, La Crosse
Dates: November 29 – December 31
Hours: Park opens at 5 PM daily, gates will close after the last car in line at 10 PM. Exceptions include:
- Christmas Eve: 5 PM – 9 PM
- Christmas Day: 5 PM – 9 PM
- New Year’s Eve: 5 PM – 1 AM
How to View the Lights
By Foot
Get the ultimate lights experience by walking through the park! You’ll see Santa and his reindeer, the ice skating rink, amazing light structures, have an opportunity to roast s’mores, warm up in a heated igloo, and so much more! Traffic is blocked off shortly after 4 pm with crossing guards strategically placed, so you can assure your walk will be safe. The park is open to walk through at any time, but the Rotary Lights don’t officially open until 5 pm (and we highly recommend waiting until it’s dark so you can get the full magical lights experience!).
Walking through the park is handicap accessible as well. There are sidewalks that go around the park and intertwine through the display. There are ramps at all sidewalk intersections. When using the warming shelters, know that there is a wood chip path leading up to the door and a small step up into the doors. The Santa House has a metal grate ramp at the entrance and exit (no stairs).
By Car
Tune in the Christmas music on the radio and enjoy a drive through the lights! The busiest nights are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, so on these nights, there is usually a line for traffic. To avoid the line, Monday – Thursday evenings are likely your best option! When driving through the lights, make sure to follow the signs on how to enter. See the map and directions here.
If able, we recommend both walking and driving through at least once – both offer a unique experience!
Parking
While there isn’t any official parking for the lights, there is ample street and ramp parking around downtown (within walking distance from the lights). See more about parking downtown La Crosse here or download a PDF of the parking map!
Activities
The lights may be the main attraction, but there are many holiday festivities to enjoy while you’re walking through the park too!
Santa
Santa and his reindeer are in the park every night through December 23rd, from 5 – 8 PM. Santa will be in the Santa House, while his reindeer relax and graze outside. While waiting in line for Santa, there is a train table for kids to watch! On your way out from visiting Santa, you’ll pass through a gift shop as well.
Ice Rink
Enjoy a night of skating amidst the twinkle lights at the ice rink! The rink is made of natural ice, so its open hours are determined by Mother Nature. If weather allows, the skating rink will be open Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 5– 9 PM, (through February 28!).
Carriage Rides
Horse-drawn carriage and sleigh rides through the Rotary Lights offer a magical way to experience the display! Rides are $25 per couple or $35 per family/load, with a portion donated to the Rotary Lights. Pickups and drop-offs are at the corner of State and Front Street near The Charmant Hotel, operating from 5 PM – 10 PM. The rides are a first-come, first-served basis. This is a popular event, so be prepared for longer lines (but they are well worth it!). Rides last about 15 minutes. See the nights the carriage rides are conducted, cost, and more details here.
More activities
The Live Nativity, free hay rides, and live music are also available on select nights! See the full events page for more specifics.
Food
Hot chocolate, other hot drinks, and cookies are available for purchase in the park (located in the Gingerbread House). The Chili Revolution food truck is available in the park on select nights (near the Eagle statue). Downtown restaurants are also within walking distance if you are looking for a delicious meal (and a warm-up!) before or after you view the lights!
All Abilities Night
The La Crosse Area Autism Foundation presents All Abilities Night every year! This low-sensory event includes quiet music, no flashing lights, slowed moving lights, and a calming area – making it all-inclusive for those who would not otherwise be able to visit the lights. This year, All Abilities Night is December 2nd, 5 – 8 PM.
Give back
There are many ways to give back at the lights this holiday season! Visitors can give back to the Rotary Lights by purchasing the Rotary Lights Bear, “Puddin,” which is available at multiple locations around the community and the Rotary Lights Gift Shop. Proceeds support our local Hunger Task Force. Additionally, individuals and nonprofit groups can volunteer to help with tasks like setup, takedown, and other event needs. Learn more about these opportunities at the Rotary Lights website!
Additional notes to consider:
- Pets are allowed but please keep them on a leash!
- How to dress: This is a fully outdoor event, so dress warm and cold weather-appropriate!
- Busyness: Check the Crowd Estimator Meter for an idea of how busy the park will be each night!
Whether it’s your first time or your annual tradition, the Rotary Lights are sure to fill your heart with holiday cheer!
