Kaukauna, Wisconsin

The North Pole of Kaukauna

This animatronic Christmas village within an industrial park creates a whimsical juxtaposition.

More than a decade ago, Kaukauna citizen Troy Campbell and his son-in-law Robert began building a village display after Troy was injured and out of work following a collision with a drunk driver.

Until 2018, the one-million-lightbulb display took over Campbell’s residential corner in Kaukauna. But the ever-increasing queues of cars caused concern for the neighbors, and after a few complaints, Kaukauna officials decided to give Santa and his elves an eviction notice.

A bit of news coverage and community concern prompted the owner of a local business, Concrete Cutters Inc., to offer some of his land in a nearby industrial park. The permits were approved by the city; however, the price of running electricity out there was more than Campbell was prepared for. For the previous seasons, he had always funded the display himself. Fortunately a slew of local businesses stepped up, volunteering and holding fundraisers.

Know Before You Go

This is outdoors, so dress accordingly. It's open from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. every day from Thanksgiving to New Years Day.

The ground is flat, but ice and snow can make it a little difficult for those with mobility troubles to navigate.

The display is free to all, though donations are accepted for display upkeep, and there is a table for canned food donations. You can take a picture with Santa, and have cookies in the heated elf trailer. There is also a mailbox for letters to the troops.