Welcome to your ultimate guide for holiday fun in Sun Prairie! Discover all the top festive events and attractions. Whether Sun Prairie is your permanent address or your seasonal escape, this guide ensures you make the most of the festivities.
Popular Events: Celebrate the rich tapestry of global cultures at the Holiday Folk Fair International, where vibrant performances and traditional crafts come together to fill your holiday season with merriment. You can also experience the enchanting spectacle of China Lights: Year of the Dragon, showcasing stunning lantern displays and cultural exhibitions. And the Wild Lights is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a mesmerizing display of thousands of lights at the local zoo. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Sun Prairie
- Holiday Folk Fair International (West Allis)
- China Lights: Year of the Dragon (Hales Corners)
- Wild Lights (Milwaukee)
- SnowGlobe Holiday Festival (Milwaukee)
- Hunting Moon Pow Wow (Milwaukee)
- Trainfest 2024 (Milwaukee)
- Zoo Lights (Madison)
- Dia de los Muertos 5K & Festival (Milwaukee)
- Shine On Madison (Madison)
- Madison Fair Trade Holiday Festival (Madison)
See these and even more events listed below!
Sun Prairie Holiday Light Displays
Zoo Lights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with over one million lights.
Description:
Henry Vilas Zoo transforms into a dazzling spectacle with over one million lights, featuring unlimited carousel rides and Santa photo opportunities until December 23rd. Adult beverages are available for purchase with valid ID.
Where: Madison | More Info: Zoo Lights
Waunakee Light the Night
What to Expect:
Illuminated parade entries with holiday music and Santa Claus.
Description:
The Waunakee Light the Night Parade is a festive event featuring illuminated parade entries, holiday music, and Santa Claus. The parade route includes O'Malley Street, Main Street, and Village Park through the Rotary of Lights. Post-parade activities include caroling, cookies, hot apple cider, a model train set, and kid-friendly entertainment.
Where: Waunakee | More Info: Waunakee Light the Night
University Avenue Holiday Lights
What to Expect:
A community-driven holiday light display symbolizing unity and peace.
Description:
University Avenue Holiday Lights is a long-standing tradition in Madison's near west side, started by Dr. Jack Kammer to provide holiday spirit to everyone, regardless of race or religion. The event has been a constant symbol of unity and peace, maintained by Dr. Chris Kammer, a local cosmetic dentist.
Where: Madison | More Info: University Avenue Holiday Lights
Light the Green
What to Expect:
Synchronized light display on historic city buildings.
Description:
Light the Green is an enchanting display of festive lights and decorations that transform the city into a vibrant winter wonderland. The event features beautifully illuminated buildings, festive music, and a joyful atmosphere perfect for the holiday season.
Where: Middleton | More Info: Light the Green
Wild Lights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
The Milwaukee County Zoo transforms into an illuminated destination with hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights, featuring pathways and forested areas specially adorned with twinkling lights and decorative displays. Enjoy a festive evening under the stars with various attractions and activities.
Where: Milwaukee | More Info: Wild Lights
SnowGlobe Holiday Festival
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with a variety of activities.
Description:
The SnowGlobe Holiday Festival at Ballpark Commons in Milwaukee features a SnowGlobe-Inspired Light Maze, Christmas Cocktails and Pop-Up Bars, a Christmas Village with local vendors, VIP and private event experiences, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, an ice-skating trail, live music entertainment, and a Build-A-Buddy activity.
Where: Milwaukee | More Info: SnowGlobe Holiday Festival
China Lights: Year of the Dragon
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays and cultural performances.
Description:
China Lights: Year of the Dragon is an event celebrating traditional Chinese lantern festivals with over 40 larger-than-life light displays, interactive playgrounds, and nightly performances of classic Chinese arts.
Where: Hales Corners | More Info: China Lights: Year of the Dragon
Sun Prairie Holiday Markets and Shopping
Sun Prairie Holiday Makers Market
What to Expect:
Indoor market with diverse local vendors.
Description:
The Sun Prairie Holiday Makers Market is an intimate indoor event featuring over 65 local vendors showcasing handcrafted goods, vintage finds, boutique items, and lifestyle goods.
Where: Sun Prairie | More Info: Sun Prairie Holiday Makers Market
Wauwatosa Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Traditional European food and live polka music.
Description:
The Wauwatosa Holiday Market offers authentic traditional European food, unique shopping experiences, and live entertainment. Enjoy hot pretzels, grilled sausages, and festive music in the Wauwatosa Village.
Where: Wauwatosa | More Info: Wauwatosa Christmas Market
Kohler Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with free transportation.
Description:
The Kohler Holiday Market at the American Club features festive decorations, stylish apparel, handcrafted toys, and gourmet treats. Shop unique gifts and holiday decor while enjoying dining options at Kohler restaurants and unwinding at the Kohler Waters Spa.
Where: Kohler | More Info: Kohler Holiday Market
West Salem Mistletoe Market
What to Expect:
Unique shopping experience with over 50 vendors.
Description:
The West Salem Mistletoe Market is a two-day event featuring over 50 vendors showcasing handmade goods, along with food vendors, coffee vendors, and a fully stocked bar. It offers a variety of shopping and dining options for attendees.
Where: West Salem | More Info: West Salem Mistletoe Market
Jingle Bell Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Local artisans selling handmade crafts.
Description:
The Jingle Bell Craft Fair is a holiday event where local artisans showcase their handmade crafts, offering unique gifts and seasonal items for all to enjoy.
Where: Menomonee Falls | More Info: Jingle Bell Craft Fair
Kewaskum Craft and Vendor Holiday Expo
What to Expect:
Large selection of handmade items from local artisans.
Description:
The Kewaskum Craft and Vendor Holiday Expo features over 150 local artisans and vendors showcasing handmade works, including unique gifts and seasonal items. Food and beverages are available. The event takes place at Kewaskum Middle School on November 24, 2024, from 9am to 3pm.
Where: Kewaskum | More Info: Kewaskum Craft and Vendor Holiday Expo
Christmas in Princeton - Holiday Bounty Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Large-scale craft fair with local artisans.
Description:
The Holiday Bounty Craft Fair in Princeton features a large craft fair at Princeton Public School, offering a variety of handmade gifts and seasonal items. Local artisans showcase their work, and attendees can enjoy a range of holiday crafts, treats, and activities.
Where: Princeton | More Info: Christmas in Princeton - Holiday Bounty Craft Fair
Oshkosh Christmas Village and Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with local artisans and festive activities.
Description:
The Oshkosh Christmas Village and Craft Fair features over 20 craft vendors, Santa, carriage rides, crafts for kids, cookies and cocoa, and delicious food and drinks. It takes place at Brighton Acres on December 6-7, 2024, from 4pm-8pm both days.
Where: Oshkosh | More Info: Oshkosh Christmas Village and Craft Fair
Madison Fair Trade Holiday Festival
What to Expect:
Ethically sourced gifts from around the world.
Description:
The Madison Fair Trade Holiday Festival at Monona Terrace offers a diverse array of ethically produced gifts, including clothing, foods, jewelry, and home decor items. All vendors have been vetted to ensure their products are made with human dignity and environmental sustainability in mind.
Where: Madison | More Info: Madison Fair Trade Holiday Festival
Dane County Holiday Market
What to Expect:
One-stop shop for local holiday food and gift needs.
Description:
The Dane County Holiday Market at Monona Terrace offers a bustling marketplace featuring over 60 local vendors selling a variety of seasonal items, including fresh produce, artisanal goods, and unique gifts.
Where: Madison | More Info: Dane County Holiday Market
Sun Prairie Other Holiday Activities
Holiday Folk Fair International
What to Expect:
Celebrating diverse cultures with traditional music, food, and dance.
Description:
The Holiday Folk Fair International is America’s premier multicultural festival, celebrating the cultural heritage of southeastern Wisconsin through music, food, dance, and art.
Where: West Allis | More Info: Holiday Folk Fair International
Hilldale North Pole Party
What to Expect:
Interactive reindeer encounters and festive holiday crafts.
Description:
The Hilldale North Pole Party features reindeer encounters, holiday crafts, and a tree lighting ceremony. Enjoy activities like sitting in Santa's sleigh, creating festive ornaments, and participating in a toy drive for the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County. The event also includes caroling, hot chocolate, and shopping deals at various Hilldale stores.
Where: Madison | More Info: Hilldale North Pole Party
Shine On Madison
What to Expect:
Dinner event with live music and gifts for special guests and their caretakers.
Description:
Shine On Madison is a special event celebrating guests with special needs and their caretakers, featuring a lovely dinner, live music, gifts, and information about the upcoming Night Shine Event in 2026.
Where: Madison | More Info: Shine On Madison
Trainfest 2024
What to Expect:
Largest operating model railroad show in the US with over 170,000 square feet of exhibit space.
Description:
Trainfest 2024 is a premier model railroad show featuring dozens of major manufacturers, over 50 operating model train displays, and 200 booths with industry-leading products. The event offers a free train ride for kids and is held at the newly renovated Baird Center in Milwaukee, WI.
Where: Milwaukee | More Info: Trainfest 2024
Hunting Moon Pow Wow
What to Expect:
Unique blend of Native American culture and community.
Description:
The Hunting Moon Pow Wow is a three-day celebration of Native American culture and traditions, featuring singing, drumming, and dancing in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It is an important social gathering where Native people connect with each other, their history, and non-Native people through the power and beauty of the event.
Where: Milwaukee | More Info: Hunting Moon Pow Wow
Dia de los Muertos 5K & Festival
What to Expect:
Unique blend of cultural traditions and community activities in a historic cemetery setting.
Description:
The Dia de los Muertos 5K & Festival at Forest Home Cemetery & Arboretum celebrates the traditions of Dia de los Muertos with a 5K run/walk, local vendors, arts and crafts, food trucks, traditional music and dance, altars to the dead, face painting, and community resource booths.
Where: Milwaukee | More Info: Dia de los Muertos 5K & Festival
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Madison (12 miles)
- Fitchburg (20 miles)
- Watertown (24 miles)
- Janesville (36 miles)