Your guide to the holidays in Madison

Cheery. Bright. Quite a delight. The holidays in Madison, Wisconsin are handcrafted with love. It's the details that make the holidays so special in the capital city from the carefully crafted gifts at local boutiques to the ornaments lining the Wisconsin State Capitol tree made by students from across the state. Whether here for a girl's weekend of shopping or a family getaway, Madison is a holiday wonderland. Downtown ice skating, dining in domes and a Miracle on King Street await. And don't forget about all the dazzling holiday light displays.

All this packed into one weekend? You bet. It's easy when you book a room at one of the coziest hotels in Madison. Find places to stay. >

Find your favorite things to do in Madison:

• Madison shopping
• Holiday lights
• Food and drink experiences
• Holiday events

Electrify Your Holiday Traditions

Make your holiday memories sparkle with light shows and tree displays that dazzle in Madison. Marvel at the larger-than-life holiday tree at the Wisconsin State Capitol, see the Henry Vilas Zoo in a whole new (twinkling) light at Zoo Lights and ring in the new year in style at the glitzy New Year's Eve party at the Madison Concourse Hotel right on the Capitol Square. 

Cozy up with handcrafted food and festive drinks

The flavors of a season can trigger the best memories and fuzziest feelings. You can taste all the nostalgia with your favorite classic holiday flavors, served with a flair in Madison. Drink a festive cocktail served in a dinosaur mug at Miracle on King Street, sip on mulled wine in a cozy winter dome or learn how to make your own elevated holiday meal with classes at DelecTable and The Deliciouser.

Holiday Events

Christkindlmarkets, chef-crafted dinners, wintery festivals and cheerful celebrations make for no idle minutes in the capital city during the holiday season. Looking to embrace all there is to do downtown during the holidays? Check out the lineup of downtown Madison winter events.