BEST PLACES TO SEE HOLIDAY LIGHTS IN THE MADISON AREA

Best Places to Cruise for Christmas Lights in 2024

Fantasy In Lights

Olin Park, 1156 Olin-Turville Court, Madison
November 9 – 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 Mom 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 13th, 5:00pm-8:00pm join us for Get Festive at 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 13th-15th and vote for your favorite!

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

Zoo Lights is open from 5:30pm – 8:30pm Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between November 29 – December 28 and open daily December 13 – December 23, and December 26 – December 28. It takes approximately one hour to walk through the whole Zoo and see all the lights.

More details.


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 24-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
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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31 COMMENTS

  1. We just went to 451 Main st in Cottage Grove and there was nothing going on. There at 5:00 so maybe we were just too early? Brown Thrush Trail had lots of inflatables and some lights but no music which is what we were looking for.

  2. Lights on Dover in Waunakee WI is a must see! The family ones HALLOWEEN lights and HOLIDAY LIGHTS every year! I order a pizza, grab some chips and take the kids there every year! We call it our version of dinner and a show and they love it!

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