Happy December! We’ve already gotten our first taste of snow this season, and there’s likely more on the way. There’s lots going on in and around Madison this year – here’s some ideas to help you make the most of the season.
💡 Lights Please!
One upside to the early sunset is that it gives Madison the chance to shine that much brighter at night with holiday lights. Holiday Fantasy in Lights at Olin Park is a must-see for young and old, as the city’s electricians and contractors create a drive-through display that levels up every year. Check out that light-up Old Fashioned from Kavanaugh’s Esquire Club.
Another long-standing tradition on University Avenue is for the bushes along the road to be covered in lights, one color for each bush. The project is the brainchild of the late Dr. Jack Kammer, and his son Dr. Chris Kammer now spearheads the volunteer effort each year.
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Only 23 Shopping Days Until Christmas!
If you’re looking for that special gift for someone this season, Madison’s local shops and markets have you covered. Seven Acre Dairy is hosting a traditional Christkindlmarket outdoor market Dec. 13-15 in Paoli, where you can enjoy hot buttered rum or eggnog as you shop along the Sugar River.
Dane Arts has its annual pop-up holiday market on Dec. 6 at Aubergine (the 2025 Dane Arts calendar is a can’t miss gift), while the Madison Fair Trade Holiday Festival takes place Dec. 7 at Monona Terrace. The Madison Black Chamber of Commerce is hosting its holiday bazaar at the Orpheum Theater on Dec. 14, and The Big Gay Holiday Market takes over Exhibition Hall at Alliant Energy Center Dec. 20 and 21.
🎥 Movies of Christmas Past
Everybody has that one movie that they’ve just gotta watch during the season – it’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” for me, but it’s “Die Hard” for a good friend of mine. Madison movie theaters know you’ve got to get your fix.
Flix Brewhouse Madison has a dozen movies planned for December, including a brunch screening of “Meet Me In St. Louis” on Dec. 8 and a 40th anniversary screening of “Gremlins” on Dec. 16. Marcus Palace has a “Pancakes and PJs” screening of “Elf” on Dec. 7 with a full pancake bar, while UW Cinematheque is screening the 1951 “A Christmas Carol’ for free on Dec. 7 (no pancakes allowed, sorry).
🎉 What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?
Before we know it, it’ll be December 31! While some venues are still planning how to celebrate we know of a couple. Madison “newgrass” band Armchair Boogie will be hosting a New Year’s Eve show at the Majestic, while The Kissers will be celebrating New Year’s Eve in Dublin’s time zone at 5 p.m. at the High Noon Saloon.
