Shine On Madison Lighting Ceremony

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Madison Central Business Improvement District

Peace Park lit up for the holidays.

A past Shine on Madison tree lighting ceremony.

The season of holiday lights is here, and Madison’s Central Business Improvement District gets in the game each fall with Shine on Madison, which continues through the end of the year. The lights go on this year on Nov. 23, with activities in Peace Park including a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, free beverages, cookies, and light up wands; longtime UW marching band director Mike Leckrone lights the tree at 5 p.m. Other downtown seasonal activities include a scavenger hunt, the annual Holiday Open House (Nov. 29-Dec. 1) and a cookie walk (Dec. 15); find more info at ​visitdowntownmadison.com.

media release: Celebrate the season & support local!

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.

SHINE ON MADISON SEASONAL LIGHTING CEREMONY: Head downtown for a seasonal lighting ceremony at Lisa Link Peace Park on November 23! This fun event is the perfect post Thanksgiving activity for the whole family. Join us as we turn on on all our lighting décor on State St and the Capitol Square. 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 Clause

* 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!

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!

WINDOW DECOR SCAVENGER HUNT: November 23 - 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.

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.

FREE HOLIDAY TROLLEY: The Holiday Shopping Trolley strolls State Street and the Capitol Square stopping at Metro stops along the way. 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  

Shine On Madison is brought to you by Madison Gas & Electric Foundation, Madison's Central Business Improvement District (BID), and our trolley sponsor Don's Home Furniture.