2025 Shine On Madison

Celebrate the season & support local!

Join us as we light up downtown and celebrate the season!

Head here to see a list of holiday and winter events from our partners.

SHINE ON MADISON HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

Head downtown for a seasonal lighting ceremony at Lisa Link Peace Park on November 22! This fun event is the perfect pre-Thanksgiving activity for the whole family. Join us as we turn on on all our lighting décor on State St., the Capitol Square and King St. Event runs 4-6pm with our lighting ceremony taking place at 5pm!

The event will include:

• Free coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies (while supplies last)
• A special visit by Santa
• Performances by Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra (WYSO)'s Brass Ensemble
• Appearances by UW-Madison's Badger Women's Basketball Team!

SHINE ON MADISON MAP

Coming soon

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

November 28-30
State St, King St, Capitol Square
Holiday activities including the FREE shopping gift bags filled with goodies, and shopping specials from downtown businesses, live music, special performances from Kids in the Rotunda, and more.
Find Holiday Open House Details here!
Find business specials here .

WINDOW DECOR SCAVENGER HUNT

November 23 - December 24
State St, King St, Capitol Square
Downtown businesses will hide gingerbread ornaments in their window displays for you to find! Find them all and you can be entered to win prizes. Beginning on November 23, pick up your scavenger hunt card at the Downtown Visitor Center at 452 State St., open 11am-5pm daily.

SANTA ON STATE

Bring the whole family downtown on select dates to share in the magic of the season with the big man himself. FREE Santa visits (location coming soon).

• Fri. 11/28, 12-3pm
• Sun. 11/30, 12-3pm
• Sat. 12/6, 2-5pm
• Sat. 12/13, 2:30-5pm

HOT COCOA CRAWL

December 7, 1-4pm
Taste samples of a variety of hot cocoa flavors at some of your favorite downtown businesses while you
LEARN MORE

COOKIE WALK

December 14, 1-4pm
You'll enjoy cookie samples and cookie decorating demonstrations at participating businesses in the district. Participating businesses will offer a sale, special or featured item.
LEARN MORE

HOLIDAY CAROLERS

The Holiday Carolers are volunteer singing groups who will stroll State Street and the Capitol Square to serenade visitors. Caroling groups will start at Peace Park.

Saturday, December 6
11am-1pm - Capitol Chordsmen
1pm-3pm - Madison Youth Choirs

Saturday, December 13
1pm-3pm - The Ambulatones

Saturday, December 20
11am-1pm - Stoughton High School Madrigal Singers
1pm-3pm - Philharmonic Chorus of Madison