The 23rd Annual Oshkosh Celebration Of Lights!

Each year, the spirit of the Holiday Season magically generates enough power to light up Oshkosh, WI – and loved ones faces with SMILES!

In 2023, the event attracted over 22,000 vehicles, filled with family and friends, who were amazed to see 3/4 million twinkling lights. Thank you to all our volunteers for setting up this fantastic Holiday Event!

This year, enjoy another year of Oshkosh COL sights and activities which include the 100 foot tree, one-hundred twenty plus trees filled with lights, sculptured scenes, animated light displays, visits with Santa, special event nights, wagon rides and so much more.

We’re delighted to announce that once again, the EAA is generously allowing us to use their grounds for our 2024 season. A big thank you to EAA – The Spirit of Aviation for keeping the spirit alive for all of us this year – we appreciate it so very much!

The Oshkosh Celebration of Lights was a dream of Tom Stephany, former Oshkosh Parks Dept. Director

Tom saw a holiday lights display in Texas, that inspired him to create one in Oshkosh. As a member of Oshkosh Rotary Southwest, Tom recruited an enthusiastic and energetic group of fellow Rotarians to help him make his vision a reality.  The original group consisted of Karen Fredrick, Bob Hernke, Craig Burnett, Wendy Hielsberg, Jenny Biese and Bob Heinz. Through this project Tom wanted to create a partnership between the Celebration of Lights and the Parks Department. Over the years, both groups have formed a partnership that has benefited from COL donating funds to upgrade the electrical infrastructure, at Menominee Park, which also helps other festivals and events that are held there.

Tom Stephany passed away on August 25, 2011. A plaque is displayed in the park and in addition, The Tom Stephany Bridge of Lights, is to honor the man who loved the Oshkosh Parks and worked tirelessly to create an event that brought the community together.

Through the efforts of our volunteers, sponsors and our community, this bright idea, because of our joint efforts, is now one of the largest, and most dazzling light show in the Midwest! Let’s continue to improve and keep this Oshkosh Holiday Tradition shining bright!