Christmas In Madison Wisconsin: A Holiday Guide

Christmas is a magical time of year, and Madison, Wisconsin is a great place to experience the holiday season. From festive lights and decorations to holiday markets and events, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city. In this guide, we'll explore the best ways to celebrate Christmas in Madison, Wisconsin.

Madison, Wisconsin is known for its small-town charm and big-city amenities, making it an ideal destination for a holiday getaway. Whether you're a local or just visiting, you'll find plenty of ways to get into the holiday spirit. From ice skating and sledding to holiday shopping and dining, we'll cover all the best activities and events to enjoy during the Christmas season in Madison.

Christmas Events in Madison, Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin is home to a wide range of Christmas events and activities, including:

• Downtown Madison Holiday Parade: This annual parade takes place in early December and features festive floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus.
• Olbrich Botanical Gardens Holiday Express: Explore the beautiful gardens and model trains on display at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens.
• University of Wisconsin-Madison Geology Museum Holiday Exhibit: Learn about the geology of Wisconsin and see stunning mineral and fossil displays.
• Madison Museum of Contemporary Art Holiday Exhibit: Discover unique and thought-provoking art exhibits at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art.

Holiday Markets in Madison, Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin is also home to several holiday markets, where you can find unique gifts, try local foods, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Some popular holiday markets include:

• Dane County Farmers' Market Holiday Market: Shop for local produce, crafts, and gifts at the Dane County Farmers' Market.
• Madison Holiday Market: Find unique gifts, decorations, and food at the Madison Holiday Market.
• University of Wisconsin-Madison Holiday Market: Support local artisans and find one-of-a-kind gifts at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Holiday Market.

Ice Skating and Sledding in Madison, Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin is a great place to enjoy the winter sports of ice skating and sledding. Some popular spots include:

• Vilas Park Ice Rink: Enjoy outdoor ice skating at the Vilas Park Ice Rink.
• Warner Park Ice Rink: Skate under the stars at the Warner Park Ice Rink.
• Elver Park Sledding Hill: Grab your sled and hit the hills at Elver Park.

Holiday Shopping in Madison, Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin is a shopper's paradise, with a wide range of unique boutiques, galleries, and markets. Some popular spots for holiday shopping include:

• State Street: Explore the unique shops and galleries along State Street.
• Hilldale Mall: Find a wide range of stores and restaurants at Hilldale Mall.
• East Towne Mall: Shop and dine at East Towne Mall.

Christmas Lights and Decorations in Madison, Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin is a beautiful city during the holiday season, with festive lights and decorations throughout the city. Some popular spots to see Christmas lights and decorations include:

• Capitol Square: Admire the beautiful Christmas tree and lights on display at Capitol Square.
• University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum: Explore the stunning gardens and holiday lights at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum.
• Olbrich Botanical Gardens: See the beautiful holiday lights and decorations at Olbrich Botanical Gardens.

Holiday Dining in Madison, Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin is a foodie's paradise, with a wide range of unique restaurants and cafes. Some popular spots for holiday dining include:

• The Old Fashioned: Enjoy a classic Wisconsin supper club experience at The Old Fashioned.
• Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co.: Try local brews and pub fare at Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co.
• Ian's Pizza: Savor delicious pizza and pasta at Ian's Pizza.

New Year's Eve in Madison, Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin is a great place to ring in the new year, with a wide range of events and activities to enjoy. Some popular spots for New Year's Eve include:

• Downtown Madison New Year's Eve Celebration: Enjoy live music, fireworks, and a countdown to midnight at the Downtown Madison New Year's Eve Celebration.
• University of Wisconsin-Madison New Year's Eve Party: Dance the night away at the University of Wisconsin-Madison New Year's Eve Party.
• Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co. New Year's Eve Bash: Celebrate the start of a new year with live music and local brews at Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co.

We hope this guide has helped you plan your holiday trip to Madison, Wisconsin. Whether you're interested in Christmas events, ice skating, or holiday shopping, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city.

Join the conversation! What's your favorite holiday activity in Madison, Wisconsin? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.