(Madison, WI): We’ve rounded up the tree lighting ceremonies and events in and around Madison, WI this holiday season! If there is something we missed – please let us know in the comments below or by emailing info@madisonmom.com. The events are listed in order by date.
Tis the season!
Downtown Madison Seasonal Lighting Ceremony
Saturday, November 19 | 6:08pm
During the November Night Market, downtown Madison will shine bright. Enjoy live music, and shop a variety of market vendors and downtown stores. Then join near the Wisconsin State Capitol as all holiday lights turn on simultaneously at 6:08 p.m.
North Pole Party at Hilldale
November 20 | 3pm-6pm
- 3:00 – 5:30 PM: Pose for a photo with the reindeer pulling their sleigh on the Green near L.L. Bean
- Bring a Book for Madison Reading Project’s book drive
- 3:00 – 6:00 PM: Stroll and shop Hilldale for Black Friday preview sales
- 3:00 – 5:00 PM: Join Creando Explorertorium on the Green (near bartaco) for free crafts for kids
- 5:00 – 7:00 PM: Entertainment
8th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting at The Edgewater
November 25 | 2pm-7pm
Join us for our 8th annual Holiday Tree Lighting, Friday, November 24. This special tradition will feature fun for the entire family. Enjoy Madison favorites like David Landau, the Central Midwest Ballet Academy and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus themselves! Family activities begin in the Grand Ballroom at 2pm with the tree lighting ceremony at approximately 6pm.
Event is free and open to the public, food and beverage will be available for purchase.
Light the Ice in Monona
November 26, 6-7pm
Monona’s RiverRink transforms into a winter wonderland with 10,000 lights strung on a 20-foot-tall tree. Join for the tree lighting, plus light displays, hot chocolate and ice skating.
Downtown Sun Prairie Fire & Lights Holiday Parade
November 26 | 3:45p-6pm
Firetrucks dress in their holiday best as they lead the parade to a tree-lighting celebration with Santa.
Holiday Tree Lighting in New Glarus
December 1 | 6:30pm
Their daily Adventsfenster window will be revealed, followed by a tree lighting. Visit the Depot for treats and enjoy music from carolers and the holiday alphorns.
Victorian Holiday Weekend in Stoughton
November 30- December 4
Stoughton’s weekend-long holiday celebration is overflowing with old-world charm. The annual lighting of the Love light Tree kicks off a weekend of music, artisanal shopping, local food and more.
November 30
Wisconsin Capitol Holiday Tree Lighting
December 2, Noon-1pm
Join inside the Capitol Rotunda for an hour-long presentation with remarks from the Governor and music from a youth choir. Learn where this year’s giant tree is from, and see the ornaments created by kids from across Wisconsin.
Tree Lighting + Caroling with Santa in Oregon
December 2 | 5:30-8:30pm
Santa rides into town on a firetruck to light Oregon’s holiday tree. Afterward, head to the local fire station for a chili dinner and photos with Santa.
Waunakee Light the Night
December 2 | 6:30-8pm
The light parade and Santa will come down Main Street at 6:30pm. Rotary lights, downtown shopping and more!
Cottage Grove | Christmas in the Grove
December 2-4 | 3:30pm-6pm
Hometown Holidays in Verona
December 3
December 3
Downtown Middleton
December 3
The City of Middleton is planning a “Light the Green” event at Stone Horse Green in downtown Middleton (just off Hubbard Avenue).
Janesville Jolly Jingle
December 2-4
Ring in the holiday season with this fun family weekend in Janesville, Wisconsin, featuring a wide variety of activities for all ages including ice skating, a lighted parade, live theater, fireworks, a tree lighting, fun run, family entertainment, kids activities and more. Most activities are free or low cost.
Consider making it a getaway weekend
by staying over at one of our comfortable lodging options.
Janesville’s Jolly Jingle is held annually the first weekend in December.
Best Places to Cruise for Christmas Lights
Fantasy In Lights
Olin Park, 1156 Olin-Turville Court, Madison
November 13 – the New Year; Dawn to Dusk | 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 – 10:00 pm each evening!
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
Zoo Lights | Henry Vilas Zoo
Zoo Lights is open from 5:30pm – 9:00pm Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between November 26 – December 30. It takes approximately one hour to walk through the whole Zoo and see all the lights.
University Avenue at University Bay Drive, Madison
Rotary Botanical Gardens Holiday Light Show
1455 Palmer Drive, Janesville
Rotary Lights, Waunakee
500 E. Main Street, Waunakee
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.
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Ours is not set to music, but it is a pretty elaborate display! 521 President Lane, Madison
Tracy, your address didn’t come up for me in Google. I’d love to check out your house, maybe your street name was autocorrected?
The Cassidy Drive house is 88.5 FM. Just went there last night, it’s a fun display.
If you get to the East Side of Madison. Our display is pretty nice. It’s the biggest it’s been so far and we have a steady flow of people every night. 2926 Sachs Street just off N Marquette St
4289 Dicky Ln, Madison, WI 53718
Great display set to music
Oak St. (314 Birch Ct.) In Oregon has a great display set to music! Lasts about 20 min or more. Even better than last year’s!
We have a large blow mold display. 3766 Sunburst Rd. Madison. About a mile from American Family Insurance. American Parkway turns into Rattman Rd at 4 way stop. Then 2nd development on the left at top of hill. There is another large display farther down on Rattman Rd.
Lots to enjoy for free