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.
Season-Long Celebrations
Holiday Fantasy in Lights – Madison
Daily, November 9 – December 31
Load up the family 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
Rotary in Lights – Waunakee
Daily, November 24 – 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
Henry Vilas Zoo Lights – Madison
Fridays to Sunday and select week nights, November 29 – December 29; Open daily December 18 – 30 (closed December 24 and 25)
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
Lake Ripley Park Holiday Lights – Cambridge
Daily, November 30 – January 1
Get into the holiday spirit with a light display in Cambridge's Lake Ripley Park. Pack a thermos of hot cocoa and drive through nearly a half mile of holiday lights and displays. More Details
Cave of Lights – Cave of the Mounds
Daily, November 29 through January 12 excluding December 24 and 25
This season, as the weather gets colder outside, warm up below ground in the 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
University Avenue Holiday Lights
Daily, Beginning November 19
The annual University Avenue Holiday Lights are expected to light up the night starting on November 17. These lights have been a staple of Madison's near the west side during the holiday months. More Details
Your Guide to the Holidays in Madison
Everything you need to know to make the holidays in Madison memorable.
Take Me ThereTree Lightings and Special Events
Wisconsin State Capitol Tree Lighting
December 5
Gather inside the Capitol rotunda for a holiday presentation with remarks from Governor 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.
Shine on Madison – Downtown Madison
November 23, 4 – 6 p.m.
During the November Night Market, downtown Madison will shine bright. Enjoy live music and shop a variety of market vendors and downtown stores. Then gather together near the Wisconsin State Capitol as all the holiday lights turn on simultaneously at 5:00 p.m. More Details
North Pole Party and Tree Lighting – Hilldale Shopping Center
November 24, 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 29, 3 – 6 p.m.
This free family-friendly tradition is hosted at one of Madison's most iconic and historic hotels. Gather around for food, drink and holiday cheer. Though it may not be cold enough just yet for an ice rink, The Edgewater will offer a skating rink. Rent roller blades for $3 or bring your own! The warm weather will not bring our midwest holiday spirit down! More Details
Light the Green – Middleton
November 30, 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 5:25 p.m. More Details
Downtown Fire & Lights Holiday Parade – Sun Prairie
November 30, 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. More Details
Holiday Tree Lighting – New Glarus
December 1, 6:30 p.m.
Welcome the season of delights in downtown New Glarus. The first of their daily Adventsfenster windows will be revealed, followed by a tree lighting. Visit the Depot for treats and enjoy festive music from the holiday alphorns. More Details
Light the Ice Ceremony – Monona
November 30, 5:30 – 7:30 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 and ice skating. More Details
Christmas in the Grove – Cottage Grove
December 6, 4 p.m.
Kick off the weekend with a visit with Santa at Lake Ridge Bank and head over to the Holiday Lights parade at 7:00 p.m. Stay tuned for more events throughout the weekend. More Details
Victorian Holiday Weekend – Stoughton
December 5 – 8
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
Light the Night Parade with Santa – Waunakee
December 6, 6:30 – 8 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 6, 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
Candy Cane Hunt – Middleton
December 13, 6 – 8 p.m.
Gather 'round for family festivities at Middleton's Lakeview Park, featuring lots of peppermint, joy and, of course, Santa Claus himself. More Details
Hometown Holidays Express – Verona
December 6, 4 – 8 p.m.
Kick off the holiday season in Verona with a ceremonial tree lighting, live music, a new outdoor ice skating rink 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
Holiday Lights Tour – Fitchburg
December 13 – 15
Fitchburg’s Holiday Lights Tour returns with animated sculptures, interactive displays, lights and holiday décor. A Google map with locations will be released closer to the event. Want to participate? Submit your Fitchburg address to administration@fitchburgwi.gov to be included. This year – don't miss the kickoff celebration on December 13 from 5 – 8 p.m. and join in the fun at Get Festive at Agora. More Details
