Shine On Madison Downtown Holiday Celebration

Holiday Events to Celebrate the Season and Shopping Local

Madison’s Central Business Improvement District (BID) invites the entire community downtown for the return of Shine On Madison, kicking off with a seasonal lighting ceremony at Lisa Link Peace Park on Saturday, November 22. Celebrate the season of lights as we turn on the holiday lighting and décor on State Street, Capitol Square and King Street.

Shine On Madison is a six-week community showcase of Madison’s unique downtown shops, restaurants, nightlife, and cultural institutions. Local shopping specials and holiday events and programs are scheduled throughout the season, including:

Downtown Lighting Ceremony with Santa Claus

The perfect pre-Thanksgiving activity for the whole family. Join us as we ‘flip the switch’ and illuminate beautiful downtown Madison on Saturday, November 22, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. (tree lighting ceremony at 5:00 p.m.) at Lisa Link Peace Park, 452 State Street.

• Free coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies
• The Don’s Home Furniture S’mores Lounge
• A special visit by Santa Claus
• Performances by the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra Brass Ensemble
• Appearances by the UW Badgers Women’s Basketball Team

Santa On State

Step into the magic of the season at Santa’s Workshop at 127 State Street! This unique storefront is transforming into a festive holiday wonderland, where families can meet Santa himself and share their wish lists. Visits are completely free, and parents are encouraged to bring a camera or smartphone to capture those unforgettable holiday smiles. Stop by on select dates this season to experience the joy, wonder, and warmth of the holidays—right in the heart of downtown Madison! Santa On State will be open as follows:

• Friday, November 28, 12:00-3:00 p.m.
• Sunday, November 30, 12:00-3:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 6, 2:00-5:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 13, 2:30-5:00 p.m.

Downtown Holiday Open House

From November 28 to 30, enjoy holiday shopping specials at downtown businesses. Downtown Madison gift bags will be available at the Downtown Visitor Center at 452 State Street while supplies last! Jingle-SHOP around downtown throughout the weekend. Live music will be performed at the Top of State Street.

Window Décor Scavenger Hunt

From November 23 to December 24, participating downtown businesses will hide gingerbread ornaments in their window displays for you to find! Find them all and be entered to win prizes. Beginning on November 23, pick up your scavenger hunt card at the Downtown Visitor Center at 452 State Street, open 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. daily.

Hot Cocoa Crawl

On Sunday, December 7, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., make your holiday shopping experience a little merrier! Sip, shop & stroll downtown while sampling a variety of hot cocoa flavors with specially selected gourmet marshmallow pairings provided at each stop. Participating businesses will offer a sale, special or featured item. Tickets on sale now!

Cookie Walk

On Sunday, December 14, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., enjoy cookie samples and cookie decorating demonstrations at participating downtown businesses, offering a sale, special or featured item. Tickets on sale now!

Downtown Holiday Carolers

Holiday caroling groups will stroll State Street and Capitol Square to serenade visitors, starting at Peace Park on Saturdays, December 6, 13 and 20. The schedule is available at the Shine On Madison website.

Shine On Madison is presented by Madison’s Central Business Improvement District (BID). The BID represents more than 360 businesses and 220 property owners downtown.

Shine On Madison is brought to you by Madison Gas & Electric, Steve Brown Apartments, Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison, Don’s Home Furniture, Fortune Favors, The Bayside Fund, Event Essentials, The Block 100 Foundation and Madison's Central Business Improvement District (BID).

Happy Holidays!