Fun family Southside tradition! If it is nice outside, park the car a few blocks away and walk around the neighborhood. Much more interactive and enjoyable experience! Make sure to donate to the MACC fund! Thank you to the neighborhood for participating in this longstanding event. :) read more

See all

A great holiday tradition in Milwaukee. It awesome to see all the houses decorated in such a festive and fun way. I applaud all the great effort put into it. Highlights of the tour: Snoopy decorations, the NASCAR yard, and the yard that "tryed". read more

Candy Cane Lane - Snoopy - Festivals Near Me - West Allis, Wisconsin

See all

Well worth the drive. It is massive how this neighborhood comes together and decorates. So many different displays and lights. We never saw the same thing twice. Actual address is a bit confusing. With at least 4 streets and 2 blocks long it doesn't matter where you start. read more

See all

In my previous hometown, my family had the tradition of taking one evening during the holidays, grabbing some festive fun cocoa or coffee, and driving around town to gaze at Christmas lights. So, of course, we wanted to continue this tradition in Milwaukee. Our first Christmas here we failed completely. This holiday season we were determined! But, here's the thing. You kinda need to know where the good spots to find festively decked out houses are located. A quick search online brought up some buzz about Candy Cane Lane. A quick search on Yelp brought up this Yelp page. Yahtzee! So, in the car we piled, cocoa in hand to check out Candy Cane Lane. What a delight! The participating neighborhood is easily spotted by the white and red candy striped trees. We wandered through the neighborhood and were dazzled by the darling displays. Does every house in the 'hood participate? No. Do I care? Also, no. I fully appreciate those that do. There's everything from holy displays, cartoon themed displays, and, of course the gloriously tacky. There's a little something for everyone. Special shout out to the Golden Girls themed yard. You're amazing. Thank you for being a friend. We went later on a Sunday evening (9ish) and easily made our way through with no backlog of vehicles. But, I hear it can get a little busy (like bumper to bumper). So, you may want to choose your time wisely. It runs 11/23-12/26. So, you've got a month of evenings to choose from. Oh! And, it's an entirely charitable display. Born with the express purpose of raising funds for the MACC fund. What's not to love about that? Get to it! read more

It's been many years since I've been back to Milwaukee for the holiday to visit family. We decided to take a trip down memory lane and head over to Candy Cane Lane. It was a first time for my wife. We had nothing better to do and were in the Christmas spirit. Maybe I'm just getting older and it isn't as special, but to me it seemed like they were slacking this year. Sure, some of the houses went all out, but it was only about 15% of them. 10% did nothing. The rest were half assed attempts. It used to be 75% all out. It's cool they collect donations to go to a good cause. It's nice that a lot of drivers go without headlights. It certainly was a lot less crowded that I was anticipating. One of my good buddies from high school lives in the middle of one of the streets in the heart of Candy Cane Lane. I remember how much he hated Christmas because it took him an extra 15 minutes to come and another to go during the holidays. I always laughed at him. I don't see myself making a recommendation to check this out to anyone else in the near future. Perhaps if there are little kids around that could sway my view. read more

See all

Christmas tradition: check Variety of decorated homes/Griswold's Christmas: check Bringing together a community: check Collecting for a cause: check Free: check Candy Cane Lane has been around for as long as I can remember... okay, I'm getting old and my mind isn't as sharp as it used to be but let's just say it has been around for 30+ years. Christmas is all about traditions. This was something we did as a family. Now I'm doing this with my kids because it's fun to "believe" and it is amazing the families in this small pocket of homes in West Allis (92n and Oklahoma) that is proud to have people drive up and down their road or better yet, walk the side walks to look at their lights and decorations. Santa and Mrs. Claus may be there as well greeting kids and each car, and handing out candy canes (donate for a good cause). If you haven't been here, look for the trees decorated as Candy Canes and the long line of cars patiently waiting their turn. If you like this, you may like Country Christmas at the former Country Springs now Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee just off of I 94 ($20 per car load). But Candy Cane Lane is the true Christmas spirit. Thank you to those homes that are providing this holiday tradition for all these years. Thank you for every home in the area that puts up with the traffic. read more

It's a West Allis tradition of going to see Christmas lights that started a looooong time ago. In fact, I remember when it was in the neighborhood just northeast of 84th and Oklahoma! Since it has moved to it's present day location, however, it seems to have grown in popularity by leaps and bounds! The boundaries of Candy Cane Lane are marked by trees wrapped up like candy canes and spans about 12 blocks, from Oklahoma Ave. to Montana Ave. and 93rd to 96th streets. On a busy night (especially if there is snow on the ground), expect to move at a snail's pace. Not so great for the driver, but awesome for the passengers who get to really get a good look at the houses and take nice pictures. The current neighborhood has chosen the MACC Fund (Milwaukee Area Childhood Cancer) and Food For Families as it's charities of choice and collects canned goods as well as cash donations at either the intersection of 94th and Manitoba or 94th and Dakota, so expect delays there. Not all the houses participate, but most do, even if it's just simple lights around an outdoor tree. The highlights for me this year were the inflatable Chewbacca (I thought he'd be taller....he was only 3 feet tall!) and the leg lamp from A Christmas Story, with a box marked Fragile out in front. Don't be a Scrooge, pack up the fam, grab the hot chocolate and cookies, and drive on over to West Allis to enjoy the season that only comes once a year! 2/2016 read more

See all

Get the family out for some holiday spirit! Crank up the heat, roll down your windows, and turn up the Christmas music. That's how we do it. The idea may seem a little cheesy or corny, but it's not. There's quite a diversity of holiday decorations and themes. The majority of the neighborhood participates. A lot of the home owners spend a lot of time and money to make the drive worth while. I love the wow factor and the sense of humor some of the residents exhibit. It's a local tradition and a fund raiser for the MACC fund. read more

One of my favorite holiday activities is taking a cruise through Candy Cane Lane. You may stroll if you prefer. Candy Cane Lane runs from 93rd street west to 96th street, from Oklahoma Ave north to whatever street creates a T-Intersection (not important). What is important is that houses in that area decorate their homes and front yards with lots of lights and characters that bring joy to children of all ages. This year, I noticed fewer homes were decorated than usual. Hopefully they were just vacant. I don't want to have to TP those houses. When people buy houses in this area, they are expected to commit to participate in Candy Cane Lane activities. The REALLY important part of all of this is that these home owners do this to attract us to visit the area and make a donation to the MACC Fund to help fight childhood cancer. THAT is why you should visit Candy Cane Lane. While you're there, you might see Santa, you might see members of our armed forces playing music on their instruments, you might hear carolers sign, and you might see the Brew City Bruisers helping out, too (I saw them)! So go see the decorations and make a donation to a great cause. Any amount helps and makes a difference. The collection point is at 95th & Manitoba. Don't avoid it now that you know or I'll TP your house, too! read more

Candy canes, lights, Santa, a community of holiday lovers...... After going to Candy Cane Lane for the last seven years, this community of holiday lovers really brings a lot of happiness. Several streets of homes lined in holiday lights all in an effort to benefit the MACC fund demonstrates a genuine love for the old scripture "It's better to give than receive." While the displays aren't like those crazy decorators on HGTV, the dedicated homeowners really go all out to bring happiness and joy. During the weekends you can often find Santa roaming the streets to listen to the wishes of children. Each night typically has a group of volunteers that stand in the cold to wish all a safe and happy holiday. Be sure to donate to the MACC fund while you drive through, too. read more

Candy Cane Lane is a long standing Milwaukee tradition. It's easy to find, just look for the trees wrapped like candy canes lining the streets near 92nd and Oklahoma. The displays range from "Wow, did you see that!" and "Hey, I tried to keep up with the Jone's, to "Bah Hum Bug." But if you are looking for an area of town to get in the Christmas spirit, this is one of the places to go. Participation seems to vary from year to year, but the key houses that I remember from many years ago seem to be still going strong. I appreciate that the neighborhood pulls together for a great cause like the MACC. You can tell that some people really go all out for the kids. My favorite display includes cut outs from Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer, awesome job guys. I have been coming since my teen years, and now I bring our own daughter each year. See you guys again next year. read more

Candy Cane Lane - Festivals Near Me - West Allis, Wisconsin

See all

This was extremely underwhelming. We drove a little over a half an hour to check out Candy Cane Lane and I don't think we will be doing this again. Maybe we went too early this year but I feel like a lot of people didn't even have decorations out. It is very neat that they raise money for MACC Fund. I also feel like it is very confusing which roads to go down. Even though they do have candy cane wrapped trees, I feel like there is people in every which way with no direction. read more

I'm a Christmas sap - I'll admit it and I love how pretty houses look all dolled up in lights. So Candy Cane Lane is pretty much right up my alley. We went the Saturday before Christmas, so it was obviously incredibly busy. For some reason our side of the street was moving at a literal snail's pace and we did get kind of fed up and bail before we'd completed the whole thing. We expected slow moving, but this was positively glacial. But the houses are well done, the folks caroling and collecting donations are so nice and it's just a great tradition. Edited to add: If the weather isn't awful, I'd suggest walking! Park a few blocks away from the crazy traffic and hoof it! We were stuck in the mass of cars, but I said more than once that I'd wished we'd have walked. It would have taken the stress of the slow-moving traffic out of it and allowed us to just really enjoy the pretty spectacles. Plus, I think it would have been sweet to walk hand in hand with my bf and look at lights, but I already admitted to being a sap so... read more

A Milwaukee tradition for a great cause. I adore the MACC Fund and what it does for children. So to have the oppertunity to drive through streets of lights that people put up to be festive and support an amazing charity, from the comforts of my warm vehicle is fabulous. These little houses put up some amazing displays that could rival that of Chevy Chase. A big "thank you" to all of you who give us the show. And Santa, it was a very cold night to be taking wishes, but we appreciate that you listened! read more

Candy Cane Lane is pure Christmas joy. It makes me want to scream "It's Christmas!!" and cut out paper snowflakes. It's sortof in an odd location....down on the south side between Oklahoma and Montana, from 92nd to 96th. But, it works. You'll know you're there cause the trees are wrapped like candy canes and you'll be like Whoa! Look at all the lights! Some of the displays are pretty impressive, but most of them are just fun. I'm not really sure how any of the inhabitants in the area actually get any sleep unless they're all using eye masks to block out the glow (note, it is a glow, not blinding light pollution, cause, you know, it's Christmas). Extra bonus - there's nothing really commercialized about it. Just pure holly jolly-ness for the sake of the season, and doing something good by way of supporting the MACC fund. Just go, drive through the lights and forget about your shopping list, and the baking, and stress-inducing drive to your in-laws for 9 seconds. Your inner child will thank you for it. read more

So my review will be bias seeing as I used to be one of those houses on Candy Cane Lane. I participated for many years and raised some serious money for a great cause, the MACC Fund. We always tried to do the newest thing like a personalized message board, that I changed at will from my computer. Another year we had a giant PEACE sign in our yard that was about 18 feet long, that lit up half the neighborhood. (Benefits of my husband working for a sign and lighting company!) The neighbors across the street didn't need to turn on their inside lights. I loved that we had people coming up in our yard each year to take pictures. You know you are doing a good job when you create a traffic jam :) You can ride down many blocks and see all kinds of lights and decor and stop by Santa to donate some money and get a treat. Different nights they host different celebs or bands that will play. Pretty cool. If you live there you know this but they don't always let the public know about all the people that are there which may bring in more traffic. I have noticed through the years there has been a decline in traffic and houses participating and I hope this is just a fluke and will turn around with newer couples moving into the neighborhood. Stop by, drive through and help raise money for a great cause. Help those kids! read more

In the last two weekends, I've had the ability to explore Candy Cane Lane, the Miller Holiday Lights and A Country Christmas. As frustrated as I was with my visit to Candy Cane Lane, it was the best of all 3. First, I was a bit frustrated with how only about 60% of the neighborhood has any lights up. I'm sorry, but if you move to CCL, you should be aware that they do this, and pledge to at least take part a little bit. Hell, my favorite display was the house that had a giant arrow pointing next door that just said DITTO. Secondly, it seems like a bit of a cluster to get through all the blocks. You'd think after doing it for so long, they'd change it so people go just go one way through it and you wouldn't have to worry about if someone wasn't paying attention as they crept towards your car. But the houses that were lit up were really nicely done. I love that money from the event goes to the MACC fund. I'd go here and drop $5 in the bucket 3 times before I'd go to the waste that A Country Christmas was. read more

My wife loves Christmas...absolutely loves it. For a weeknight surprise after work, I planned for a brief jaunt down to Candy Cane Lane -- score! I must admit it was pretty cool to see nearly an entire neighborhood participate in decorations and lights, and raise money for the MACC fund. Getting to see Santa Claus before the holidays was a nice touch. Not all of the houses were lit up, and I did find myself cringing at some of the more garish displays (when I was young, my mom would refer to such displays as "tacky"). I suppose I am more traditional when it comes to holiday decorations. I would type more, but my wonderful wife (who is not on Yelp) is saying "put it at four stars, put it at four!" OK, how about a compromise and we say 3-1/2 stars, and a guarantee that this will become a holiday tradition for us as long as we are in Milwaukee. Hot tips: drive slow (better yet, get out and walk -- bring hot cocoa), keep your lights off, and watch out for little ones! read more

Honestly a lot of hype... not worth the drive we took. It wasn't much. It was only a couple blocks and it wasn't very cute like other places I've gone to. I wouldn't recommend going there if it is out of your way, but check it out if you're in the area. read more

This was so fun! A lot of the houses were decorated and it was nice being able to see a lot of decorations within one area. The event also takes donations for a great cause so you can't go wrong here! It was fairly busy, but we were able to drive through with only a few stops when a line of cars got stopped at a stop sign. I would go again next year for sure! read more

This has been a family tradition of ours for over 10 years, we drive or walk through CCL and then head over to Baker's Square for Pie! We always make the most of the circumstances (some folks don't or can't decorate), but the holiday atmosphere is still present! A great idea would be to section off a few blocks to allow pedestrian traffic only, sell hot cocoa & cookies, offer carriage rides, etc. (proceeds to benefit MACC) activities that offer a more engaging atmosphere! Merry Christmas Everyone! read more

When did CC Lane become so LAME? I remember it from when I was little and thinking it was AWESOME! Maybe I just grew up I don't know. But I sure as heck don't remember it having so many cardboard/ wood cut out stick figure display things. I'm glad they raise money for a good cause, but the decorations went to complete sh!t. Our 4 year old liked it so we'll probably be back, but it won't be my choice. read more

A family tradition for us. Blocks of beautifully decorated homes. Great for young and old to see. Great cause, chance to make a donation if you can, and spread holiday cheer. We love it and look forward to all the lights every year. read more

Tonight I took my grandaughtr to see it and I will tell you it is not like it was back in the 80's when my Pa live on that block.My grandaughtre now 16yrs told me Grandma this no where like it was when I was younger.It around 6pm when I went there and a good most of the lights were not on.There was no one there for the mack fund nor was there no santa cause there.Sorry but I woukd not tell an one to go there any more...It seem to be going down hill.God Bless and Merry Christmas. read more

Candy Cane Lane is one of our family traditions. My family loves looking at all of the houses decorated with Christmas decorations. Candy Cane Lane also collects donations for good causes. read more

We go a few times a season, a favorite holiday tradition. Husband and I are big on Christmas decorating and mid century modern houses, so we'd love to live here eventually! read more

This is very subjective, given that right before visiting CCL, we went and checked out a lit up house that plays music to a radio station and the lights move to it. After that, CCL was just avg. 1st, I will say, there are so many people driving through there, that after a while it gets to be a bit long and when you want to leave you can't, because you are stuck in traffic. Not all the houses are lit up and some are done just OK. The people that went all out did a great job and I did enjoy that, however I feel it's not worth the frustration and traffic. Other then that, the cause to get money donated to the MACC fund does make it worth wild, and am glad to see that they get alot of money donated. read more

I have visited Candy Cane Lane for two years in a row now with my brother and his wife. I just fell in love with it, and it's become my favorite holiday lights show in the world! God Bless the people who make this possible over the years! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for providing such joy to people as well as raising money for such a good cause! Happy Holidays! Leigh Kilsdonk read more

A true tradition in our family. I'm appalled at the complaints on here. I am assuming that the reason some houses are not decorated is because the residents have become elderly or perhaps they cannot afford to go all out to decorate or perhaps they are of different beliefs. Should people be kicked out of there homes?!! No! Maybe those complaining could volunteer to help decorate the un lit houses. It is Christmas for heaven sakes. As always, CCL never disappoints. read more