10 Best Places To See Christmas Lights In Madison Wisconsin (2024)
Wondering where you can see Christmas Lights in Madison, Wisconsin?
There are plenty of great places to see Christmas lights in Madison, Wisconsin around the festive season but if you don’t know where to go, it can be hard to know where to look.
Plus, choosing where to go can be hard to decide!
As a Wisconsin local, I know the best spots in the city to enjoy the colorful lights and beautiful Christmas scenes, so you’ve come to the right place.
So without further ado, let’s get right into the festivities.
Best Places to See Christmas Lights In Madison Wisconsin
There are lots of great locations across Madison, Wisconsin for spotting and enjoying Christmas lights, but here are 10 of my favourites.
Every year, I like to visit a few of these to help get me into the Christmas spirit – although that usually doesn’t need much helping!
Whether you’re going with your other half or taking the kids out for a night, all of these spots will definitely leave you feeling Christmassy.
1. Hickory Hill Academy
Hickory Hill Academy is a high school located in West Madison that opens its campus to visitors every year to enjoy a fabulous display of Christmas lights and decorations. All of the display is constructed by the school’s family volunteer and staff groups.
Every winter, the school allows visitors access to their parking lot to enjoy their labor of love and offer their support for their amazing efforts.
It’s my favorite spot for seeing Christmas Lights in Madison.
Although I have never taken one personally, I have heard that private tours are also available to those who email the President.
Address: 3276 S. High Point Road, Madison, WI.
2. Rotary Botanical Gardens
The holiday light show at the Rotary Botanical Gardens is well worth the drive from Madison to Janesville and is perhaps one of the biggest shows in the entire city area.
With over one MILLION lights in the display including on trees, in animations and moving displays, the Christmas show is hard to beat.
If you want to visit the gardens to see the spectacular event then you’ll need to be sure to book in early as tickets sell fast!
The event typically runs from the end of the Thanksgiving festivities until New Year, giving plenty of time to have a walk around the beautiful gardens and get into the holiday spirit.
3. Olin Park
For over 30 years, the ‘Fantasy in Lights’ attraction in Olin Park has been very popular with families and couples looking to get in the festive mood and each year it seems to get better and better.
The event is free to attend (although, donations are warmly accepted) and is set up as a drive-through, allowing you to see the amazing light displays from the comfort of your car.
The light show at Olin Park is open every night from dusk to dawn, from mid-November to early January, giving you plenty of time to witness the event.
Tickets for the show will be released closer to the time, but the countdown has already begun to the grand opening on the 11th of November this year.
4. Henry Vilas Zoo
The Zoo Lights are some of the best lights in the Madison Area and the atmosphere is just magical!
I love Henry Vilas Zoo at the best of times as it’s completely free – and the Christmas lights are an added bonus of course.
Every night, as the animals head to bed, visitors are invited to tour the zoo grounds to witness an amazing spectacle of lights and decorations as the stars come out for the evening.
Santa is also available for a visit if you attend the attraction before Christmas – an exciting addition to the evening for little ones! Alcohol stands are also available for adults – ID permitting!
The event has been limited to the weekend in the past – usually Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and the opening time of the event is 5.30 – 8.30 pm.
It is a ticketed event with slots released closer to the time.
5. Olbrich Botanical Gardens
The festive events at Olbrich Botanical Gardens are unique amongst the others and make for a fascinating visit for anyone with a love for transport.
The Holiday Express Model Train and Flower Show is a popular Christmas event at the gardens, lasting most of December, visitors are invited to enjoy large-scale model trains chugging through a festive scene.
Horticultural lovers will also get their fix as the backdrops overflow with hundreds of poinsettias and fresh evergreens.
The event can be enjoyed by all the family with a range of appropriate prices – adult tickets cost $8, while entrance for children over 6 costs $5 and anyone younger goes free. Olbrich Members will also save some cash as they can gain free entry too.
I think it’s incredible value for money as it always guarantees a really fun night out.
Unfortunately, you can’t buy tickets for this event online, and instead you have to pay at the door on a first-come-first-served basis. Don’t worry though – if it’s too busy when you arrive you can still enjoy the outside festive decorations while you wait.
6. Downtown Madison
There are several enchanting corners in Downtown Madison to explore during the festive period and take a stroll in the evening to enjoy the lights and holiday decor adorned by local businesses.
The Shine on Madison Event is the official switching on of the lighting decor in Lisa Link Peace Park and it is a big event within the area to keep a date in your diary for. Last year, the ceremony took place on the evening of Thanksgiving.
You can extend your festivities by visiting the area on a range of different dates to enjoy plenty of holiday-themed events.
The Cookie Walk, Holiday Window Painting Competition and performances of the Holiday Carolers have been particularly popular in recent years.
7. University Avenue in Shorewood Hills
University Avenue in Shorewood Hills is just one neighborhood that transforms into an incredible festive spectacle each year with crowds coming from all over Madison to see the stunning Christmas displays.
Every year, residents pull out all the stops to adorn their homes with the most elaborate decorations possible, creating a magnificent winter wonderland scene.
As you drive or stroll along University Avenue, you’ll be treated to a symphony of twinkling lights, festive ornaments, and creative displays that capture the joy and spirit of the season.
From classic string lights to festive characters and sparkling trees, the Shorewood Hills lights offer a delightful experience for families and visitors alike, making it a must-see destination during the holidays.
8. Wisconsin State Capitol
With a tradition spanning as far back as 1916, the Wisconsin State Capitol Christmas Tree is an unmissable festive feature in Madison, if you’re passing the building then make sure to keep an eye out for it.
Every year, the tree is made unique by decor created by schoolchildren from across the State. The inclusions each year are themed with previous themes including “science” and “animals”.
The entire building exterior is adorned with beautiful wreaths, garlands, twinkling lights and other decor, giving an incredible holiday atmosphere to all that pass by.
9. Ripley Park
The Holiday Lights in Ripley Park event is another great drive-through set-up that promises a great Christmas spectacle each year.
From the comfort of your car, you’ll witness a range of different displays including animated characters, winter scenery and Christmas trees.
The display is quite small in comparison to others, around a half-mile in length, which you’ll cover pretty quickly by car but it is still worth the visit, especially if you find yourself outside of Madison and closer to Cambridge.
Entrance is free but donations are very much appreciated.
10. Wisconsin Executive Residence
Last but by no means least of the best places to see Christmas Lights in Madison is the Wisconsin Executive Residence.
The Wisconsin Executive Residence would be a unique spot for some Christmas light and decor spotting and one that not even many locals know about
The exclusively ticketed event allows visitors to tour the public rooms, decked out in their holiday furnishings with delightful festive music in the background.
Under the care of an expert guide, you’ll learn all about the history and art of the residence and get a chance to ask any burning questions while you tour the building.
Last year, all visitors were encouraged to bring along some non-perishable foodstuffs or children’s books to donate to local shelters across Wisconsin, all in aid of a good cause.
Tickets to the event are required and you must register in advance. Details for this year’s tours are not yet available but you can find out about the 2023 series here.
Christmas Lights In Madison Wisconsin Route
As the events on this list all kick off on different days throughout the holiday season, there isn’t one set route that would cover them all in a logical way.
It’s a shame as driving through streets and seeing all of the houses decorated is a Christmas favorite of mine – but rather than trying to visit the places on this list, just pick a neighborhood, start driving and see what you find!
However, if you are planning on using your car to do the drive-through displays then here’s a trail I’d recommend taking:
Start in Ripley Park and complete the short route through the winter wonderland display and then head in the direction of Hickory Hill Academy – it’s quite a drive but you’ll take in some lovely other spots along the way.
Once you’ve finished admiring the view then head to Shorewood Hills, where you’ll see plenty of beautifully lit residential areas as you pass, but nothing compares to University Avenue.
Make sure to visit in mid-December to give the residents time to get their decor dusted off and ready for action!
After your car-tour head into Madison’s centre to enjoy the beautifully decorated Capitol building and local businesses. If you’ve time then get booked in to visit Henry Vilas Zoo or Olin Park to finish off your evening of Christmas magic!
Madison Wisconsin Christmas Lights: FAQs
Here are some of the most popular questions that people ask about the Christmas Lights in Madison, WI, along with my answers to each question:
There are lots of great locations to watch Christmas light shows in Wisconsin, but the most highly-anticipated is likely the switching on of the huge tree at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison.
The Christmas tree at the Capitol building in Madison is one of the most grand holiday displays in the city, at up to 40 feet tall and donned with thousands of twinkling lights and decorations, the tree is hard to miss!
Conclusion
And there you have it, a complete guide to the best places to see Christmas Lights in Madison.
There are plenty of feel-good places to see Christmas decorations in Madison, Wisconsin with different events to suit different groups, budgets and transport options.
With the cold winter air descending in December, you’ll need to wrap up warm to witness the wonderful displays and some may even prefer to stay in the warmth of their cars, enjoying the lights of local neighbourhoods on drive-bys but one thing is certain – you’ll feel the magical Christmas spirit no matter where you visit.
I hope you have a wonderful time exploring the city’s best festive areas and get an opportunity to make some fabulous holiday memories!
Oh and if you’re someone who likes to be prepared like me, you might be reading this months in advance. If that’s the case – I recommend checking out Door County Fall Fest if you still have time. It’s amazing.
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