Milwaukee Christmas tree lighting; 2022 holiday season kicks off

MILWAUKEE - With the holiday season here, the city of Milwaukee Christmas tree was lit outside Fiserv Forum Friday, Nov. 18.

People from all over came to see the 31-foot-tall tree illuminate the "Cheer District."

"This is so awesome. We were dancing, a little smooch when the tree lit up – and Soarin here was dancing away," said Nate Wordell.

SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News

For the 109th year, the city kicked off the holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony – the longest running official tree in the nation other than New York City’s. However, for the first time, it is outside the home of the Milwaukee Bucks instead of City Hall.

"Fiserv Forum is very safe, so it was a good decision," Brittany Williams said.

"We are new to Milwaukee, and we are feeling the love just making this home and love the festive spirit," said Wordell.

From the lights to the ornaments, the Colorado blue spruce is a sight to see.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX6 News app for iOS or Android.

"It’s just a beautiful example of all of us that represent Milwaukee in our own unique and creative way," said David Caruso, the man behind the design. "There are 30 ornaments that are on this year's tree – all crafted and created by local artists, and they all represent lots of different aldermanic districts."

Caruso said none it would have been possible without one special man.

City of Milwaukee Christmas tree outside Fiserv Forum, 2022

"Erwin (Boehme) is a 93-year-old retired Milwaukee firefighter. He actually planted the seed," he said.

Not even the cold temperatures could stop the spirit. 

"We still came out. I mean, it’s Wisconsin, we get used to it," said Williams.

The tree will be up and lit until January.