Winter in Madison, Wisconsin

Winter is wondrous in Madison, where hundreds of acres of lakes freeze over into giant playgrounds that let you literally walk on (frozen) water. Celebrate all the joys of winter with four weekends of frozen fests, snowy sports to keep you moving and cozy getaways that encourage you to create memorable moments of rest in between adventures.

The capital city believes in supporting your resolutions big and small. Reducing your carbon footprint when you travel is easy in a city where sustainability is embraced with open arms. Our culinary culture will allow you to eat better, brighter and bolder. And there are tons of opportunities to learn at our free museums and galleries.

There's a ton to do on a winter trip to Madison. Don't miss out on any of it. Book your overnight adventure in one of our best places to stay. >

Jump to your favorite winter activity:

Where to find frozen festivals
What food should I try in Madison this winter
Where can I find some indoor fun
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Lady Liberty first made her appearance on Lake Mendota in 1979. The inflatable landmark was placed on the lake by UW–Madison students as a prank. She makes her return every year for UW's Winter Carnival.

Find frozen festivals

Two festivals. One frozen lake. One hundred reasons to visit Madison this February. Frozen Assets and the UW–Madison Winter Carnival are held every year on frozen Lake Mendota and are two of the biggest parties in Madison. In 2026, both festivals will be held the weekend of Feb. 7, which means you can hop, slide, skate, walk or roll between both festivals with ease.

Steal this itinerary to make it a weekend trip:

Get to Madison on Friday evening and enjoy a night on the town.
Participate in the Frozen Assets 5K Run/Walk on Saturday morning.
Play games and snap selfies with Lady Liberty at the Winter Carnival on Saturday afternoon.
Watch the fireworks show on Saturday night.
Return to the ice Sunday morning for Kites on Mendota.

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What food should I try in Madison this winter?

This is the year to explore new flavors. Madison's fresh ingredients are on display year-round at events like the Dane County Farmers' Market Late Winter Market and Beer and Cheese Fest, where you get to vote on which artisanal cheese is the "Best of the Fest."

Enjoying the best food goes beyond fests. Sign up for the Madison's Iconic Eats Experience and embark on a self-guided food tour through some of the capital city's best restaurants, cafes, bakeries and beyond.

Madison makes it easy to push healthy eating to new heights. Food lifestyles like vegan and plant-based eating are front and center and our booming craft beverage scene loves a good mocktail or NA beverage as much as we love the full-proof stuff.

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Where can I find some indoor fun?

If the weather just isn't quite right for you, then it's time to embark on an indoor adventure. Be surrounded by dazzling works of art and one-of-a-kind historical displays at one (or several) of Madison's museums. Tours of massive Madison icons like the Wisconsin State Capitol and Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace place you right in the center of the city's greatest architectural feats. And don't forget to check what live music is bumpin' from our iconic venues, including The Sylvee, The Orpheum and the Overture Center.

In need of some green? The Olbrich Botanical Gardens indoor tropical conservatory is an immediate mood booster when the doldrums are banging. And spa experiences like the ones you'll find at Kosa, Saunaday and Tuli Sauna and Plunge will whisk you away to a whole new world, even if just for 90 minutes.

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