9 THINGS TO DO IN THE MADISON AREA THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
MADISON OFFERS PLENTY OF THINGS TO DO AROUND WINTER TIME!
There’s nothing prettier than the Capitol building, Lake Mendota, or the Memorial Union bedecked in snow … clearly, we really love Madison during the holiday season. That’s why we’ve curated this list of activities to try this winter!
1| HAMILTON | NOV. 19-DEC. 8
Image via madison.broadway.com
The award-winning musical that swept the world is in Madison this winter! If you don’t know the plot, let us fill you in: the story follows American founding father Alexander Hamilton’s life, which is set to music that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, and more. More info via the Overture Center here.
2| TUDOR HOLIDAY DINNER CONCERT | DEC. 4
Image via union.wisc.edu
Head to the Memorial Union’s Great Hall on December 4 for the 86th Annual Tudor Holiday Dinner Concert, including fine dining, old English pageantry, and choral performances from the Philharmonic Chorus. More info from the Isthmus here.
3| OLBRICH’S HOLIDAY EXPRESS | DEC. 7-31
Image via madison.com
Large-scale model trains will be winding through a gorgeous holiday display made of plants like poinsettias and evergreens at this show at Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for kids 3-12, and free for those 2 and under. More info via Travel Wisconsin here.
4| CAPITOL HOLIDAY PAGEANT | DEC. 8
Image via medium.com
Two performances will be put on in the festive Capitol Rotunda, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Madison West. Keep an eye on the event on Facebook here.
5| THE NUTCRACKER | DEC. 20-28
Image via madisonballet.org
A towering tree, snowflakes, and classic characters set to Tchaikovsky—the Nutcracker is a holiday mainstay for a reason! The Nutcracker shows at the Overture December 20, 24, 26, and 28. Learn more on Travel Wisconsin here.
6| ISTHMUS BEER & CHEESE FEST | JAN. 18
Image via madison.boldtypetickets.com
As they say, “Celebrating the 10th edition of Isthmus Beer & Cheese Fest is gonna be gouda.” Hosted at the Alliant Energy Center, this fest features 100 breweries from around the Badger state and samples from Wisconsin cheesemakers and food vendors. More info via the Isthmus here.
7| WINTER FREE FISHING WEEKEND | JAN. 18-19
Image via travelwisconsin.com
Grab your gear and fish free anywhere in Wisconsin without a license or trout stamp. The free area includes all inland waters and Wisconsin’s side of the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River. Make sure you’re aware of other fishing rules, however, because they apply! More info via Travel Wisconsin here.
8| SCANDIHOOVIAN WINTER FESTIVAL | JAN. 31-FEB. 2
Image via tripadvisor.com
Mount Horeb is one of the area’s most charming towns, which makes it a great place to stroll, shop, and eat any time of year. Travel Wisconsin invites you to head to Mount Horeb for a full weekend of indoor and outdoor events perfect for those struck by cabin fever. More info via Travel Wisconsin here.
9| LOOK AT HOUSES
Yes! Not a lot of people want to move during the holiday season, which means that there are less buyers in the market and less competition than at other times of the year. You can read all about buying in winter here.
Like our list? Find more lifestyle ideas and tips (with Madison flavor!) on our blog. Think that you’ll spend some time this holiday season looking for a home? Let us know! We’d love to help you find the perfect place for you and your family.