Discover 16 verified christmas lights in Madison and nearby areas.
Welcome to your guide for Madison Christmas lights and holiday displays, where the festive spirit shines bright throughout the season. Whether you're a local or visiting, you'll find plenty of ways to enjoy the glow of the season in Madison.
One of the standout attractions is the Holiday Fantasy in Lights at Olin Park, featuring over 50 dazzling displays that light up the night. Nearby, beloved neighborhood favorites like the Fitchburg Holiday Lights Tour offer charming walking trails and neighborhood displays to explore.
This guide covers everything from free displays to ticketed events, including drive-through lights and walkable options. Dive in to discover the best spots near Madison and make the most of your holiday visit.
Zoo illuminated by over one million lights with unlimited carousel rides.
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...
Spectacular free holiday light displays in Olin Park.
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...
Model trains chugging through a festive floral display
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...
Over 25 years of holiday lights tradition
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...
Weekend-long Holiday Lights Tour with kickoff party
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...
Sprawling free holiday light display across three downtown locations.
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...
Over one million lights and holiday train rides
Experience the magic of the Home Run Holiday Lights, a dazzling display featuring over one million lights and festive decorations. This event offers a variety of activities, including holiday train rides, craft stations, and opportunities to meet Santa. Enjoy seasonal...
Community tree lighting with Santa's carriage arrival
Experience the magic of the holiday season at Elkhorn's Annual Tree Lighting! This cherished community event marks the official start of Christmas with caroling by local youth choirs and Santa's grand arrival via horse-drawn carriage. Follow Santa to the 'Let...
Enchanting holiday light displays
Experience the magic of the Snowflake Spectacular, a dazzling holiday event designed to bring festive cheer. While specific details for this year are still emerging, past events have featured enchanting light displays and a joyful atmosphere perfect for families. Keep...
Mile-long luminary trail with live Nativity reenactment.
Step into the Christmas story with DaySpring's Luminary Hike & Live Nativity. Follow a mile-long trail illuminated by over 2,500 luminaries, encountering live characters from the Nativity. After the journey, explore the new Bethlehem Marketplace for unique gifts and festive...
Historic electric train rides through Wisconsin countryside.
All aboard for a magical holiday journey with the East Troy Railroad Museum's Christmas Trains! Experience the charm of historic electric railcars adorned for the season as they travel through the picturesque Wisconsin landscape. Choose between enchanting Daytime Christmas Trains...
Wisconsin's largest drive-through holiday lights display
Wisconsin's premier holiday attraction, Country Christmas, transforms into a winter wonderland for its 30th year. Visitors can drive through a spectacular display of lights, explore the charming Christmas Village, and step into the life-size Streets of Bethlehem. Special themed nights,...
Illuminated winter light experience in a Japanese garden
Step into a winter wonderland at Anderson Japanese Gardens' Illuminated event. Thousands of white string lights and dramatic up-lighting transform the serene landscape into a magical spectacle. Enjoy cozy fireside dining and delicious woodfire pizza or explore offerings from rotating...
Mile-long illuminated trail with animated displays
Experience the enchantment of Country Christmas, a spectacular holiday event featuring a mile-long illuminated trail with animated creatures and dazzling light displays. Choose from special walking nights, festive bike rides, or a classic drive-through experience. Enjoy the magic and support...
Over 300,000 lights in outdoor gardens
Experience the enchantment of the All Aglow Holiday Display at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens. Wander through outdoor gardens transformed by over 300,000 sparkling lights, featuring illuminated stars, giant candy canes, and glistening displays. This magical, free event offers a festive...
Over 85 dazzling holiday light displays
Experience the magic of the Rockford Festival of Lights, a cherished holiday tradition spanning over 35 years. This spectacular drive-through event transforms Sinnissippi Park into a winter wonderland with over 85 dazzling light displays. Marvel at new installations and beloved...
See the location of all christmas lights around Madison and nearby areas
Open Map →The Holiday Fantasy in Lights at Olin Park is the premier display in Madison, featuring over 50 illuminated scenes. Nearby, the Fitchburg Holiday Lights Tour offers a festive neighborhood experience with elaborate light displays. The Henry Vilas Zoo also hosts a popular Zoo Lights event with themed lighting and activities.
Drive-through light displays, like the Holiday Fantasy in Lights at Olin Park, allow you to enjoy the lights from the comfort of your car, which is great for families or colder evenings. Walkable options, such as neighborhood displays or walking trails in Fitchburg, offer a more immersive experience where you can explore on foot and enjoy the details up close.
Most major Madison Christmas light displays, including the Holiday Fantasy in Lights, begin in mid-November, around November 15th, and run through the end of December or early January. The Zoo Lights at Henry Vilas Zoo usually start a bit later, around Thanksgiving weekend.
Yes, the Holiday Fantasy in Lights at Olin Park is free to the public and open nightly from dusk until dawn. Many neighborhood displays and walking trails in the Madison area are also free to enjoy, making it easy to experience holiday lights without a ticket.