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 23. 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 special guest Mike Leckrone

The perfect pre-Thanksgiving activity for the whole family. Join us as we ‘flip the switch’ and illuminate beautiful downtown Madison on Saturday, November 23, 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
• A special visit by Santa & Mrs. Claus
• Free light-up wands so you can be part of the light display
• Special guest Mike Leckrone will light the tree at 5:00 p.m.

Downtown Holiday Open House

November 29 – December 1, enjoy holiday shopping specials at downtown businesses and use the free Holiday Trolley to travel to your next destination. Downtown Madison gift bags will be available on the trolley. Live music will be performed at the top of State Street on those afternoons.

Free Downtown Madison Holiday Shopping Trolley

The Holiday Shopping Trolley strolls State Street and Capitol Square from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., on November 29 and 30, December 7 and 21. Pick up the trolley along State Street and Capitol Square and ride it to your next shopping destination or just enjoy the scenic loop with this downtown tradition. There is no cost to ride the Downtown Holiday Trolley.

Holiday Photo Ops

Take your best holiday photos yet at fun installations throughout downtown, including a giant ornament balloon sculpture, the illuminated snowflake, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus. Photo op locations at Peace Park, the top of State Street and Capitol Square.  

Window Décor Scavenger Hunt

From November 24 to December 21, participating downtown businesses will hide items in their window displays for you to find. Find them all and you could win prizes! Pick up your scavenger hunt card at the Downtown Visitor Center at 452 State St., open 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. daily.

Cookie Walk

On December 15, 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 December 7,14 and 21.

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.

Happy Holidays!