Enjoy 24/7 Holiday Favorites Through Christmas
What are your favorite holiday traditions? Maybe it’s hanging those handmade ornaments from years past, singing carols with friends, sharing oyster stew on Christmas Eve, or laughing over matching family sweaters. Maybe it’s leaving out cookies for Santa - and a few carrots for the reindeer, too.
Just like your family, Magic 98 has its own holiday tradition: Christmas Magic! Every year, we fill the air with Madison’s biggest and best variety of Christmas music - from Burl Ives and Bing Crosby to Pentatonix and Mariah Carey. You’ll hear the fun songs, the quiet carols, the classics, and the new favorites that make the season feel just right.
Cheers to our Christmas sponsors who help make the holiday magic happen!
---Bruce Company in Middleton, your holiday experts
---Downtown Madison, the area's best destination for shopping, dining, entertainment, and events, where State Street meets the Capitol Square
---Genesis Painting, adding a brushstroke of joy for a vibrant new look
---Impact Life, reminding you that blood donors save lives. Learn about giving blood or hosting a blood drive at bloodcenter.org
---Jones Market, all of your Wisconsin favorites under one roof
---Stoughton Health, trusted care close to home
---The Fields Family at Jaguar Land Rover Volvo of Madison, wishing your family a happy holiday season
Enjoy 24/7 holiday favorites through Christmas Day on your home for Christmas Magic - Magic 98.
* Magic Sunday Morning with Kathryn Vaughn returns on Sunday, December 28.
Share Your Elf on a Shelf Adventures and Win
Elf on the Shelf is pure kid magic - waking up each morning to see what silly, sneaky, or downright goofy thing that little troublemaker has been up to. Of course, the Elf reports back to the North Pole so your kids are on their best behavior. Share your elf’s naughty or nice adventures with us for a chance to win an overnight stay for your family at Chula Vista Resort & Waterpark in Wisconsin Dells. Click the red button below to upload your elf pictures. Enter your email address, and tell us all about the scene your family woke up to and what kind of adventures your elf is having this holiday season.
Contest runs through Thursday, December 25 and the winner will be contacted within a few days. Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received - so upload daily!
The Fun Page
Find things to do in the Madison area right here. Look for ongoing events and other useful links toward the bottom of the page.
Is your community or organization having an event that you'd like us to post on this page? Click HERE to submit it.
For more seasonal fun, visit MadtownLife.com.
DECEMBER
thru 12/28 A Wonderful Life - Fort Atkinson/Fireside Dinner Theatre
thru 12/31 Holiday Fantasy in Lights - Madison/Olin Park
thru 12/31 Rotary Lights - Waunakee/Village Park
thru 1/2 Christmas in the Dells Dinner Show - Wisconsin Dells/Legacy Dinner Theater
thru 1/2 Holiday Light Show - Janesville/Rotary Botanical Gardens
thru 1/4 Home Run Holiday Lights - Beloit/ABC Supply Stadium
thru 1/31 Cave of Lights - Blue Mounds/Cave of the Mounds
3-7, 12/10-14, 12/17-24 A Christmas Carol - Milwaukee/Pabst Theater
4-7 Winter Fantasia: Reimagined (Kanopy Dance production) - Madison/Overture Center Promenade Hall
5-7 A Madison Symphony Christmas - Madison/Overture Hall
5-7 Christkindli Market - New Glarus/downtown
5-7 Christmas in the Grove - Cottage Grove/downtown
5-7 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (movie w/live orchestra score) - Milwaukee/Riverside Theater
5-7 Holiday Weekend in Fort - Fort Atkinson/downtown
5-7 Janesville's Jolly Jingle - Janesville/downtown
5-7 Victorian Holiday Weekend - Stoughton/downtown
5-7, 12/10-14, 12/16-23 Zoo Lights - Madison/Henry Vilas Zoo
6 Black Light & Brew Tour - Blue Mounds/Cave of the Mounds
6 Breakfast with Santa - Cottage Grove/New Life Church
6 Bucky's Breakfast with Santa - Madison/The Edgewater (1001 Wisconsin Pl.)
6 Christmas Market & Vendor Fair - Madison/Blessed Sacrament
6 Cinnamon Rolls & Santa - DeForest/Cornerstone Community Center
6 Cookie Walk - Madison/Holy Cross Lutheran Church & School
6 Craft Fair - Argyle/high school
6 Craft Fair - Cottage Grove/Glacial Drumlin School
6 Craft & Vendor Fair - McFarland/high school
6 Fair Trade Holiday Festival - Madison/Monona Terrace
6 Fool House - The Ultimate 90s Party - The Millennium Tour - Madison/Garver Feed Mill
6 From the Garden: Herbal Gift Making - Madison/Olbrich Botanical Gardens
6 Full Moon Night Walk - Madison/Hoyt Park
6 Holiday Carolers - Madison/ State Street & Capitol Square
6 Holiday Craft Fair - DeForest/middle school
6 Holiday Farmers’ Market - Madison/Monona Terrace
6 Holiday Parade of Lights - Jefferson/downtown
6 Jingle Jolly Lighted Parade - Janesville/downtown
6 Light Up The Trollway - Mt. Horeb/Grandma Foster Park
6 Lions Holiday Food Drive - McFarland/Food Pantry (5404 Anthony St.)
6 Northside Tipsy Elf Crawl - Madison/various locations
6 Reindeer Magic - Waunakee/The Mill
6 Santa on State Street - Madison/State Street
6 Show Choir Preview Shows (DeForest, Ft. Atkinson & Monona Grove) - Monona/high school
6 Sounds of the Season: Ringing Badgers Handbell Ensemble - Madison/Madison Christian Community
6 Spiked & Spirited Cocoa Crawl - Fort Atkinson/downtown
6 Steely Dane - Madison/Orpheum Theater
6 Stoughton Holiday Parade - Stoughton (downtown)
6 The Nutcracker presented by Midwest Performing Arts - Waunakee/Performing Arts Center
6 Totally Rad Vintage Fest - Madison/Alliant Energy Center
6 UW Men's Basketball (vs. Marquette) - Madison/Kohl Center
6 Victorian Holiday Craft Fair - Stoughton/River Bluff Middle School
6-7 Black Holiday Bazaar - Madison/The Hub (2352 S Park St.)
6-7 Holiday Porch Pot Workshop - Cottage Grove/Warm Belly Farm & Garden Center
6-7 Home for the Holidays - Eagle/Old World Wisconsin
6-7 Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Club Resale - Madison/Union South
6-7 Santa Express - North Freedom/Mid-Continent Railway Museum
6-7 The Crafty Fair - Madison/Goodman Community Center
6-7, 12/13-14, 12/20-21 The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza - Madison/MYArts Starlight Theater
6-7, 13-14, 19-21 A Christmas Carol (Children's Theater of Madison production) - Madison/Capitol Theater
6-14 Nature's Way Holiday Bazaar - Pardeeville/W6865 Highway 16
6-31 Holiday Express Model Train & Flower Show - Madison/Olbrich Botanical Gardens
7 Capitol Christmas Pageant - Madison/State Capitol Rotunda
7 Chili Cook Off - Madison/Muskellounge & Sporting Club
7 Christmas Home Walk - Milton/various homes
7 Chunky Blanket Workshop - Monroe/Spilled Grapes Wine Bar
7 Holiday Market - Monona/Aldo Leopold Nature Center
7 Holiday Parade - Fort Atkinson/downtown
7 Hot Cocoa Crawl - Madison/downtown
7 Jolly Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair - Sun Prairie/Prairie View Middle School
7 Margaret Cho - Madison/Barrymore Theater
7 Santa Brunch - Paoli/Seven Acre Dairy
7 Santa Brunch - Waunakee/The Lone Girl Brewing Company
7 Sounds of the Holidays Concert - Sun Prairie/ West High School
7 Sunday Afternoon Live: Wingra Wind Quintet - Madison/Chazen Museum of Art
7 UW Jazz Invitational - Madison/Hamel Music Center
7 UW Women's Basketball (vs. Michigan State) - Madison/Kohl Center
7 Zoo Lights - Henry's Pajama Party - Madison/Henry Vilas Zoo
9 Leslie Odom Jr. (Christmas show) - Madison/Orpheum Theater
9 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas - Appleton/Fox Cities PAC
9 Oakwood Chamber Players - Madison/various locations
10 Holiday Train Stop - Watertown/Brant Quirk Park
10 Holiday Train Stop - Columbus/395 N Ludington St.
10 Matteo Bocell - Madison/Orpheum Theater
10 Rainbow Happy Hour - Madison/FIVE Nightclub (5 Applegate Ct.)
10 Zoo Lights Sensory Friendly Night - Madison/Henry Vilas Zoo
11 Holiday Train Stop - Portage/Averbeck St.
11 Holiday Train Stop - Wisconsin Dells/100La Crosse St.
11-14, 18-21 The Hello Girls (Four Seasons Theater production) - Madison/Playhouse at Overture Center
12 Adult Swim: Holiday Craftacular - Madison/Children's Museum
12 Candy Cane Hunt - Middleton/Lakeview Park
12 Fall Exhibition Celebration - Madison/Museum of Contemporary Art
12 Family Fun Night - Madison/Warner Park Community Recreation Center
12 Get Festive with Agora (Kickoff to Fitchburg's Holiday Jubilee) - Fitchburg/5500 E. Cheryl Pkwy.
12 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas - Eau Claire/RCU Theater
12 The People Brother's Band - Madison/Majestic Theatre
12 The Philharmonic Chorus of Madison - Madison/WYSO Center for Music (1118 E Washington Ave.)
12-14 Christkindl Market - Paoli/Seven Acre Dairy
12-14 Fitchburg Holiday Lights Tour Jubilee - Fitchburg/city wide
12-14, 19-21 The Nutcracker (Madison Ballet production) - Madison/Overture Hall
13 Breakfast with Santa - Madison/Henry Vilas Zoo
13 Holiday Carolers - Madison/ State Street & Capitol Square
13 Holiday Cocktail Party - Blue Mounds/Cave of the Mounds
13 Holiday Farmers’ Market - Madison/Monona Terrace
13 Holidays with Rockapella - Oregon/Performing Arts Center
13 Jingle and Mingle Holiday Crawl - Beaver Dam/various locations
13 Jordan Klepper - Madison/Barrymore Theatre
13 Kids in the Rotunda (The Handphibians) - Madison/Overture Center
13 Madison Roller Derby - Madison/Alliant Energy Center Arena
13 Nutcracker Breakfast with Santa - Madison/The Edgewater Hotel
13 Ridgeway Holiday Celebration - Ridgeway/various locations
13 Run Santa Run 5K - Madison/State Street Mall (825 State Street)
13 Santa Cycle Rampage - Madison/Breese Stevens Field
13 Santa on State Street - Madison/State Street
13 Squirrel Nut Zippers Christmas Caravan - Milwaukee/Turner Hall Ballroom
13 The MINI Crafty Fair - Madison/Godman Community Center
13 TubaChristmas - Madison/State Capitol Rotunda
13-14 Christmas Sip & Shop - New Glarus/Bailey's Run Vineyard
13-14 Garver Holiday Market - Madison/Garver Feed Mill
13-14 Home for the Holidays - Eagle/Old World Wisconsin
14 Home for the HoliGAYS Winter Concert (Perfect Harmony Chorus) - Madison/Christ Presbyterian Church
15 A John Waters Christmas - Madison/Atwood Music Hall (1925 Winnebago St.)
15 Chris Isaak (Christmas show) - Milwaukee/Riverside Theater
15 Sennett Skate - Monona/Lake Ridge Bank River Rink
15 Sixpence None the Richer (Christmas show) - Milwaukee/Turner Hall Ballroom
16 Mannheim Steamrolller Christmas - Wausau/Grand Theater
19 Cave & Cocktails f/ Corey Hart - Blue Mounds/Cave of the Mounds
19 Found Footage Festival - Madison/Barrymore Theater
19-20 The Big Gay Holiday Market - Madison/Alliant Energy Center
20 Candlelight Concerts (Christmas Carols on Strings) - Madison/Monona Terrace
20 Champions of Magic Holiday Spectacular - Milwaukee/Riverside Theater
20 FEED Kitchens Holiday Bazaar - Madison/FEED Kitchens (1219 N. Sherman Ave.)
20 Holiday Carolers - Madison/ State Street & Capitol Square
20 Holiday Farmers’ Market - Madison/Monona Terrace
20 Mickey & Minnie's Christmas Breakfast - Madison/The Edgewater Hotel sold out
20 Sixteen Candles 80s Ugly Holiday Sweater Party - Madison/Majestic Theatre
20 The Crafty Party - Madison/The Bur Oak (2262 Winnebago St.)
20-21 Dance Wisconsin's Nutcracker - Madison/Wisconsin Union Theater
20-24 Santa Brunch - Paoli/Seven Acre Dairy
21 Garver Last Minute Market - Madison/Garver Feed Mill
21 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas - Milwaukee/Riverside Theater
21 Spending Christmas With Alicia Witt - Madison/The Bur Oak (2262 Winnebago St.)
26 Harlem Globetrotters - Milwaukee/Fiserv Forum
27 Harlem Globetrotters - Madison/Alliant Energy Center
27 Nate Craig - Madison/Majestic Theatre
27 Trans-Siberian Orchestra Ghosts of Christmas Eve - Milwaukee/Fiserv Forum
28 The Rock and Roll Playhouse (family Noon Years Eve concert) - Milwaukee/Vivarium
30 Jeff Dunham - Milwaukee/Miller High Life Theater
JANUARY
6-11, 13-18 Hamilton - Madison/Overture Hall
9 Cave & Cocktails f/ Bahama Bob's Island Music - Blue Mounds/Cave of the Mounds
9-10 #FreezingMan (Joey's Song epilepsy benefit shows) - Madison/The Sylvee
10 Bill Blagg: Family Magic - Madison/Capitol Theater
16 Great White w/Slaughter - Wisconsin Dells/Crystal Grand Music Theater
16 Jump (Van Halen tribute band) - Madison/Barrymore Theatre
17 Beer and Cheese Fest 2026 - Madison/Alliant Energy Center
17 Wisconsin Bluegrass Fest - Madison/The Sylvee
21 LOVB Madison (vs. LOVB Austin) - Madison/Coliseum
22 Cave & Cocktails f/ Roots Renegade - Blue Mounds/Cave of the Mounds
23 John Mulaney - Madison/Orpheum Theater
23 Martin Lawrence - Rockford/Hard Rock Live
23-25 Madison Symphony Orchestra - Madison/Overture Hall
24 Kids in The Rotunda (Magic Morgan & Liliana) - Madison/Overture Center
25 Rob Thomas - Rockford/Hard Rock Live
29 Jokers of Magic - Madison/Barrymore Theater
30 #IMOMSOHARD - Madison/Barrymore Theater
31 Noon Year's Eve - Sun Prairie/Explore Children's Museum
ONGOING
American Players Theatre- Spring Green
Badger Sports (schedules for all sports) - Madison/various locations
Badger Talks Live - virtual event with UW-Madison
Dream Bank - Madison/downtown
Forward Madison FC - Madison/Breese Stevens Field
Goodman Pool - Madison/325 W. Olin Ave.
History Maker Space - Madison/1 S. Pinckney St.
History Sandwiched In - Madison/Wisconsin Historical Museum
Kids in the Rotunda - Madison/Overture Center
LOVB Madison (professional women's volleyball) - Madison/UW Field House and Alliant Energy Center
Mad City Ski Team - Madison/Law Park
Madison Capitols - Middleton/Bob Suter's Legacy20 Ice Arena
Madison Children's Museum - Madison/Capitol Square
Madison Circus Space - Madison/2082 Winnebago St.
Madison Mallards - Madison/Duck Pond
Madison Night Mares - Madison/Duck Pond
Madison Metropolitan School District Planetarium - Madison/Memorial High School
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art Events - Madison/MMoCA
Madison Parks Bird and Nature Adventures - various locations
Madison Public Art Project - Madison/various locations
Madison Public Library Events and Classes - Madison/various locations
MSCR (Madison School and Community Recreation) Art Cart - Madison/various locations
MSCR Events - Madison/various locations
Madison Splash Parks - Elver, Reindahl, and Cypress Parks
Monona Terrace Current Exhibits - Madison/Monona Terrace
Monona Terrace Health and Wellness Programs - Madison/Monona Terrace
Olbrich Gardens - Madison
Overture Center- Madison
Saturday Science - Madison/Discovery Bldg. (330 N. Orchard)
Union Terrace Summer Events - Madison/Memorial Union
UW Space Place - Madison/2300 S. Park St.
Walking and Bike Tours (Madison Trust for Historic Preservation) - Madison/various locations
WIAA Sports (high school sports schedules, tournament information, etc.) - statewide and year-round
OTHER USEFUL LINKS
511wi.gov (Wisconsin traffic info)
Alliant Energy Power Outage Map
City of Madison Beaches, Pools, and Splash Pads
Dane County Beach Water Quality Report
Madison Area Ski, Snowmobile, and Sledding Info
MG&E Power Outage Map
Travel Wisconsin Fall Color Report
Wisconsin Air Quality Monitoring Data
Wisconsin DNR Fishing Finder
Magic 98 Holiday Wish
The holidays are all about kindness, connection, and a little bit of magic – and that’s exactly what the Magic 98 Holiday Wish is all about. This year, we’re teaming up with St. Vincent de Paul – Madison to help our neighbors in need. You’ll hear powerful stories from local families, stories of struggle, strength, and hope – and we think you’ll be inspired to make a difference too.
Here are some examples of how your generosity can help with even the most basic necessities this holiday season:
- $75 – Gives a portable crib to a baby to sleep soundly at night
- $133 – Covers the cost of one prescription for an uninsured patient
- $135 – Gives an air bed to a neighbor to sleep soundly at night
- $140 – Provides two-weeks of groceries for one family (pantry staples, meat, produce, bread, dairy)
Make a donation to the families of St. Vinny’s now – and join us in the true spirit of the season with Bergstrom Automotive, Lazy-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Decor and Magic 98.
If you need assistance this holiday season, here are the services available through St. Vinny’s. Click on any of the links below for more information on how they can assist you and your family.
Food Pantry
The food pantry provides nutritious groceries, personal care items, pet food and household cleaning products to local families in need, offering dignity, hope, and a helping hand year-round.
Charitable Pharmacy
The Charitable Pharmacy provides free medications and pharmacy services to individuals and families who do not have insurance or cannot afford them, improving health and well-being in the community.
Clothing Vouchers
Clothing vouchers from St. Vinny’s Thrift Stores provide individuals and families in need with access to essential clothing, outerwear and shoes, helping them stay warm, comfortable, and confident.
Furniture Vouchers
Furniture vouchers from St. Vinny’s Thrift Stores help families and individuals in need furnish their homes with essential items, creating safe, comfortable, and welcoming living spaces.
Microlending
St. Vincent de Paul – Madison provides small, low-interest microloans to help individuals and families overcome financial obstacles and achieve greater stability. Microloans are an alternative to payday or auto title loans.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Program
The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Program offers supportive housing and resources to help individuals and families experiencing homelessness achieve stability and independence.
Vinny’s Lockers
Vinny’s Lockers is a free storage facility where people experiencing homelessness can safely store their personal belongings. People often store personal documents, family mementos, out-of-season clothing and even tools for work.
Other Assistance
St. Vincent de Paul – Madison also works with families on an individual basis to find solutions to their current needs. You may call (608) 257-0919 for more information. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.
ST. VINNY’S THRIFT STORES
Shopping at St. Vinny’s Thrift Stores is like a treasure hunt with a purpose! You never know what hidden gems you’ll find, whether it’s a vintage jacket, a quirky lamp, or the perfect cozy sweater – while every purchase helps fund St. Vincent de Paul’s programs that support local families, provide food, clothing, and essential services, and spread a little extra magic throughout the community.
Williamson Street – 1309 Williamson St.
Odana Road – 6301 Odana Rd.
Dig & Save Outlet – 1900 S. Park St.
Stoughton – 1509 Hwy 51 & 138
Sun Prairie – 1110 W. Main St.
Verona – 513 W. Verona Ave.
Waunakee – 213 S. Klein Dr.
Online Store
Madison Reading Project Book Drive
The Madison Reading Project is having their biggest book rally of the year, Community Book Drive - and they need YOU! As an important part of the community, they’re calling on you to join the drive and help bring book access, literacy resources, and that #NewBookFeeling to children and families for the holiday season, winter break, and into the new year.
This year, Community Book Drive is launching with a $10,000 match challenge made possible by inspiring gifts from Diane Ballweg and Joan Collins. Make your gift THIS WEEK, and every dollar you donate will be matched (up to $10,000). Your support goes twice as far, buys twice as many books, and supports twice as many kids. Not to mention, your gift could inspire someone else's generosity. You can help make the MATCH-ic happen with your donation.
Share in the spirit of the season with Madison Reading Project and Magic 98
Volunteer at St. Vinny's Food Pantry
There’s something truly special about the Magic of Volunteering at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul - Madison during the holiday season. As the weather turns colder and the lights begin to twinkle, neighbors come together to spread warmth and kindness in the most meaningful way - through service. Whether you’re helping families get their groceries at the food pantry, sorting donations, or greeting visitors with a smile, every small act adds up to something big: hope. It’s a chance to connect with your community, share your time, and experience the joy that comes from giving back.
At St. Vinny’s, that magic isn’t found under a tree - it’s found in the moments of compassion that brighten someone’s day. Food pantry volunteers help ensure that hungry neighbors have the food they need to celebrate the season with dignity and comfort. With just a few hours of your time, you can make a lasting impact and feel the true spirit of the holidays come alive. Because when you give your time, you’re not just helping others - you’re part of the reason the Madison area shines a little brighter.
Share in the Spirit of the Season
ST. VINNY’S COMMUNITY SERVICES
Food Pantry
The food pantry provides nutritious groceries, personal care items, pet food and household cleaning products to local families in need, offering dignity, hope, and a helping hand year-round.
Charitable Pharmacy
The Charitable Pharmacy provides free medications and pharmacy services to individuals and families who do not have insurance or cannot afford them, improving health and well-being in the community.
Clothing Vouchers
Clothing vouchers from St. Vinny's Thrift Stores provide individuals and families in need with access to essential clothing, outerwear and shoes, helping them stay warm, comfortable, and confident.
Furniture Vouchers
Furniture vouchers from St. Vinny's Thrift Stores help families and individuals in need furnish their homes with essential items, creating safe, comfortable, and welcoming living spaces.
Microlending
St. Vincent de Paul - Madison provides small, low-interest microloans to help individuals and families overcome financial obstacles and achieve greater stability. Microloans are an alternative to payday or auto title loans.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Program
The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Program offers supportive housing and resources to help individuals and families experiencing homelessness achieve stability and independence.
Vinny’s Lockers
Vinny’s Lockers is a free storage facility where people experiencing homelessness can safely store their personal belongings. People often store personal documents, family mementos, out-of-season clothing and even tools for work.
Other Assistance
St. Vincent de Paul - Madison also works with families on an individual basis to find solutions to their current needs. You may call (608) 257-0919 for more information. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.
ST. VINNY’S THRIFT STORES
Shopping at St. Vinny’s Thrift Stores is like a treasure hunt with a purpose! You never know what hidden gems you’ll find, whether it’s a vintage jacket, a quirky lamp, or the perfect cozy sweater - while every purchase helps fund St. Vincent de Paul’s programs that support local families, provide food, clothing, and essential services, and spread a little extra magic throughout the community.
Williamson Street - 1309 Williamson St.
Odana Road - 6301 Odana Rd.
Dig & Save Outlet - 1900 S. Park St.
Stoughton - 1509 Hwy 51 & 138
Sun Prairie - 1110 W. Main St.
Verona - 513 W. Verona Ave.
Waunakee - 213 S. Klein Dr.
Online Store