As the winter chill begins to weave its way through Milwaukee, the warmth of community spirit is set to kindle. County Executive David Crowley, along with County Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson, are poised to illuminate the Milwaukee County Courthouse with the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 2, 2024, at 3:00 PM.
The festive gathering invites Milwaukeeans to congregate in the Courthouse Rotunda, a revered space where the branches of the Holiday Tree will soon shimmer with handmade ornaments, lovingly crafted by local elementary students in partnership with Arts @ Large. This year, the decorations carry the essence of an "International Celebration," a tapestry of cultural traditions, hand painted, drawn, and sculpted by young hands eager to share their holiday narratives. At the heart of the event, the ceremony is more than just a visual spectacle—it’s a crossroads where charitable giving intersects with communal cheer, beckoning attendees to contribute to the 2024 Holiday Drive in support of Meta House, as per a statement made by Milwaukee County.
This year's drive, steered in collaboration with the City of Milwaukee and the Brewers Community Foundation, gears towards empowering women and families to break the fetters of addiction. Citizens with the spirit of giving can uplift Meta House's mission by bringing new, unwrapped items to the ceremony, a list of which can be found on Milwaukee County's website.
In attendance alongside the county officials and residents will be representatives from Arts @ Large and the 2024 Holiday Drive, their presence a reminder of the intricate community fabric that forms the backdrop of such a beloved holiday tradition. For those looking to capture the entirety of this community-centric celebration, it is advised to arrive early, as courthouse security measures may extend the wait time, and media personnel are encouraged to RSVP to [email protected]. The Milwaukee County Courthouse, standing at 901 North 9th Street, will be the ground where light finds a way, not just through the bulbs on a tree but, within the collective hearts of a community ushering in the holiday season.
