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Christmas Lights in Appleton, WI
The top places to see Christmas lights in Appleton this season are Fox Cities Festival of Lights (Nov 27 – Dec 27), Holiday Lights on the Fox (Nov 27 – Dec 31) and Crank Up the Cheer (From Nov 12). We've mapped 2 displays in Appleton and 10 more nearby (3 walk-thrus, 3 light shows, 2 drive-thrus). 8 are free. 8 are synced to music. Tap any display for dates, hours and directions.
Updated Nov 11, 2026
Near Appleton (within 25 miles)
Tap + Tour on a few displays to get one driving route you can send to your phone (how it works). Missing a house or show in Appleton? Add it free.
Christmas lights in Appleton: common questions
What are the best Christmas lights in Appleton?
Popular picks this season include Fox Cities Festival of Lights (Nov 27 – Dec 27), Holiday Lights on the Fox (Nov 27 – Dec 31), Crank Up the Cheer (From Nov 12) and Brilliant Bulbs (From Nov 21). In all, 12 displays are mapped in and around Appleton, from decorated houses and neighborhoods to ticketed light shows.
Where can I see free Christmas lights in Appleton?
Free options include Fox Cities Festival of Lights, Crank Up the Cheer, Brilliant Bulbs and A Heritage Hill Christmas. 8 of the 12 displays near Appleton are free to visit; most home and neighborhood displays cost nothing to drive by.
Is there a drive-thru Christmas light show near Appleton?
Yes. Holiday Lights on the Fox (Paid at the gate (cash or card); price not posted online) and Voyageur Park Holiday Light Display (Free). Drive-thru shows usually charge per car, and buying tickets online ahead of time is often faster.
Are there Christmas lights synced to music in Appleton?
Yes. Holiday Lights on the Fox (tune to 88.7 FM), Crank Up the Cheer and Garden of Lights. Synced displays broadcast their soundtrack on a low-power FM station so you can listen from your car.
When do Christmas lights start in Appleton?
The earliest Appleton-area displays turn on Nov 12, and most are running by the weekend after Thanksgiving. Many stay lit through New Year's; check each display's page for its exact dates and nightly hours.
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Professional Christmas light installers in Appleton hang, maintain and take down your lights, or install permanent lights you control from your phone. Tell us about your house and get free quotes.
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