Relax & Unwind This Winter in MADISON, WI

Grab the grandkids or take a trip for two. From award-winning restaurants and cocktails to frozen lake festivals, elevate your winter in Madison.

Winter in Madison means memories to last a lifetime. Frozen lakes transform into winter playgrounds. Inside, breweries, distilleries and cideries make cozy cocktails and local libations, restaurants prepare seasonal fare and free museums offer a window into stories yet unheard.

All in a Day: Winter fun for everyone

A white man and woman smile while holding coffee cups standing on a frozen Lake Monona in front of Monona Terrace.

Enjoy coffee with a view

Grab a coffee and watch the sunrise over the frozen lakes.

A family of four sits on a block of snow on frozen Lake Monona and takes a selfie.

Winter Activities for Kids

Soak in the quality time you've been craving with these activities kids will love.

The entryway and sign to Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison

Wager some fun at Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison

Madison's casino features more than 1,300 themed slot machines and great eats at Gamer's Grill.

A man and woman walk past an abstract painting at the Chazen Museum of Art

Explore Madison's art scene

Find art from across the world at Madison's FREE art museums.

A young Black man and older Black woman look at a miniature version of Monona Terrace in a display case at the Frank Lloyd Wright exhibit at Monona Terrace

Walk through the history of Frank Lloyd Wright

Learn about one of Madison's most famous residents at the Monona Terrace Frank Lloyd Wright exhibit.

Catch a world-class show

Catch a show at the stunning Overture Center for the Arts.

A chef at DelecTable tosses food in a pan and flames are coming off of the pan.

Delight in an experience where dinner is the show

Let the chefs at DelecTable guide you through an eight-course menu complete with fire and thrills.

A bottle of J. Henry & Sons bourbon next to a hand-crafted cocktail

End your day with a night cap

Tap into Madison's craft beverage scene and earn discounts when you sign up for Madison On Tap.

Indulge in the Local Food Scene

Relax around a fireplace and reconnect with those who matter most while savoring the local fare. From fine dining to fish fries, finding a foodie spot here is easy — we have the most eateries per capita out of any city in the U.S.

Dive into the local craft beverage scene with Madison On Tap, your guide to beer, bubbles, bourbon and beyond. Sign up for free to get discounts, earn prizes and find your next favorite beer, cocktail or cider.

Explore Restaurants

A mom and her daughter stand in front of a Christmas tree with bags of gifts

Madison Shopping Guide

Two women cheers beer at Octopi Brewing in Waunakee.

On Tap in Madison: Beer, Bubbles, Bourbon and Beyond

2 people sit at a bar in Madison, Wisconsin

Dine at an award-winning culinary gem

Domes at Cafe Hollander Winter 2021 Winter garland

Cozy up for date night

Events to recharge your spirit

Dance to the beat, taste the flavors and feel the energy of Madison while attending one of dozens of events happening daily. Winter in Madison is in full swing during the iconic Frozen Assets and Winter Carnival festivals. Taste what makes Wisconsin great at Beer and Cheese Fest or unwind and enjoy live music at one of dozens of venues.

Find all upcoming events