What are your holiday traditions? Do you have peppermint coffee every morning? Do you have a big inflatable reindeer in your front yard? A cozy, ugly sweater for every day of the week? Everybody has a tradition they love. The city of Madison is no exception. Our holiday annual traditions are inclusive and festive. It makes December in Madison a magical time. Here is a list of the best ways to celebrate Madison’s holiday traditions this year:
Holiday Glow On Monroe
When?
December 3, 2021 4:00pm-8:00pm
Where?
Monroe Street
Monroe’s old-fashioned lampposts are decorated for the Holidays with garland, lights, and ribbon. They’ll be illuminated as the iconic Monroe Street shops host a holiday open house. Pop in and out of each to see what special treats they have in store.
Hint:
There will be major discounts ($100 gift cards for $85? Yes, please!) treats, BOGO cocktails, tapas, crafts, games, and so much more.
Fun Fact:
Our office is located on Monroe! You’ll definitely see The Hub crew out for this event.
Attend The Wisconsin Capitol Holiday Tree Lighting
When?
December 3, 2021 12:00pm-1:00pm
Where?
The Capitol Rotunda
This Holiday Tree lighting is stately and elegant. We would expect nothing less from the capitol building! The governor will give a speech, and a children’s choir will perform. This year’s tree is a 32-foot balsam fir donated by the Menominee Nation. The theme for the tree this year is “Hometown For The Holidays”. Children from across the state have created ornaments that represent their hometown or neighborhood. They’ll hang from the tree as a dazzling representation of Wisconsin’s diverse communities.
Boogie through Downtown Sun Prarie during the Fire & Lights Holiday Parade
When?
Saturday, December 4, 2021 from 5:30pm-8:00pm
Where?
Downtown Sun Prarie
Fusion Academy dancers will lead a parade of fire trucks downtown. Bring some hot cocoa and join in the celebrations! The parade will finish in front of SPHL&M, and where the Sun Prarie Christmas Tree will be lit. Be sure to visit Santa before you leave!
Cross present wrapping off your to-do list at Santa’s Workshop
When?
December 11, 2021 11:00am-2:00pm
December 12, 2021 11:00am- 2:00pm
Where?
Greenway Station
Have a mountain of presents to wrap? The kids will be entertained with crafts and Santa selfies while you can take care of business. Utilize the complimentary wrapping station to make this year’s presents look beautiful. Don’t forget to grab yourself a steaming mug of seasonal coffee to keep you motivated while you work!
Marvel at the Rotary Botanical Gardens Holiday Light Show
When?
November 26-28 from 4:30pm- 9:00pm
December 2-5 from 4:30pm- 9:00pm
December 16-23 from 4:30pm- 9:00pm
December 26-30 from 4:30pm- 9:00pm
Where?
Rotary Botanical Gardens
This is, without a doubt, one of the most impressive holiday light displays in the area. Stroll through garden paths illuminated by over one million lights. It’s absolutely magical.
Drive Through Lake Ripley Park’s Holiday Lights
When?
November 30, 2021- January 1, 2022
Where?
Lake Ripley Park.
No need to bundle up for this activity. You can cruise through the impressive holiday light display from the comfort of your car. Half a mile of lights transforms Ripley Park into a glowing display of winter cheer.
Experience Fantasy In Lights
When?
November 13, 2021- January 2, 2022
From Dusk until Dawn
Where?
Olin Park
1156 Olin-Turville Ct.
This is another awesome drive-through light display! This is a free event with over 50 different light displays.
Step Back In Time at the Stoughton Victorian Holiday Weekend
When?
December 2- December 5, 2021
Where?
Arts & Entertainment District
W Main Street & S Division Street, Stoughton, WI
The Victorian Weekend is a long weekend celebration full of discounted shopping, dining, holiday events, and even some period costumes! During this weekend you can participate in:
- An artisanal holiday market
- A gift-giving event
- Embroidery gallery
- Holiday tasting
- Arts, Crafts, and Bake sale
- A Christmas Story: The Musical
- Singers strolling around in period costumes
- Fire Truck Parade
- Ensemble choirs
- Cookie Walk
Enjoy The Nutcracker in a new way at the Madison Ballet
When?
December 17-26
Where?
Overture Hall
In honor of The Madison Ballet’s 40th season, the annual Nutcracker has all-new choreography this year. The same beloved storyline and music will remain. The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra always does a phenomenal job. But this year’s performance will be like none other.
Hop on the Olbrich Gardens Holiday Express
When?
December 4-31, 2021 from 10:00am- 4:00pm
Where?
The Olbrich Botanical Gardens
The Olbrich Gardens have been doused in poinsettias and holiday trees. Large-scale model trains puff through the scene. Each train is overflowing with flowers and lights. Olbrich’s creative horticulturists have carefully constructed this exhibit for the delight of its visitors. This is a great activity for any fans of the classic movie The Polar Express. Or simply anyone who enjoys festive holiday activities!
Sing With The Madison Symphony Christmas
When?
Friday, December 3, 2021, at 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 4, 2021, at 8:00 pm
Sunday, December 5, 2021, at 2:30 pm
Where?
Madison Symphony Orchestra
This is no ordinary orchestral experience. You’ll be greeted by carolers as soon as you enter the building. The performance ends with the entire audience singing Christmas songs together. During the show, you’ll see some of Madison’s most talented performers.
Shop At Madison’s Fair Trade Holiday Festival
When?
December 4th, 2021
8:00am- 3:00pm
Where?
Monona Terrace
This holiday festival features only vetted vendors. The only products sold here are ethically and humanely produced. From Ethiopian coffee to alpaca wool sweaters.
Shop At The Madison Night Market
When?
December 16, 2021 4:00pm-9:00pm
Where?
State Street and Gilman Street
Do you love to buy local, artisan goods for your family and friends as Christmas presents? If so, this is a great place to get your holiday shopping finished! Plus, the market is just fun! There are twinkling holiday lights, live music, carolers, and great food.
You can view a complete list of vendors here.
Happy Holidays from The Hub!
Working in Madison Real Estate has connected us to the Madison community in beautiful ways. We feel a strong connection to this city and all its wonderful people. We are so thankful for you! Warmest wishes from our family to yours. We hope to see you around town as we celebrate the holiday season!
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