Deer District becomes 'Cheer District' after annual Christmas tree lighting
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- For the next two months, don't call it the "Deer District." The space outside Fiserv Forum is now the "Cheer District" after city leaders turned on the Christmas tree lights on Friday, Nov. 17.
There's a blue and purple theme going on this year. With 18,000 lights, the Colorado Blue Spruce has a back story, quite fitting since we're hearing it in the month of November, after we just finished honoring our nations veterans.
For Christmas lovers, this is the moment, especially for one woman in the crowd.
"This is amazing. I mean this is the best experience ever," said Denise Blue, tree donor.
This year, as you look at the 38-foot-tall tree, city leaders ask you to think of its roots on the northwest side.
CBS 58 was there when the tree was harvested. The present homeowner was told a grieving man planted it to honor his twin.
"It's hard parting with the tree because it has a story and his brother actually died serving our country, so that's why the tree was planted," said Blue.
"The reason that we have the freedoms that we do is because of the sacrifice of the men and women in the United States military, who go all over the world to defend and protect us in this," said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.
This is Milwaukee's 110th Christmas tree lighting, bringing kids of all ages, the four-legged ones too.
"Kona loves Christmas because she's a rescue from MADACC's. So, go out and support your local rescue and please adopt pit bulls," said Jennifer Johnston, Kona's owner.
Festive goers posed for pictures with the reindeer and sipped on hot chocolate.
"So, I was like let's get some hot chocolate. But yea, it's really hitting the spot right now," said Zack Warfield, festival goer.
The temperature, warmer than last year's tree lighting, and we saw a happier crowd, one with songs in their hearts.
"Silent night, holy night," sang Alice Nguyen, festival goer.
We asked a large group of children, what's your favorite part of Christmas.
"Getting presents, getting presents," they said.
Head out to the "Cheer District" and see it for yourself.