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Madison’s famous farmer’s market on the square pivots indoors for the holiday season - before Christmas, find it at the Monona Terrace where you can get the usual carrots, spinach and breads as well as cider, evergreen holiday decor, pies, soap, mapl...
Holiday Farmers' Market
The fair trade holiday market is on the same floor as the indoor farmer’s market - perfect two-in-one spot for shopping
Madison Fair Trade Holiday Festival
This Christkindl market is ginormous - buy tickets ahead of time online, they’re half the price! Tons of vendors, a cute cafe, real reindeer and photos with Santa - what more could you want
Christkindlmarket Paoli, Wisconsin - Christmas Shopping + Small Town Memories
This Christkindl market is super cute, about 30 minutes outside of Madison, and typically scheduled so it doesn’t overlap with Paoli’s market. The town is adorable, the shops are cute, and New Glarus Brewing serves wassail - the only time it’s availa...
New Glarus Christkindli 2023 — New Glarus Chamber of Commerce & Tourist Information
Madison sees many migratory birds throughout the year. As the weather gets colder (but before the lakes freeze over) you can see thousands of migratory swans. The sound is unreal!
Migrating Trumpeter, Tundra Swans
The Overture is such a classic place to find holiday cheer. There are always special events happening in December - this year (2025) we’ve got The Nutcracker in house and a kid’s show.
The Overture Center
My absolute favorite place to get hot chocolate! They have a ghost pepper version - will heat you right up
Madison Chocolate Company
The zoo lights are so fun - they do an incredible job and it’s wonderfully accessible for strollers and wheelchairs
ZOO LIGHTS 2025
The arboretum always does something for for the solstice, and they do wonderful full moon walks as well
UW Arboretum
The Capitol displays a beautiful tree each year, covered with ornaments made by kids and other folks all over the state. Our Capitol building is incredible, the rotunda is gorgeous, and this is definitely worth a visit.
Wisconsin State Capitol Holiday Tree