Grab your warmest clothes and experience the dark winter in a whole new light.
These candlelight hikes around Milwaukee are sure to be a memorable experience for the whole family:
1. Candlelight Walk for Kids at the Urban Ecology Center
Saturday December 10th, starting at 4:00 p.m.
Bundle up and join the Urban Ecology Center for a magical evening in Riverside Park, walking along trails illuminated with hundreds of candles.
You’ll be guided through the park while listening to the story “A Thing Called Snow” by Yuval Zommer. Warm cocoa, crackling campfires, and a simple snowflake craft are included.
A Candlelight Walk for adults only is happening Tuesday, December 13th.
2. Illuminated Hike at Schlitz Audubon
Thursday, December 15th from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Website
Stroll along the gently lit trails at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center with family and friends. Begin by decorating your own paper lantern and use it to illuminate the early evening hours. Go at your own pace to experience the tranquility that winter brings. At the end of your hike, gather around a bonfire and enjoy some hot chocolate.
2. 2023 Candlelight Hike/Ski at Lapham Peak (TBD)
January 2023
Homestead Hollow area
Kettle Moraine State Forest Lapham Peak Unit
W329 N846 County Highway C, Delafield
Website
You’ll want to plan ahead for this popular annual event.
A 2023 WI State Park annual vehicle admission sticker or a $5.00 Special Event vehicle admission fee is required per car. A ticket voucher is also required for each car that wishes to attend the event.
Vouchers are available first-come, first-served, and there is a limit of one per person at time of pickup.
After the hike, you can warm yourself by the bonfire, bring your own food and grill outside, and enjoy treats through Trecker Lodge window.
Our editors will keep this page updated as event details become available. Check back for updates.
3. Wild Winter Nights Candlelight Hikes (TBD)
February 2023
Fox River Park
W264S4500 River Rd., Waukesha
Website
This free candlelight hike is self-guided. Park admission fee or annual sticker is required for entry, and no registration is necessary. There will be warm beverages and sweet available for purchase at the campfire. Well-behaved furry friends on a 6 ft leash are welcome to attend, as well.
Retzer Nature Center and Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium
S14W28167 Madison St., Waukesha at the Environmental Learning Center
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Website
Take a self-guided hike by candlelight and experience family fun throughout the night. There will be kid’s activities in the Community Room, Planetarium Shows, a guided children’s night hike, and more.
Warm beverages and sweet will be available for purchase from Mama D’s Coffee. No dogs are allowed at Retzer Nature Center. Snowshoes available if conditions allow.
Fox Brook Park
2925 N. Barker Rd., Brookfield at the Beach House
Bring the family for a free self-guided hike by candlelight around the pond at Fox Brook Park in Brookfield. Park admission or an annual sticker is required for entry, and no registration is necessary.
Warm beverages and sweets available for purchase at the campfire! Well-behaved dogs on a 6 ft. leash are welcome.
Our editors will keep this page updated as event details become available. Check back for updates.
4. Urban Candlelight Hike (TBD)
February 2023
Three Bridges Park
610 S 35th St. Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53215
Website
Grab your stocking cap and crew and enjoy toasty warm campfires at the Fireside Plaza and along the trails.
This event is co-hosted by: Urban Ecology Center and Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail.
Our editors will keep this page updated as event details become available. Check back for updates.
5. Pike Lake Candlelight Hike (TBD)
February 2023
3544 Kettle Moraine Rd, Hartford, WI 53027
Join the Friends of Pike Lake for their annual illuminated evening. There will be over 350 luminaries places along two one-mile loops.
Due to high demand, vouchers are required for this event. State Park vehicle admission stickers are required and are recommended for purchase ahead of time to streamline entry into the event.
Our editors will keep this page updated as event details become available. Check back for updates.
Our editors will keep this page updated as event details become available. Check back for updates.
