Zeidler Union Square - a rainy day in a large city with lots of buildings
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Zeidler Union Square

4.4
·261 reviews·Milwaukee, United States

A vibrant urban square known for its festive holiday lights, lively summer markets, and peaceful green space for relaxation.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Holiday Season Evenings

Magical light displays await

CrowdMedium
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Zeidler Union Square - a rainy day in a large city with lots of buildings

Zeidler Union Square

Best Time

Holiday Season Evenings

Magical light displays await

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant urban square known for its festive holiday lights, lively summer markets, and peaceful green space for relaxation.

4.4
(261 reviews)

"The holiday decorations were outstanding! A lovely Square to get into the Christmas spirit."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture Holiday Magic

The holiday lights create a festive backdrop for memorable photos, especially the large Season's Greetings frame.

🛍️ Support Local Vendors

Visit the Westown Day Market for unique finds and to support local artisans and musicians.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Holiday Lights Festival Display

Holiday Lights Festival Display

Zeidler Union Square

Dazzling festive decorations, including Santa's sleigh, over half a million lights, and a giant photo frame.

Instagram+1
Westown Day Market

Westown Day Market

Zeidler Union Square

Support local businesses and musicians at this vibrant weekly market during the summer months.

Instagram
Gazebo with Power Outlets

Gazebo with Power Outlets

Zeidler Union Square

A convenient spot to relax, enjoy a meal, or even charge your devices while taking in the park's atmosphere.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Holiday Magic & Festive Lights

Experience Zeidler Union Square transformed into a winter wonderland during the Holiday Lights Festival. Expect dazzling displays and photo opportunities, perfect for soaking in the festive spirit. Instagram+1

Urban Oasis for Events & Relaxation

This bustling square is a hub for local events like the Westown Day Market and a peaceful spot for lunch amidst the city. Enjoy green space, benches, and even power outlets in the gazebo. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Holiday Season Evenings
Why
Magical light displays await
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer Lunch Hours
Why
Vibrant market atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Sunny Weekday Afternoons
Why
Peaceful urban escape
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

chiles im your biggest fan now, this was absolutely unreal #fyp #fypシ #nyc #nycrecs #nyceats #nycthingstodo #nycforfree #nycfree #nycfreebies #nycpopup #chiles
@girl.meets.nyc
17.9K likes • 144.5K views

📸 Capture Holiday Magic

The holiday lights create a festive backdrop for memorable photos, especially the large Season's Greetings frame. InstagramReddit

🛍️ Support Local Vendors

Visit the Westown Day Market for unique finds and to support local artisans and musicians. Instagram

Ringing in the the Holiday Cheer ✨ Have you seen the new installation at Zeidler Union Square? Santa’s sleigh visits to complete Santa’s Celebration Square presented by @we_energies ✨ Don’t miss the over half a million lights Downtown this season, during the 24th annual Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival presented by @johnsonfinancialgroup 🎄♥️🎁 #mkeholidaylights #mkedowntown #mke #milwaukee #hol...
mkedowntown
261 likes • 8.1K views
🎄✨ Looking for holiday magic in Milwaukee? The Holiday Lights Festival is here to brighten your season! 🌟 Explore dazzling displays at Cathedral Square, Zeidler Union Square, and Pere Marquette Park, perfect for a festive night out with family or friends. Don’t miss this iconic Milwaukee tradition, running through New Year’s Day. 🏙️ Happy Holidays! #HolidayLightsl #Milwaukee #HolidayMagic #BethSel...
bethsellshomesinwi
10 likes • 255 views

🔌 Utilize Gazebo Power

The gazebo offers convenient power outlets, perfect for charging devices during your visit. Reddit

🌳 Enjoy the Green Space

Plenty of shade and benches make it an ideal spot for a relaxing lunch or a break from the city bustle. Reddit

Join us during your lunch hour at the Westown Day Market, presented by We Energies! Support local businesses & musicians on JULY 13th at Zeidler Union Square ✨ Learn more: www.westown.org/events/daymarket/ . @WestownAssociation @we_energies . Beauty from the Root will be attending July 13th & August 10th 11am - 2pm . Can’t wait to see you tomorrow ✌🏽 . . . . . . . . . . #westowndaymarket #beaut...
beautyfromtherootllc
18 likes • 206 views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture Holiday Magic

The holiday lights create a festive backdrop for memorable photos, especially the large Season's Greetings frame. InstagramReddit

🛍️ Support Local Vendors

Visit the Westown Day Market for unique finds and to support local artisans and musicians. Instagram

🔌 Utilize Gazebo Power

The gazebo offers convenient power outlets, perfect for charging devices during your visit. Reddit

🌳 Enjoy the Green Space

Plenty of shade and benches make it an ideal spot for a relaxing lunch or a break from the city bustle. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(261 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Zeidler Union Square as a charming urban park, particularly highlighting its stunning holiday light displays and festive atmosphere. It's also appreciated as a convenient spot for lunch breaks and a lively venue for local markets. Some note the city noise, but overall, it's seen as a pleasant green space. InstagramReddit

"Beautiful cute and small park area perfect for sitting and enjoying a sunny day or lunch."

Connie Lynn

"Little park. Has a Bublr station, a historical marker and a gazebo. A couple of paths and a few park benches round it out. The park gets decorated for the holiday season; Christmas trees, globes, lights, and presents... might be good for a few glowing nighttime pictures."

Christina K

"This Square was a highlight of our trip to Milwaukee from Madison last night. The holiday decorations were outstanding! There were many festive decorations with seats where you could have photos taken of groups or solo. There was even a huge Season's Greetings picture frame where you could have your photo taken (great idea for a photo Christmas card!). The entire atmosphere was conducive to meeting others & getting into the Christmas spirit while taking photos of one another & chatting about the other locations in which to see holiday lights. Will definitely be telling friends about this lovely Square!"

Rose Kimberley

What People Like

Beautiful holiday lights
Vibrant local markets
Peaceful green space

What People Dislike

City traffic noise

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Zeidler Union Square is easily accessible by public transport. Several bus stops are located nearby, and it's also a hub for the Bublr bike-share system. Street parking is available in the surrounding downtown area. Reddit

While it's a downtown urban park with city noise, it's generally considered a pleasant and safe space, especially during events like the Holiday Lights Festival. Reddit

Street parking is available around the square. For events, it's always a good idea to check for any specific parking advisories or consider public transport options. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Zeidler Union Square is a public park and does not have an admission fee. Entry is free for all visitors. TikTok

As a public park, Zeidler Union Square is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific event hours, like for the Holiday Lights Festival or Westown Day Market, will vary. Instagram+1

Most events held at Zeidler Union Square, such as the Westown Day Market, are free to attend and do not require advance booking. Instagram

Yes, the square hosts various events throughout the year, including the popular Holiday Lights Festival and the Westown Day Market. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

During the holiday season, the festive light displays and the large Season's Greetings picture frame are prime photo opportunities. The gazebo also offers a charming backdrop. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! The park is particularly stunning at night during the Holiday Lights Festival, with numerous lights creating a magical atmosphere. InstagramReddit

Generally, personal photography is welcome. For commercial photography or filming, it's advisable to check with the local parks department for any necessary permits. Reddit

🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience

The square offers benches, picnic tables, green space, and a gazebo with power outlets. Portapotties are sometimes available on-site. Reddit

Yes, with ample benches, picnic tables, and green space, it's an ideal location for a picnic lunch, especially on a nice day. Reddit

The gazebo at Zeidler Union Square is equipped with power outlets, allowing you to charge your electronic devices. Reddit

The park features paved paths and is generally accessible, making it suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Zeidler Union Square offers a delightful experience for families, especially during the holiday season. The dazzling light displays and interactive elements of the Holiday Lights Festival provide endless entertainment for children. Instagram The 'Season's Greetings' photo frame is a fun way to capture family memories. Instagram

During warmer months, the Westown Day Market offers a chance for kids to explore local crafts and enjoy live music. Instagram The park's green space and benches provide comfortable spots for families to relax and enjoy a picnic lunch. Its accessibility with paved paths also makes it easy to navigate with strollers. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Zeidler Union Square presents unique photographic opportunities throughout the year. During the holidays, it transforms into a photographer's dream with its extensive light installations and festive decorations, perfect for capturing magical evening shots. InstagramReddit

Beyond the holidays, the square's urban setting, gazebo, and seasonal markets offer diverse subjects. The contrast between the green space and surrounding city architecture can create interesting compositions. The availability of power outlets in the gazebo might even allow for extended shooting sessions without worrying about battery life. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Experiencing the Holiday Lights Festival

Zeidler Union Square truly shines during the annual Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival. The park is adorned with an abundance of festive decorations, transforming it into a magical winter wonderland. Visitors can expect to see dazzling light displays, including Santa's sleigh, and a variety of illuminated ornaments. Instagram+1

One of the most popular features is a large 'Season's Greetings' picture frame, offering a perfect opportunity for memorable holiday photos, ideal for Christmas cards. The entire atmosphere encourages community interaction, with people chatting, taking photos of each other, and discussing other light display locations. InstagramReddit

This festive transformation makes Zeidler Union Square a must-visit during the holiday season for anyone looking to embrace the Christmas spirit and capture some enchanting nighttime photographs. Instagram

A Hub for Local Events and Daily Life

Beyond its seasonal charm, Zeidler Union Square serves as a vibrant urban gathering space throughout the year. It's a key location for the Westown Day Market, a weekly event that showcases local businesses, artisans, and musicians, offering a taste of Milwaukee's community spirit. Instagram

The square is also a practical urban oasis. With ample green space, numerous benches, and picnic tables, it's a popular spot for office workers and residents to enjoy lunch or a break amidst the city's concrete landscape. The presence of a Bublr bike-share station and nearby bus stops further enhances its accessibility and role as a convenient urban hub. Reddit

For those needing to stay connected, the gazebo provides a unique amenity: power outlets. This makes it a surprisingly functional spot for remote work or simply ensuring your devices stay charged while you enjoy the park's atmosphere. Reddit

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