A city like Madison offers plenty of holiday-themed special events, and it can be tough to keep track of them all. That’s why my team culled through multiple online listings to come up with eight one-day-only and season-long family-friendly events that are worthy of your patronage.
Here’s a rundown of free and low-priced happenings in December:
Through Dec. 31, Olin Park, 1156 Olin-Turville Court, Madison
This musical journey through about 50 festive displays from the warmth and comfort of your own vehicle is soundtracked by WVMO and promoted as a green event with all-LED bulbs. Don’t forget to look for the dog with the wagging tail; I sponsored that one!
When: Dusk to dawn
Admission: Free
Through Dec. 30, Henry Vilas Zoo, 702 S. Randall Ave., Madison
Want to see even more outdoor holiday decorations? Then take a leisurely evening stroll through one of the few admission-free, community-supported zoos in the country. The animals will be sleeping, but the lights will be shining and twinkling.
When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Admission: $10 per person and free for children under 3 (tickets required)
• Madison’s 27th Annual Fair Trade Holiday Festival
Dec. 2, Monona Terrace, One John Nolen Dr., Madison
More than 40 vendors will offer fairly traded, international products — including clothing, food, jewelry, books, cards, ornaments and baskets — to help you complete your holiday shopping list early.
When: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Admission: Free
• Holiday Express Model Train & Flower Show
Dec. 2-31, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison
What’s the holiday season without trains? The Holiday Express is a perennial favorite, with large-scale model trains chugging through festive scenes surrounded by poinsettias and fresh evergreens.
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
Admission, which also includes the tropical Bolz Conservatory: Free for Olbrich members; otherwise $8 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 and older, and free for children 5 and younger
Dec. 3, Aldo Leopold Nature Center, 3330 Femrite Dr., Monona
Sample and purchase foods made locally from Wisconsin ingredients, browse nature-inspired and found-object art, and check out handcrafted jewelry, scarves, yarns and more at this event designed to support sustainably minded artists and vendors.
When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Admission: Free
Dec. 9, The Boneyard, 1018 Walsh Road, Madison
The dog park/beer garden’s December dog party will be a dress-up affair, as well as a holiday fundraiser for Czar’s Promise, which helps dogs and their human companions cope with cancer.
When: Noon-4 p.m.
Admission: Free for humans; $10 for up to two dogs per owner
• Fitchburg Holiday Lights Tour & Yuletide Jubilee
Dec. 15-17, Throughout the City of Fitchburg
Local residents and business owners will display elaborate and elegant light displays, while area shops and restaurants will offer special holiday deals.
When: 6-9 p.m. nightly
Admission: Free
Dec. 21, Visitor Center at UW-Madison Arboretum, 1207 Seminole Highway, Madison
Take a naturalist-led walk through the arboretum on the shortest day of the year. (Yeah, technically this is not a “holiday” event, but the winter solstice is still pretty special.)
When: 4-5:30 p.m.
Admission: Free, but registration is required
From holiday-lights tours to doggie dress-up parties, I’ve got your holiday calendar covered!
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