Looking forward to holiday magic in Madison? Our guide has everything you need! Whether you're rediscovering Madison or falling in love with it for the first time, this guide maximizes your holiday cheer.
Amidst the festive atmosphere, the Madison Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” enchants audiences with its timeless story and beautiful choreography. Featuring dazzling performances and stunning sets, it offers a delightful addition to the season. And don't forget the Madison Christkindlmarkt, where you can experience authentic German holiday traditions through unique crafts and delicious treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Madison
- Downtown Madison Holiday Open House
- Madison Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”
- Madison Christkindlmarkt (Paoli)
- Downtown Holiday Carolers
- Madison Fair Trade Holiday Festival
- Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Edgewater
- Dance Wisconsin’s “The Nutcracker”
- Dane County Holiday Market
- Small Business Saturday
- Verona Youth Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” (Verona)
See these and even more events listed below!
Madison Holiday Light Displays
Waunakee Light the Night
What to Expect:
Illuminated parade entries with holiday music.
Description:
The Waunakee Light the Night Parade is a community event where local businesses, neighborhoods, and student groups come together to create a spectacular display of lights and holiday music along Main Street.
Where: Waunakee | More Info: Waunakee Light the Night
Madison Holiday Markets and Shopping
Downtown Madison Holiday Open House
What to Expect:
Collectible cookie tins with unique Madison designs and cookies from Horst Bakery.
Description:
Downtown Madison Holiday Open House features holiday decor, lights, cookies, and shopping at participating downtown businesses. Collectible cookie tins with unique Madison designs are available, and each tin comes with cookies from Horst Bakery. Shoppers can also enter to win gift cards by filling out Letters to Santa.
Where: Madison | More Info: Downtown Madison Holiday Open House
Madison Fair Trade Holiday Festival
What to Expect:
Ethically produced gifts from around the globe.
Description:
The Madison Fair Trade Holiday Festival is an annual event at Monona Terrace featuring over 40 vendors offering ethically produced Fair Trade clothing, foods, jewelry, books, cards, ornaments, and more. It is a holiday shopping resource where all products are vetted to ensure they are humanely produced.
Where: Madison | More Info: Madison Fair Trade Holiday Festival
Small Business Saturday
What to Expect:
Celebrating local businesses and their role in defining community culture.
Description:
Small Business Saturday in Madison, Wisconsin, highlights the importance of sustaining local businesses, encouraging everyone to support independent shops and contribute to a vibrant, economically strong community.
Where: Madison | More Info: Small Business Saturday
Dane County Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Unique shopping experience with over 60 local vendors.
Description:
The Dane County Holiday Market at Monona Terrace features over 60 local vendors offering a variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, bakery goods, and specialty items. It is a one-stop shop for all your local food needs during the holidays.
Where: Madison | More Info: Dane County Holiday Market
Madison Christkindlmarkt
What to Expect:
Exclusive early access to vendor tents for those under 35.
Description:
Immerse yourself in a nostalgic Christmas celebration at the Christkindlmarket in Paoli, Wisconsin. Enjoy hot buttered rum, mulled wine, and eggnog along the Sugar River. Explore winter festivities and holiday activities, including vendor tents, holiday light trails, and live reindeer. Create Yuletide traditions and make beautiful holiday memories in this treasured small town.
Where: Paoli | More Info: Madison Christkindlmarkt
Madison Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Edgewater
What to Expect:
Family-friendly performances and craft stations.
Description:
The Edgewater Hotel's 9th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting features a variety of family-friendly activities, including performances by local artists, craft stations, and the lighting of the trees. The event is free and open to the public, with food and beverages available for purchase.
Where: Madison | More Info: Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Edgewater
Downtown Holiday Carolers
What to Expect:
Community parade and candlelight caroling with live music and Santa visits.
Description:
Join friends and neighbors for a festive holiday celebration featuring a parade through Downtown Madison, decorated floats, vintage cars, horses, dogs, dancers, and the award-winning MCHS Marching Bulldog Band. After the parade, enjoy caroling by candlelight in Town Park with a free concert by Missile Toes and visits from Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and the Elves.
Where: Madison | More Info: Downtown Holiday Carolers
Madison Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”
What to Expect:
Classic ballet performance with Tchaikovsky's timeless music and elaborate sets.
Description:
Madison Ballet's "The Nutcracker" is a holiday fairy tale about Clara Stahlbaum and her adventures with her beloved Nutcracker doll. The story unfolds at a festive Christmas Eve party, where Clara's mysterious Godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer, brings her a special gift. As Clara's dream begins, she encounters the Rat King and her Nutcracker Prince, leading to a battle and a journey to the Land of Sweets.
Where: Madison | More Info: Madison Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”
Dance Wisconsin’s “The Nutcracker”
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
Dance Wisconsin's "The Nutcracker" is a timeless holiday classic featuring over 100 performers of various ages, accompanied by Tchaikovsky's beloved compositions and the Monona Grove High School Singers. The production, led by artistic director JoJean Retrum, includes dancing dolls, a battle with the Mouse King, and a journey through the Land of Sweets. Returning alumnus Anthony Cannarella-Andersen performs as the Sugar Plum Cavalier, joined by professional dancer Natalie Palmgren.
Where: Madison | More Info: Dance Wisconsin’s “The Nutcracker”
Verona Youth Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
Verona Youth Ballet's "The Nutcracker" features a family-friendly performance with children, adults, and professionals dancing to Tchaikovsky's score, showcasing energetic dancing and shimmering costumes.
Where: Verona | More Info: Verona Youth Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”
Midwest Performing Arts’ “The Nutcracker”
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
Midwest Performing Arts presents "The Nutcracker," a holiday ballet featuring Clara's adventures with her Nutcracker doll, toy soldiers, and the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Where: Waunakee | More Info: Midwest Performing Arts’ “The Nutcracker”
Madison Other Holiday Activities
Hilldale North Pole Party
What to Expect:
Interactive reindeer encounters and festive holiday activities.
Description:
Hilldale North Pole Party offers a variety of activities for all ages, including reindeer encounters, kids' crafts, and holiday shopping deals. Enjoy hot chocolate, s'mores, and mulled wine while strolling through the festive atmosphere, culminating in the tree lighting ceremony.
Where: Madison | More Info: Hilldale North Pole Party
Glow on Monroe
What to Expect:
Illuminated streets and shops showcasing local culture.
Description:
Monroe Street's Holiday Glow is a vibrant celebration of local businesses and community spirit, featuring special lighting, decorations, and activities that highlight the unique charm of Madison's downtown area.
Where: Madison | More Info: Glow on Monroe
Santa Saturdays in Sun Prairie
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with local crafts and activities.
Description:
Santa Saturdays in Sun Prairie offer a delightful holiday experience with festive activities, holiday crafts, and community gatherings.
Where: Sun Prairie | More Info: Santa Saturdays in Sun Prairie
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Fitchburg (8 miles)
- Sun Prairie (12 miles)
- Janesville (33 miles)
- Watertown (35 miles)
- Beloit (43 miles)