See all Madison Christmas happenings this year!
Madison comes alive for Christmas 2025 as the historic downtown and State Street host twinkling lights and community cheer. Look for festive festivities, winter celebrations and seasonal adventures with ice skating, markets and holiday concerts along the square.
Find the best Madison Christmas happenings this year!
Top Christmas Events In and Around Madison
- Shine On Madison Holiday Celebration
- Holiday Fantasy in Lights
- Madison Ballet's The Nutcracker
- Henry Vilas Zoo Lights
- Madison Fair Trade Holiday Festival
- Winter Art Fair Off the Square
- Dane County Farmers' Market Holiday Market
- The Nutcracker (Waunakee)
- HolidayFest Arts & Crafts Fair
- University Avenue Holiday Lights
See even MORE Christmas events below!
Madison Christmas Events
Madison Christmas Markets and Shopping
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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 Cookie Walk, making it a perfect destination for holiday cheer and supporting local businesses.
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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.
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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 the Young Collectors' Corner for affordable art for kids and the Saturday Silent Auction.
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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.
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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 festive concessions and a chance to win exciting door prizes.
Madison Christmas Light Displays
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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 for all ages.
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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 way to experience the zoo in a whole new, festive light.
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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 the avenue into a festive spectacle for all to enjoy.
Madison Christmas Movies, Theater and Entertainment
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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 for all ages.
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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.
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