Winter in Madison is full of outdoor adventure. The lakes freeze over and are transformed into cold weather playgrounds for all to enjoy. Festivals pop up along the shoreline and even on the ice! Whether you’re cheering on runners in the frozen lake 5K or getting a hole-in-one at frozen mini golf, Madison is the place to be to embrace the cold weather this season. Clean Lakes Alliance's Frozen Assets and Wisconsin Union's Winter Carnival are two of the best winter things to do in Madison. These can't-miss winter events held the first weekend in February make for a great getaway with friends and family.
Wondering how you'll choose? No worries. Frozen Assets and Winter Carnival are set on the same shoreline just a short walking distance from one another!
When it comes to traversing the frozen lakes, please keep safety in mind. The lakes are typically frozen in early January but freeze date varies year to year. Generally, a minimum thickness of four or five inches is required for walking. Ice traction on your shoes can help to provide a bit of extra grip to prevent slips and falls.
Jump around to plan your frozen fests weekend getaway:
Winter Carnival
Join us for a week full of winter fun at the Wisconsin Union’s Annual Winter Carnival. This long-standing cold weather tradition features winter activities and events all week long. Take part in family-friendly activities like a freestyle skiing and snowboarding contest, snowshoeing, mini golfing on the ice, hot cocoa, ice fishing and a can't-miss fireworks show over the lake. We can't forget to mention Lady Liberty's annual appearance on frozen Lake Mendota on Friday and Saturday. With this variety of fun winter activities, there is something here for all ages to enjoy! For the most up to date details, check the event website.
Know before you go
- Date: Friday, Feb. 5 – Sunday, Feb. 8
- Time: 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday
- Location: Memorial Union
- Cost: Free
- Parking and transportation: Paid parking is offered at the State Street Campus Garage. Limited street parking is available on campus on a first come, first serve basis.
Frozen Assets Festival
Have you ever heard of a 5K held entirely on the ice? Well, now you have! After a week of pre-festival activities, the Frozen Assets Festival, hosted by Clean Lakes Alliance, kicks off with a race on frozen Lake Mendota. Following the race there are all-day winter-focused events to take part in including pond hockey, snowshoeing, skating on the Edgewater Ice Rink and curling! The festival will also feature snowshoeing, craft stations and kites on ice. These family-friendly activities, both on ice and at The Edgewater Plaza, take place throughout the day. Check out the festival's website for all the details.
Know before you go
- Date: Saturday, Feb. 7 and Sunday, Feb. 8
- Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday
- Location: The Edgewater
- Cost: Free
- Parking and transportation: Paid parking is offered at The Edgewater or at the State Street Campus Garage. Street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhoods on a first come, first serve basis.
More things to do during Frozen Assets and Winter Carnival Weekend
What should you do when you're not on the ice? These events and attractions will help you keep the good times rolling.
- Badger Men's Hockey vs. Notre Dame at The Kohl Center
- Badger Women's Hockey vs. Ohio State at La Bahn Ice Arena
- LOVB Madison vs. LOVB Atlanta
- Orchid Quest at Monona Terrace
BONUS: Book your stay with Children's Theater of Madison's Play, A Play, and A Stay special offer and receive a discount on your hotel stay, 25% off tickets to CTM's production of "The Hobbit" and 50% off a Madison Children's Museum day pass
Recommended hotels for Frozen Assets and Winter Carnival weekend
All this frozen fun is best enjoyed over the full weekend. These recommend downtown hotels are conveniently located near Lake Mendota and have all the amenities you hope for in a cozy winter getaway.
- The Edgewater
- The Gradaute
- Hotel at Union South
- Hampton Inn and Suites Madison Downtown
- Doubletree Madison Downtown
- Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club
- Best Western Premier Park Hotel
More winter festivals
Madison doesn't hibernate. Check out these upcoming winter festivals for more frosty fun.
Self Discovery Weekend in Monona
February 21–22, 2026
Feed your new year's resolutions and recharge your spirit with a weekend of renewal, reflection and personal growth during Self-Discovery Weekend in Monona. You'll experience events, workshops and classes that will get you on the right to track to overall wellness. Each year, the line up of workshops changes and in the past have included nature meditation, art therapy, furniture repair, coffee sampling, self defense and more! Stay tuned for more information on this year's opportunities.
Bockfest
February 28, 2026
For over 25 years, Capital Brewery has celebrated Bockfest with beer, bands, food and more. You may wonder, what is a bock? To keep it simple, it's a lager that has been kept in cold storage during the winter months to create more intense flavors. Our city has been ranked among the World's Top 10 Beer Destinations, which means you won't want to miss the annual release of Capital Brewery's seasonal, award-winning bock beers at this event. Rain, snow, sleet or shine, head out to Middleton on February 28 to experience the magic of a winter beer festival. See event website for more info!
Pro tip: Sign up for our craft beverage trail, Madison on Tap, for the chance to win prizes and unlock discounts at Capital Brewery and more!
