La Crosse Rotary Lights to Return for 32nd Season

The annual holiday tradition in Riverside Park will kick off with a parade on November 27, 2026.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Seasonal Events

Screen-print poster illustration of a stylized holiday light tree in a quiet park, evoking a warm community tradition. — The annual Rotary Lights holiday festival returns to La Crosse's Riverside Park for its 32nd season, beginning with a parade on November 27. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Riverside Park in La Crosse is set to host the Rotary Lights for its 32nd season. The community event features a new 10-foot memorial tree dedicated to the memory of Pat Stephens.

Why it matters

The new memorial tree offers a space for families to honor Stephens and remember other loved ones during the holiday season. It serves as a central point of community reflection within the longstanding festival.

This year marks the 32nd season for the La Crosse event. The newest addition is a 10-foot memorial tree.

The players

Pat Stephens

Pat Stephens was a community member who passed away in February 2026 and is being honored with a new memorial tree at the event.

The details

Crews are preparing to transport equipment into Riverside Park to assemble the extensive light displays. The event will officially commence with a holiday parade.

February 2026: Pat Stephens passed away.
October 25, 2026: Crews begin moving pieces into the park.
November 27, 2026: The holiday parade takes place at 5 p.m.

Industry Dynamics

The addition of a memorial tree reflects a broader trend of local festivals integrating community-focused tributes into their annual programming. This evolution allows established events to maintain tradition while offering new ways for attendees to engage with the display.

Attendees can view the display at Riverside Park starting after the holiday parade on November 27, 2026. Families interested in participating as volunteers are encouraged to contact the event executive director.

The takeaway

The return of the Rotary Lights highlights the community effort involved in maintaining regional holiday traditions. Residents can prepare for the season by noting the move-in date for equipment on October 25.