The holiday season is approaching (or already here, if you're most department stores and a few radio stations), and that means it's time to flip the switch on the city's Holiday Lights Festival.

The holiday lights painstakingly scattered throughout the streets and parks of Downtown Milwaukee will be officially flipped on during the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Kick-Off Extravaganza, taking place in Pere Marquette Park Thursday night. 

The event beings at 6 p.m. with a holiday variety show featuring ice sculpting from Ice Beat Factory; skits from First Stage and The Rep; live musical performances by Spider George & The Web and The Tempters; and dancing from Danceworks Youth Performance Company and Studio VIA.

Then Santa Claus himself – alongside Mayor Tom Barrett, County Executive Chris Abele and Ald. Bob Bauman – will hit the switch on the numerous light displays strewn up across town at approximately 6:30 p.m. Topping off the evening is a holiday-themed fireworks show.

Free hot chocolate and cookies will be available during the proceedings, and afterward, families are invited to tour the newly lit lights and downtown Milwaukee sights on a free "Jingle Bus" ride. 

The displays will remain up and lit through Dec. 29.