There are so many great ways to celebrate the holiday season in Madison. Take your pick of tree lightings and parades happening in neighboring towns. Or head out for some holiday shopping, seasonal adventures at the Henry Vilas Zoo or even the Wisconsin State Capitol to get your festive fill. You’ll discover charming events, cozy restaurants and sweet boutiques along the way.
Find some of our most festive, family-friendly holiday events below. Visit our events calendar to find all the upcoming things going on in Madison.
Jump around to find:
Season-Long Celebrations
Holiday Fantasy in Lights – Madison
Daily, November 15–December 31
Load up the car and head to Olin Park for Holiday Fantasy in Lights. Drive through more than 50 light displays featuring snowy winter scenes and favorites like Bucky Badger and the Forward Flamingos. More details
Cave of Lights – Cave of the Mounds
Daily, November 20–January 31 (excluding December 24 and 25)
Warm up below ground in a 50-degree cave. This opportunity to see the cave filled with lights will be available on every cave tour all month long in December. More details
Henry Vilas Zoo Lights – Madison
Fridays–Sundays and select week nights, November 22–December 23
Experience the Henry Vilas Zoo after hours under the glow of nearly one million lights. Individual tickets and four packs are available in advance with select entry times. More details
Rotary in Lights – Waunakee
Daily, November 23–December 31
Each winter, Waunakee's Village Park transforms into a winter wonderland of light-lined streets and holiday displays with synchronized music. Enjoy the lights either on foot or from your car. More details
University Avenue Holiday Lights – Madison
Daily, Beginning in November TBD
The annual University Avenue Holiday Lights will return in 2025. These lights have been a staple of Madison's near the west side during the holiday months. Stay tuned for the announcement of the tree lighting dates. More details
Tree Lightings and Special Events
Wisconsin State Capitol Tree Lighting
December TBD
Gather inside the Capitol rotunda for a holiday presentation with remarks from Gov. Tony Evers. Learn where in Wisconsin this year's giant tree is from, and see the ornaments created by kids from across Wisconsin. You can visit the lit Capitol tree all season long during regular Capitol visiting hours. The 2025 tree lighting date will be announced soon!
Shine on Madison – Downtown Madison
November 22, 4–6 p.m.
Head to Lisa Link Peace Park in downtown Madison for the seasonal lighting ceremony. Enjoy free coffee, hot chocolate and cookies, live music and a visit from Santa. The lighting ceremony will take place at 5 p.m. More details
Light the Green – Middleton
November 22, 5–7 p.m.
Watch downtown Middleton sparkle as Stone Horse Green becomes aglow with holiday cheer. Santa himself will arrive via firetruck at 5:30 p.m. and the tree will officially be lit at 5:15 p.m. More details
North Pole Party and Tree Lighting – Hilldale Shopping Center
November 23, 3–6 p.m.
Stop by Hilldale Shopping Center for a day of festive fun, followed by a tree lighting at 6 p.m. There will be a visit from Santa and his reindeer, kids’ crafts, cookie samples, and a preview of Black Friday shopping deals. More details
Edgewater Hotel Tree Lighting – Downtown Madison
November 28, 3–6 p.m.
This free family-friendly tradition is hosted at one of Madison's most historic hotels. Gather around for food, drink and ice skating all while enjoying the annual holiday tree lighting ceremony. More details
Downtown Fire & Lights Holiday Parade – Sun Prairie
November 29, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Gather in downtown Sun Prairie for music, a performance by Fusion Dance Academy and fire trucks dressed in their holiday best as they lead the parade to a tree-lighting celebration with Santa in front of the Sun Prairie Historical Library and Museum. More details
Light the Ice Ceremony – Monona
November 29, 5:30–7 p.m.
Monona's River Rink transforms into a winter wonderland with 10,000 lights strung on a 20-foot-tall tree. Join for the tree lighting, plus light displays, hot chocolate, ice skating and a visit from the Clauses. More details
Holiday Tree Lighting – New Glarus
December 1, 6:30 p.m.
Welcome the season of delights in downtown New Glarus and enjoy enchanting sights of historic Swiss architecture, local shops and old fashioned street lights. Visit the Depot for treats and enjoy festive music from the holiday alphorns. More details
Hometown Holidays Express – Verona
December 5, 4–8 p.m.
Kick off the holiday season in Verona with a ceremonial tree lighting at 5pm, live music, ice skating and more! Embark on an enchanting adventure aboard a holiday trolley, enjoy cookies with Santa and stroll through a glittering outdoor holiday light trail at Seven Acre Dairy. More details
Christmas in the Grove – Cottage Grove
December 5–7
Kick off the weekend with a visit with Santa at Lake Ridge Bank and enjoy the holiday lights parade at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, December 5. Stay tuned for more events throughout the weekend. More details
Light the Night Parade with Santa – Waunakee
December 5, 6:30–7 p.m.
Join Santa and his elves in Waunakee for Rotary Lights at Village Park, as well as boutiques open for shopping, hot apple cider and a parade heading down Main Street. More details
Tree Lighting with Santa – Oregon
December 5, 5:30–7 p.m.
See Santa ride into town on a fire truck to light Oregon's holiday tree. Afterward, head to the local fire station for a chili dinner and ornament giveaway from Santa. More details
Victorian Holiday Weekend – Stoughton
December 5–7
Stoughton’s weekend-long holiday celebration is overflowing with old-world charm. The annual lighting of the Love Light Tree kicks off a weekend of music, artisanal shopping, local food and more. More details
Holiday Lights Tour – Fitchburg
December 12–14
Fitchburg’s Holiday Lights Tour returns with animated sculptures, interactive displays, lights and holiday décor. A Google map with locations will be released soon before the event. Kick off the weekend on December 12 from 5–8 p.m. at Get Festive with Agora—a party for the whole family! More details
Candy Cane Hunt – Middleton
December 12, 6–7:30 p.m.
Gather 'round for family festivities at Middleton's Lakeview Park, featuring lots of peppermint, joy and, of course, Santa Claus himself. Register before December 10th to ensure your spot! More details
