BEST PLACES TO SEE HOLIDAY LIGHTS IN THE MADISON AREA

Best Places to Cruise for Christmas Lights in 2025

Fantasy In Lights

Olin Park, 1156 Olin-Turville Court, Madison
Now – December 31 | FREE

Over 50 light displays, including many new items will be brought out to the park and set up for all to enjoy. Booths are open (think candy canes!) from 4:30 – 10:00pm each evening!

Madison Family is proud to sponsor the peacock light display again this year. We love being a part of this fantastically, festive community event!

More details.


Fitchburg Holiday Lights Tour

This year the Fitchburg Holiday Lights Tour includes a kickoff celebration for everyone. Friday, December 12th, 5:00pm-8:00pm join us for Get Festive with Agora, a holiday party with fun for the whole family. 

All weekend long residences and businesses pull out all the stops to create elaborate and elegant light displays, celebrating the season. Tour the participating locations on the weekend of December 12th-14th and vote for your favorite!

Enjoy holiday activities and deals throughout the area all weekend long and find great deals on unique gifts, grab a bite or pint from local restaurants and enjoy some festive activities for all ages. 

Check out their website for a map of participating locations!


Hickory Hill Academy

Open to the public through the end of the year – cars are welcome to pull into the parking lot and view from there.

3276 S. High Point Road | Madison, WI

More details.

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Zoo Lights | Henry Vilas Zoo

November 22 – December 23 Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and select week nights. 

  • $12 per person | Children 3 and under are FREE 
  • Buy a 4-Pack of General Admission Tickets for $40!

It takes approximately one hour to walk through the whole zoo and see all the lights.

More details.


Cave of Lights

2975 Cave of the Mounds Road – Blue Mounds, WI

This winter, Cave of the Mounds transforms into a glowing underground wonderland during its annual Cave of Lights festival. From Thanksgiving through January 31, visitors can experience the famous cave in a whole new way—illuminated with twinkling lights and festive decor that create a one-of-a-kind holiday adventure.


University Avenue at University Bay Drive, Madison

Dr. Jack Kammer’s University Avenue Holiday Lights have become a cherished seasonal tradition in Madison, WI. Since 1996, the University Avenue Holiday Lights have been a staple of Madison’s near west side during the holiday months. Started by Dr. Jack Kammer, the lights are a constant symbol of holiday spirit maintained by Jack’s son, Dr. Chris Kammer, a local cosmetic dentist.

Photo Credit: Jon Pfeiffer Photography | University Avenue

Rotary Botanical Gardens Holiday Light Show

1455 Palmer Drive, Janesville

More details.


Rotary Lights, Waunakee

500 E. Main Street, Waunakee | November 23-December 31

Waunakee’s Village Park transforms into a winter wonderland with light-lined streets and holiday displays. Enjoy the lights either on foot or from your car.


Lake Ripley Park Holiday Lights, Cambridge 

November 30 – January 1 | N4310 Park Road, Cambridge
Get into the holiday spirit with a light display in Cambridge’s Lake Ripley Park. Drive through nearly a half mile of holiday lights and displays.

More Details.


Here are some impressive home displays (all set to music) that we have LOVED in year’s past – if you know of some that should be added, please comment below! 

  • 7006 Colony Drive, Madison (link)
  • 2544 Bellflower Ln, Sun Prairie (link
  • 4289 Dicky Lane, Madison (link)
  • 4682 Brown Thrush Trail, Cottage Grove, WI
  • 6202 Sharpsburg Drive, Madison
  • 2550 Upham St, Madison
  • 5558 Galway Drive, Waunakee
  • 3766 Sunburst Rd, Madison
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