MILWAUKEE — The holiday season is upon us and despite coronavirus concerns, families are finding safe ways to get in the spirit.
This December, the Oak Creek Assembly of God decided to turn its parking lot into a mile-long Christmas display. Families say the best part is you don’t even need to leave your car.
In a challenging year, the holidays may look and feel a little different. It’s all the more reason for the Castros to kick off the season by spending a rare night out to take in the sights and sounds.
“It’s about making those memories with our families and it’s one of those opportunities for us,” said Martin Castro.
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The church has more than 100,000 lights along with live animals and a full cast of people on display for visitors to see from the safety of their own vehicles.
“We’re able to just enjoy our time together and not only keep ourselves safe but everybody else,” Castro said.
In downtown Milwaukee, the Bucks’ Deer District transformed into the ‘Cheer District’ Friday night; all while a battle between Marquette and Wisconsin took place on the court inside the arena in front of no fans.
“It’s just one of many things in this year that’s really different,” said Nick Lyons.
What would normally be a bustling site for the masses to take in, the Lyons didn’t mind having the entire outdoor area to themselves.
“It’s kind of nice that we don’t have to worry about crowds this year so we’re making the best of it,” Erica Lyons.
Over in West Allis, a neighborhood teams up to bring the holiday spirit for thousands to see from their cars and on foot. The Eberhards enjoyed their first Candy Cane Lane experience Friday night, highlighted by the front yards brought to life with lights, blow up characters and decorations for a good cause.
“It’s been hard just trying to figure out a balance of how to be safe but also spending time with our family and growing closer together in moments because you have to, there’s not a lot of other things you can do outside the home,” said Dan Eberhard.
The Oak Creek Assembly of God drive-thru Christmas experience is located at 7311 S. 13th Street in Oak Creek. It’s open Thursdays through Sundays from 6 to 9 p.m. until December 19.
Candy Cane Lane is located at W. Oklahoma Ave. and S. 96th Street in West Allis. It runs through December 27 and all proceeds go to the MACC Fund which supports childhood cancer and related blood disorder research.
The ‘Cheer District’ is located outside Fiserv Forum in downtown Milwaukee. The light display is open to the public through the holidays.