'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.>>
Festive celebrations
Holiday Fantasy in Lights
Grab a hot cocoa and drive through a magical winter scene at Olin Park every night from dusk 'til dawn from November 9 through December 31.
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 up for the season. Learn where this year's giant tree is from and see the ornaments created by kids from across Wisconsin. Dates and times TBA.
Shine on Madison
The annual Shine on Madison seasonal light ceremony kicks off the holiday season on November 23. Head over to Lisa Link Peace Park for the ceremony where holiday lights will shine down State Street and around the Capitol Square.
Holiday Tree Lighting at The Edgewater
Join Bucky Badger, holiday carolers, ballet performers and more in celebrating the season at The Edgewater. Though the it may be too warm just yet for an ice rink, The Edgewater will still offer a skating rink. Rent roller skates for $3 or bring your own! Festivities kick off at 3 p.m. on November 29.
Holiday Carolers
Every Saturday in December, enjoy local choirs as they spread holiday cheer by caroling downtown.
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 14.
Holiday Black Bazaar
Head to The Orpheum Theater on State Street to enjoy the 2nd annual Holiday Black Bazaar! Celebrate community, culture and holiday cheer with 40+ vendors featuring handmade crafts and gifts, soul food popups, a hot chocolate bar, face paint for the kiddos and an appearance from black Santa.
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 2025 in style with an overnight getaway you won't forget.
Holiday Shopping
Holiday Dane County Farmers' Market
Every Saturday beginning November 16 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 November 29 – December 1, take part in the 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, December 7 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 win an exclusive Madison holiday shopping tote. Check out our 2024 gift guide for the merriest tips on finding the best gifts.
Performances and live activities
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 December 6 – 8 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 December 7 – 22. Find showtimes and learn more here.
Madison Ballet presents "The Nutcracker"
Watch Overture Hall transform into the Land of the Sweets with help from the talented Madison Ballet and Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra. The show runs December 13 – 22 at Overture Hall.
Run Santa Run 5K
Run, jog or walk alongside Santas, elves, penguins and other classic holiday characters during the Run Santa Run 5K on December 21. End your journey by celebrating at the North Pole Post-Race Party hosted at The Edgewater.
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 2024 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 FESTIVAL
A 5K held entirely on the ice? That’s how Frozen Assets Festival at The Edgewater and Lake Mendota, starts. After the race, stick around for lots of family-friendly activities both on the ice and at The Edgewater Plaza.
WINTER CARNIVAL
Join in the fun at the Wisconsin Union’s Winter Carnival. 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.
