By Matt Mueller Culture Editor Published Nov 19, 2021 at 3:01 PM Photography: Wisconsin Christmas Carnival of Lights Facebook

Snuggle up with some holiday cheer as OnMilwaukee shares stories of everything merry and bright in the spirit of the season.

Brought to you by Noel Indoor Light Park & Christmas Market and MillerCoors

The halls are fully decked in Caledonia where the Christmas Carnival of Lights will make the season jolly and particularly bright beginning this weekend.

Opening Saturday and Sunday at 8425 Highway 38, the Christmas Carnival of Lights is more than a mile of sparkling, glimmering light displays and decorations – more than two million in total – perfect for ride on a one-horse open sleigh (or just your car). And while the lights are certainly the stars of the night, the festive drive-thru also offers trips to Santa's workshop for photos with the big guy himself and warm cups of hot cocoa as well as the Firefly Boutique – perfect for snagging some stocking stuffers after the show

I was apparently a good boy this year, because I got to spin by the Christmas Carnival of Lights to help press the button and turn on the festive cheer early in Caledonia – with the help of some very special friends. Tune in to check out the opening phase of the light show and to learn more about what you can all expect from the Carnival of Lights this year. 

After a special grand opening on Saturday and Sunday this weekend, the Christmas Carnival of Lights will glow everyday of the season (save for Christmas Day) starting Nov. 27 through Jan. 1, 5-9 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays as well as 5-11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. For more information on specials – including Dog Night on Wednesday, Dec. 1, and sleigh rides through the lights with Santa – and purchasing tickets, visit the Christmas Carnival of Lights' website

And because you're all on the nice list this year too, here's an early holiday gift: savings! Those booking a trip for the carnival's opening weekend on Saturday and Sunday should use the promo code "5ONMILWAUKEE" to save $5 on their visit.

Have fun – and happy holidays!

Matt Mueller Culture Editor

As much as it is a gigantic cliché to say that one has always had a passion for film, Matt Mueller has always had a passion for film. Whether it was bringing in the latest movie reviews for his first grade show-and-tell or writing film reviews for the St. Norbert College Times as a high school student, Matt is way too obsessed with movies for his own good.

When he's not writing about the latest blockbuster or talking much too glowingly about "Piranha 3D," Matt can probably be found watching literally any sport (minus cricket) or working at - get this - a local movie theater. Or watching a movie. Yeah, he's probably watching a movie.