Celebrate the Holidays Together in Madison and Milwaukee

Twinkling lights, trimmed trees and a whole lot of hot cocoa: When the holiday season rolls around, Wisconsin’s largest cities start to buzz with the sights and sounds of celebration. Each year, families from across the state turn out to enjoy their favorite holiday traditions, from horse-drawn carriage rides to visits with Santa, and this season they’re back and better than ever.

Strap on your skates, grab your mittens and prepare to get holly jolly at these holiday hot spots around Madison and Milwaukee!

Madison

Henry Vilas Zoo

See the zoo lit up in holiday lights at this year’s Zoo Lights. Sip a warm beverage as you take a stroll through the festive sights and sounds of the season. Tickets include unlimited carousel rides and a photo with Santa. Thousands of lights will transform the zoo into a winter scene not to be missed. Check the zoo’s calendar for a special sensory-friendly night as well as a pajama party. Make this your new family tradition!

State Capitol Building

During the winter holiday season, the Wisconsin State Capitol rotunda is adorned with a stunning Christmas tree. Typically, a forty-foot Wisconsin-grown Balsam Fir is decorated with about 700 feet of gold garland, 2,400 multicolored lights and 1,400 handmade ornaments donated by Wisconsin residents, often children. The tree is made complete with a historic train set that circles the base.

Wisconsin’s Executive Residence

There is no admission fee to see this beautiful and historic holiday display. Bring along the cameras to capture the classical revival-style mansion, set right on the banks of Lake Mendota, stunningly decorated with numerous unique trees, wreaths, garlands and lights aplenty. The Residence is also home to seven formal gardens you can stroll through if the weather is right. Non-perishable food items will be collected in support of Second Harvest Foodbank and warm winter items collected in support of the Big Bundle Up campaign. Check for tour times to plan your historical visit!

Ice Skating at The Edgewater

Take to the ice on a beautiful ice skating rink right in the heart of Madison. Spend an afternoon or crisp evening on The Edgewater’s 4,000 square foot ice rink, overlooking Lake Mendota in one direction and the Capitol dome towering in the other. Whether you’re skating arm-in-arm with your special someone or gliding across the ice with a train of little ones in tow, you’ll be skating around for hours. If you’re in need of a warm-up, step into The Icehouse for tasty snacks and beverages before heading back out on the ice.

Nutcracker Ballet

An evening at the stunning Overture Center for the Arts, taking in a true holiday classic, is sure to top off your season. Madison Ballet rings in the holidays with this timeless story following treasured characters, like Clara and her Nutcracker. Children will gaze in awe at the towering Christmas tree and swirling snowflakes and everyone will be amazed by the graceful talent of the dancers. The familiar score is played live by the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra.

Milwaukee

Holiday Lights Festival

Milwaukee’s downtown celebrates the holiday spirit with colorful lights and animated displays, among other jolly celebrations. Joyfulness awaits all ages, including couples and families full of little elves. Hop aboard the Jingle Bus and get acquainted with downtown landmarks and the most decorated scenes. Much of the downtown area transforms into a winter wonderland, but the grander light displays can be found at Cathedral Square Park, Pere Marquette Park and Zeidler Union Square.

Mitchell Park Conservatory Domes

Venture inside the warm and illuminated domes this holiday season. Experience a desert oasis, tropical jungle and floral gardens all lit up with an extraordinary display of lights. The great balls of light are part of a dramatic display that transforms the domes into dazzling lanterns once night hits. Check the calendar for extra special nights featuring live holiday music.

Ice Skating at Red Arrow Park

Glide across the ice in a beautiful downtown park setting. This outdoor rink is open December through February for an extra-long skating season. The refrigerated rink can accommodate 100 skaters at a time and is bordered by a railing, so even the newest of skaters can still enjoy the ice. Free ice sleds are also available for skaters with mobility restrictions. Visit the warming house to cozy up with a coffee, hot chocolate or bakery goods. With floor-to-ceiling windows, you’ll still have a view of all the fun on the ice.

Tour the Pabst Mansion

The Captain Frederick Pabst Mansion is a fascinating place to visit any time of the year, but its elaborately decorated holiday rooms are a sight to see. This must-visit, first-class American home is the former residence of the Pabst Family, of Pabst Brewing Company. Accompany your history lesson with enchanting décor to put you in the holiday spirit. Spend an evening enjoying Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol, at the nearby (and also historic) Pabst Theatre for the ultimate holiday season outing.

Christmas in the Ward

Spend the holidays with loved ones exploring Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward. Get all of your holiday shopping done in these locally-owned shops to find unique gifts. While you browse, enjoy live music, photos with Santa and live reindeer and a marvelous Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Hot chocolate and coffee will be available for a warm-up, or if you’re an adult looking for something stronger, the ever-popular cocoa cocktails will be served up as well. Stick around for a fireworks show to end the magical evening. 

The fun doesn't stop there. Explore even more holiday events scattered throughout Wisconsin.