Madison Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Discover unique, ethically sourced gifts at Madison's Fair Trade Holiday Festival. This cherished event, running since 1996, offers a curated selection of artisan vendors committed to fair trade principles. Find the perfect presents for everyone on your list while supporting responsible consumerism and getting into the holiday spirit.

Experience the festive spirit at the Holiday Dane County Farmer's Market, held at the stunning Monona Terrace. This vibrant market brings together over 60 local vendors offering the freshest Wisconsin agricultural products, perfect for your holiday needs. Discover seasonal bounty, artisanal goods, and unique finds in a beautiful lakeside setting.

Discover unique, handcrafted treasures at the 36th Annual Winter Art Fair Off the Square in Madison, Wisconsin. This indoor event showcases the work of approximately 135 juried Wisconsin artists across a wide range of mediums. Find the perfect holiday gifts, from intricate jewelry to stunning paintings and sculptures. Don't miss...

Downtown Madison transforms into a winter wonderland for the 'Shine On Madison' celebration. This six-week event features a dazzling seasonal lighting ceremony, a festive Holiday Open House with shopping specials and live entertainment, and a fun Window Decor Scavenger Hunt. Visitors can also enjoy a Hot Cocoa Walk and a...

Discover unique, handmade treasures at the HolidayFest Arts & Crafts Fair. Over 80 crafters from across the Midwest will showcase their original creations, offering a delightful array of jewelry, pottery, woodwork, home décor, and more. It's the perfect opportunity to find one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list while enjoying...

Immerse yourself in a 'good 'old fashioned Christmas' at The Christkindlmarket in Paoli, WI. This charming holiday market, set along the Sugar River, offers a curated selection of gifts from top makers and small businesses. Savor festive treats like candied nuts and Bavarian pretzels while exploring a winter lodge filled...

Discover unique holiday treasures at the Stoughton Holiday Market, a vibrant local artisan palooza. Shop for hostess gifts, stocking stuffers, and specialty goods from talented exhibitors. Enjoy refreshments and live music while exploring the charming historic district and the beautiful Chorus Public House.

Celebrate the start of the holiday season in Lake Mills with a magical weekend of festive events. The festivities kick off with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Commons Park, featuring Santa's grand arrival and community carols. The following day, the Winter Market at St. Paul Lutheran Church & School...

Step into a magical wonderland at Henry Vilas Zoo Lights, where over one million lights transform the zoo into a dazzling spectacle after dark. This enchanting event offers unlimited carousel rides with every ticket and the chance to capture cherished photos with Santa Claus on select evenings. It's a perfect...

Experience the magic of the Holiday Fantasy in Lights at Olin Park. This beloved annual event transforms the park into a dazzling spectacle with over 50 unique light displays. Drive or stroll through the illuminated wonderland, enjoying synchronized light shows set to festive music. It's a free, community-supported tradition perfect...

All aboard for the Holiday Express Model Train & Flower Show at Olbrich Botanical Gardens! This enchanting event features large-scale model trains winding through a festive landscape adorned with hundreds of poinsettias and fresh evergreens. It's a unique, handcrafted holiday experience designed to delight visitors of all ages.

For over 25 years, the University Avenue Holiday Lights have been a cherished tradition on Madison's near west side. Initiated in 1996 with a mission of unity and peace, this beloved event continues to spread holiday cheer through a spectacular display of lights. The event showcases creatively decorated trees, transforming...

Experience the magic of the Fitchburg Holiday Lights Tour, culminating in the 'Get Festive with Agora' kickoff event. Wander through dazzling light displays, enjoy festive food and drinks, and participate in family-friendly activities like cookie decorating and carriage rides. Vote for your favorite light display and discover unique gifts from...

Wanderlights transforms Downtown Columbus into a magical winter wonderland with stunning light displays across Columbus Commons, Town Street, and the Scioto Mile. This free event invites everyone to embrace the holiday spirit with dazzling illuminations, including a 40-foot tree and an enchanted tunnel. Special 'Wander Nights' offer extra cheer with...

Get ready for the annual Holiday Show featuring the acclaimed Ben Ferris Octet! This all-star Wisconsin band, including special guest vocalist Rose Heckenkamp-Busch, promises a night of music where the audience plays a role in shaping the performance. Contribute to the 'Ho Ho Ho' and 'No No No' tip buckets...

Madison Ballet presents its enchanting annual production of The Nutcracker, a timeless holiday spectacle. Immerse yourself in the magical world of Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the mischievous Mouse King, all brought to life with stunning choreography and Tchaikovsky's iconic score. This beloved performance is a perfect festive outing...

Prepare for an enchanting evening as 'A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland' brings the magic of Irish holiday traditions to life. This captivating performance showcases the vibrant spirit of Ireland through a dazzling display of traditional music and energetic dance. It's a perfect way to embrace the festive...

Experience the magic of The Nutcracker, a timeless holiday ballet brought to life by Midwest Performing Arts. Follow Clara's enchanting Christmas dream as she journeys through magical lands, encountering whimsical characters and breathtaking performances. This production features talented dancers and a captivating story, perfect for all ages.

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Frosty Feast, a delightful evening at the Wisconsin Union. Guests will be treated to live music and festive drinks before a seated dinner in the grand Great Hall. The renowned Wisconsin Singers will perform beloved holiday songs, followed by a dessert course...

Experience the joy of winter with ice skating at various Madison Parks. They offer skate rentals at several locations, with free loaner skates available at others. Gather your friends and family for a fun day on the ice, and check for special winter events throughout the season.

Unleash your creativity this holiday season with hands-on fiber art classes at the beautiful Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Learn the intricate art of needle felting to craft your own charming Christmas gnome, or dive into the world of wet felting to create a serene winter landscape. These workshops offer a unique...

Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with the enchanting sounds of live carolers. They will be performing beloved festive songs, filling the downtown area with cheer and creating a magical atmosphere for all to enjoy. It's a perfect way to experience the joy of the season.

The Columbus Festival of Lights Parade returns on December 6, 2025, bringing a magical evening of illuminated floats and community spirit to downtown Columbus. This cherished annual event invites thousands to create new traditions and relive nostalgic holiday memories. Organized by Red Arch Community Events, the festival aims to provide...