It’s officially the holiday season, which means there are plenty of free (and often family-friendly
and sometimes even dog-friendly) events taking place in Wisconsin’s capital city. Many of them
happen every year, but reminders never hurt …
Here’s a sampling of eight Christmas-related goings-on between now and early January. All
events are free unless otherwise noted.
Tuesdays-Fridays through Jan. 9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Wisconsin Historical Society’s History Maker
Space, 1 Pickney St., Madison
Step into the past via this pop-up display of retro Evergleam aluminum Christmas trees from
Through Dec. 31, Downtown Madison/State Street
This six-week celebration of the joys of shopping local includes a Hot Cocoa Crawl on Dec. 7, a
Cookie Walk on Dec. 14 and Holiday Carolers every Saturday from now until Dec. 20.
Through Dec. 31, Olin Park, 1156 Olin-Turville Court, Madison
The lights are turned on every night at dusk — ready for you to enjoy from the warmth and
comfort of your own vehicle. Soundtracked by Monona’s community-owned radio station
WVMO, this is a green event with all-LED bulbs. Arrive between 4:30 and 10 p.m. and receive
candy canes!
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 23, Henry Vilas Zoo, 702 S. Randall Ave.,
Madison
Want to see even more outdoor holiday decorations? Take an 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. Note that a special Sensory Friendly Night will be
held Dec. 10.
(Tickets are required and admission is $12 per person with children under 3 free.)
Saturday, Dec. 6, noon, The Boneyard, 1018 Walsh Road, Madison
The dog park/beer garden’s December dog party will include “dapper dog provisions” such as
all-natural food and healing products, a pet medium and more. There will even be free doggie
photos sponsored by another dog-friendly real estate company.
Saturday, Dec. 6, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Monona Terrace, One John Nolen Dr., Madison
About 40 vendors will offer fairly traded, international products — including clothing, food,
jewelry, coffee, toys and more — to help you complete your holiday shopping list early.
Saturday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Madison College’s Truax Campus, 1701 Wright St., Madison
The Hmong New Year is a centuries-old tradition marking the end of the harvest season, when
families and neighbors gather to give thanks, share food and celebrate. This event is open to
the public and will feature live music and dance performances, food vendors serving authentic
Hmong cuisine, a marketplace and children’s activities. This year’s event celebrates 50 years of
the Hmong people making their home in the United States.
Dec. 6-31, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 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. (Tickets include a timed entry this year, and admission is free for Olbrich members;
otherwise $10 for adults, $6 for children ages 6 and older, and free for children 5 and younger.)
This is just a sampling of events happening in December. I hope you have the chance to get out
and enjoy the holiday season. Christmas in Madison — there’s nothing like it!
Special thanks to Destination Madison for some of these event tips.
Image by Fabiano Silva from Pixabay
