2024 Shine On Madison

Celebrate the season & support local!

Join us as we light up downtown and celebrate the season!

Head here to see a list of holiday and winter events from our partners.


SHINE ON MADISON HOLIADY TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

Head downtown for a seasonal lighting ceremony at Lisa Link Peace Park on November 23! This fun event is the perfect pre-Thanksgiving activity for the whole family. Join us as we turn on on all our lighting décor on State St., the Capitol Square and King St. Event runs 4-6pm with our lighting ceremony taking place at 5pm!

The event will include:

  • Free coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies (while supplies last)
  • A special visit by Santa & Mrs Claus
  • FREE light-up wands so you can be part of the light display! (while supplies last)
  • Special guest MIKE LECKRONE will light the tree at 5pm!
  • Special visit from Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway*

Come downtown early and drop by The University Book Store (711 State St) for a special author event with Mike Leckrone where he'll be signing copies of his new memoir, Moments of Happiness: A Wisconsin Band Story . See full event details here .

Tree Lighting Ceremony Sponsored By

SHINE ON MADISON MAP




HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

November 29 - December 1
State St, King St, Capitol Square
Holiday activities including the Holiday Trolley, Gift Bags, and shopping specials from downtown businesses.
Find Holiday Open House Details here!
Find business specials here .


WINDOW DECOR SCAVENGER HUNT

November 24 - December 21
State St, King St, Capitol Square
Downtown businesses will hide items in their window displays for you to find! Find them all and you can be entered to win prizes.
Pick up your scavenger hunt card at the Downtown Visitor Center at 452 State St., open 11am-5pm daily.


SIP & GLOW: A KING ST HOLIDAY

December 6, 6-9PM
A holiday block party featuring food & beverage specials from your favorite downtown businesses, live music, local crafts and more!
LEARN MORE


SANTA @ EVERGLEAM DREAM

December 7 & 14, 12-2PM
Santa stops by the Wisconsin Historical Society's Evergleam Dream pop-up exhibit at the History Makre Space (1 S Pinckney). Bring your camera (and your wishlist!). This event is free and open to the pulic.
LEARN MORE


COOKIE WALK

December 15
You'll enjoy cookie samples and cookie decorating demonstrations at participating businesses in the district. Participating businesses will offer a sale, special or featured item.
LEARN MORE


FREE HOLIDAY TROLLEY

The Holiday Shopping Trolley makes stops along State Street and the Capitol Square. Ride the trolley 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.

A special thanks to Don's Home Furniture for sponsoring the Downtown Holiday Trolley!

  • Trolleys run 10am - 4pm on:
    • Friday November 29
    • Saturday November 30
    • Saturday December 7
    • Saturday December 21

HOLIDAY CAROLERS

The Holiday Carolers are volunteer singing groups who will stroll State Street and the Capitol Square to serenade visitors. Caroling groups will start at Peace Park.

Saturday, December 7
11am-1pm - The Ambulatones
1pm-3pm - Madison Youth Choirs

Saturday, December 14
11am-1pm - The Capitol Chordsmen
1pm-3pm - The Philharmonic Chorus of Madison

Saturday, December 21
11am-1pm - Stoughton HS Madrigal Singers


Madison’s Central Business Improvement District’s (BID), unified Downtown Holiday Celebration called “Shine On Madison” continues in 2024. Shine On Madison is six-week community event, started in 2017 to increase visibility and traffic to businesses downtown, includes a seasonal lighting ceremony, a special focus on downtown retailers, enjoyment of the arts and a strong sense of community. This year the event is November 23 – December 31, 2024.

Special Thanks

Shine On Madison is brought to you by Madison Gas & Electric Foundation, Madison National Life (a Horace Mann Company), UW-Madison Community Relations, Don's Home Furniture, Steve Brown Apartments, Chapter Madison, Park Bank and Madison's Central Business Improvement District (BID).





2024 Sponsors

Trolley Sponsor

Give the gift of Downtown!

Support Downtown Madison with our Virtual Gift Card Program. These eGift cards can be emailed, can be loaded on a phone and can be used right away!
Get started with yours here!