'Tis the season to grab your favorite people and enjoy the holidays in Madison. One of the capital city's hubs for holiday spirit is downtown Madison, where you can find festive celebrations and holiday shopping. From holiday lights and the famous tree in the Capitol to carolers and a holiday trolley, plan for a festive frolic right in the heart of the city with these upcoming events.
Want more? Find more festivities and celebrations on our events calendar.>>
Where to find holiday celebrations in downtown Madison
Wisconsin State Capitol Tree Lighting
Head inside the Capitol rotunda for an hour-long presentation with remarks from the Governor and music from a youth choir before the Capitol tree is lit for the season. Learn where this year's giant tree is from and see the ornaments created by kids from across Wisconsin. 2025 dates and times TBA.
Holiday Fantasy in Lights
Grab a hot cocoa and drive through a magical winter scene at Olin Park. The Holiday Fantasy in Lights is open every night from dusk 'til dawn from Nov. 15 through Dec. 31, 2025.
Shine on Madison
The annual Shine on Madison seasonal light ceremony kicks off the holiday season on Nov. 22, 2025. Head over to Lisa Link Peace Park for the seasonal lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. Watch as the holiday lights illuminate State Street, the Capitol Square and King Street.
Miracle on King Street
Mark your calendars for the annual festive holiday pop-up experience at Lucille. During Miracle on King Street, Lucille is transformed into a holiday wonderland with twinkling lights, festive decor, a specialty cocktail menu and the perfect place to create holiday memories in downtown Madison.
Holiday Tree Lighting at The Edgewater
Join Bucky Badger, holiday carolers, ballet performers and more in celebrating the season at The Edgewater with the annual Holiday Tree Lighting event. Festivities kick off at 3 p.m. on Nov. 28, 2025.
Madison TubaChristmas
Join Madison's version of a nationwide tradition as tuba and euphonium players gather at the Wisconsin State Capitol to play holiday hits on December 13, 2025 at the annual Madison TubaChristmas.
Run Santa Run 5K
Run, jog or walk alongside Santas, elves, polar bears and other classic holiday characters during the Run Santa Run 5K on Dec. 13, 2025. End your journey by celebrating with a delicious drink at a local downtown bar. More details to come!
Holiday Carolers
Enjoy local choirs as they spread holiday cheer by caroling downtown every Saturday in December.
New Year's Eve at the Madison Concourse Hotel
Enjoy a full surf n' turf spread, laugh your way through a comedy show and choose between three dance parties at the Madison Concourse Hotel's New Year's Eve Party. Ring in 2026 in style with an overnight getaway you won't forget.
Upcoming holiday shopping events in downtown Madison
Holiday Dane County Farmers' Market
Every Saturday beginning Nov. 15, 2025 leading up to Christmas weekend, the Dane County Farmers' Market is holding an indoor holiday market at Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center. This bustling market features more than 60 vendors and is your one-stop shop for all of your local food needs for the holidays.
Holiday Open House & Shopping Trolley
On the weekend of Nov. 28–30, 2025, take part in the Downtown Madison Holiday Open House, a downtown Madison tradition that jump-starts seasonal shopping with early Thanksgiving weekend sales. During this weekend, enjoy gift bags (while supplies last) filled with goodies, coupons, promo items and more if you ride the Holiday Shopping Trolley.
Fair Trade Holiday Festival
Looking for unique, socially responsible, handmade gifts this year? If so, you can enjoy the fun and festive atmosphere of the Annual Fair Trade Holiday Festival on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 at Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center. There will be hundreds of fairly-traded, international products for you to choose from—the handiwork of weavers, knitters, metal-workers, wood-carvers and creative artists from around the world.
Pro tip for downtown holiday shopping:
Our brand new Very Merry Madison Shopping Pass is your on-the-go guide to the best shopping experiences in the capital city. Sign up, check in to various locations as you shop and earn points to earn an exclusive Madison holiday shopping tote. Check out our 2025 gift guide for the merriest tips on finding the best gifts.
Live music and performances this holiday season in downtown Madison
Madison Symphony Orchestra presents "A Madison Symphony Christmas"
Kick off December with the Madison Symphony Orchestra, Madison Symphony Chorus, Madison Youth Choirs, Mt. Zion Gospel Choir and guest vocalists in a massive holiday celebration. A Madison Symphony Christmas runs Dec. 5–7, 2025 and is sure to leave you full of holiday cheer.
Children's Theater of Madison presents "A Christmas Carol"
Watch the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future take you on a journey through this timeless tale at the historic Capitol Theater inside Overture Center for the Arts. Various showtimes are available from Dec. 6–21, 2025. Find showtimes and learn more here.
Madison Ballet presents "The Nutcracker"
Watch Overture Center for the Arts transform into the Land of the Sweets this holiday season as Madison Ballet presents The Nutcracker from Dec. 12–21, 2025 with music performed by Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra.
Winter Wonder Weeks at Madison Children's Museum
Ensure you and your littles have the best winter vacation ever with special hours, programming and pop-up events at the Madison Children's Museum. Stay tuned or visit their events calendar for more details on 2025 events.
BONUS: Frozen Fests
Come back to Madison to ring in the new year with two of Madison's frozen festivals that make you feel like you're walking on water (literally).
Frozen Assets
A 5K held entirely on the ice? That’s how Frozen Assets Festival at The Edgewater and Lake Mendota, starts on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026. After the race, stick around for family-friendly activities both on the ice and at The Edgewater Plaza. Return on Sunday, Feb. 8 for kites on Mendota, skydiving jumps over the lake and more frozen fun!
Winter Carnival
Join in the fun at the Wisconsin Union’s Winter Carnival from Feb. 5–7, 2026. This long-standing cold weather tradition features activities like a freestyle skiing and snowboarding contest, snowshoeing, mini golfing on the ice, hot cocoa and Lady Liberty.
