Christmas Events for Kids in Madison, WI (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

15 min read

The Madison, WI area has 16 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Zoo Lights in Madison on November 20 to Pop-up Pajama Puppet Theater Performance in Madison, on December 21. 12 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Wisconsin, part of our guide for every state.

The short version

  • 16 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Madison, WI for 2026, in Madison, Verona, Middleton and Sun Prairie
  • First: Zoo Lights, Madison, November 20. Runs latest: Zoo Lights, Madison, through December 23
  • Free: 2026 Holiday Makers Market & Light the Green, North Pole Party and Tree Lighting, Fire & Lights Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting, "The Nutcracker" Visits Central Library, Hometown Holidays Kick-Off, The Nutcracker Storytime with Madison Ballet, Nutcracker Storytime with Madison Ballet, Holiday Concert: The Madison Flute Club, The Nutcracker Storytime with Madison Ballet, Gingerbread Party, The Nutcracker Storytime with Madison Ballet and Pop-up Pajama Puppet Theater Performance
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Watercolor illustration: Rally the corgi stands on a red train seat looking out at falling snow, a lit Christmas tree and a white dove. Text: Choo choo! The train starting could be heard. Hello cute white bird!
Rally watching the snow and a lit Christmas tree, from the pages of Rally Takes the Train.

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Wisconsin Christmas train rides page.

Madison, WI Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
16 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Madison, Verona, Middleton and Sun Prairie
Season
November 20 to December 23, 2026
Free events
12
Kinds of events
holiday story time, tree lighting, breakfast with Santa and holiday lights
Last checked

Plan your December

When each Madison, WI Christmas event for kids happens

The first is Zoo Lights in Madison on November 20; the last runs to December 21. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Madison, WI? Bring Rally home.

Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Christmas events for kids in Madison

10 confirmed events for kids in Madison, soonest first.

Madison: Zoo Lights

Holiday lightsHenry Vilas Zoo · Madison

Host
Henry Vilas Zoo (opens in a new tab)
Where
Henry Vilas Zoo, 702 S Randall Ave, Madison, WI 53715
When
Friday, November 20, 2026 to Wednesday, December 23, 2026 (select nights in November and December), 4:30 to 8 pm
Cost
$12; children 3 and under free; 4 tickets for $40 in advance
Ages
All ages; 3 and under free
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Zoo Lights lets families explore Henry Vilas Zoo after hours under the glow of more than one million lights. Every ticket includes unlimited carousel rides and pictures with Santa, who is on hand every night of the event. Food and drinks are available to buy, and adult beverages are sold with ID.

Zoo Lights opens Friday, November 20 and runs on select nights through December 23, from 4:30 to 8 pm. General admission is $12, children 3 and under are free, and buying four tickets in advance costs $40. Santa photos are taken with your own camera or phone, so bring a charged device. The zoo has also scheduled a sensory-friendly night during the season.

Parent tip: Parking fills fast; the south lot entrance across from Vilas Park Beach (1202 Vilas Park Drive) often has more space.

See dates and details from Henry Vilas Zoo (opens in a new tab)

Madison: North Pole Party and Tree Lighting

Story time with SantaFreeHilldale · Madison

Host
Hilldale (opens in a new tab)
Where
Hilldale Shopping Center, 726 N Midvale Blvd, Madison, WI 53705
When
Sunday, November 22, 2026, 3 to 6 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Hilldale kicks off the holidays with a North Pole Party on Sunday, November 22, from 3 to 6 pm. Families can snap photos with live reindeer until 5:30 pm, get faces painted, roast complimentary s'mores and sip hot cocoa. An Elf on the Shelf storytime runs at LoveSac from 3 to 5 pm, with readings every 30 minutes, and an ornament craft station is set up in the Macy's Atrium.

Santa hears wish lists and poses for complimentary photos at the North Italia photo spot from 3 to 5 pm, then heads to The Tree. Caroling fills the center, a mini parade travels down Price Place around 5 pm, and the tree lighting at 5:30 pm officially starts the season. Several shops add kid crafts and treats.

Parent tip: Visit the reindeer before 5:30 pm, and catch the storytime between 3 and 5 pm.

See dates and details from Hilldale (opens in a new tab)

Madison: Santa Breakfasts at The Edgewater

Breakfast with SantaThe Edgewater · Madison

Host
The Edgewater (opens in a new tab)
Where
The Edgewater, 1001 Wisconsin Place, Madison, WI 53703
When
Sat November 28, Sat December 5, Sat December 12 and Sat December 19, 2026
Cost
Check the host's page
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Edgewater hotel on Lake Mendota hosts a series of Santa breakfasts in the 2026 season. It starts with PJs and Pancakes with Santa on Saturday, November 28, where families come in matching pajamas for a breakfast buffet, holiday crafts, cookie decorating and photos with Santa. Breakfast with Santa and a special guest follows on December 5, a Nutcracker Breakfast with Santa on December 12, and Mickey and Minnie's Christmas Breakfast with Santa on December 19.

Each breakfast has its own booking page on the hotel's holiday events list. The hotel also holds a free public holiday tree lighting on November 27 from 3 to 6 pm.

Parent tip: Book each breakfast separately on the hotel's holiday events page; popular dates sell out.

See dates and details from The Edgewater (opens in a new tab)

Madison: "The Nutcracker" Visits Central Library

Holiday story timeFreeMadison Public Library · Madison

Host
Madison Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Central Library, 201 W Mifflin St, Madison, WI 53703
When
Monday, November 30, 2026, 10 to 11 am
Cost
Free
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Characters from Dance Wisconsin's upcoming production of The Nutcracker are visiting Madison's Central Library on Monday, November 30, from 10 to 11 am. Children will hear about the classic tale, watch the dancers perform excerpts from the show and even learn some of the choreography themselves.

The visit wraps up with a craft, as kids make their own Sugar Plum Fairy wands to take home. The program is held in the Youth Program Room downtown and is free. It is a great warm-up for families thinking about seeing a full Nutcracker performance this season, and a fun outing on its own for young dancers. Dance Wisconsin's visit is a fun way to meet the characters up close, and young fans of ballet will enjoy dancing along.

Parent tip: Comfortable clothes help, since kids are invited to try some of the dance steps.

See dates and details from Madison Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Madison: The Nutcracker Storytime with Madison Ballet

Holiday story timeFreeMadison Public Library · Madison

Host
Madison Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Meadowridge Library, 5726 Raymond Rd, Madison, WI 53711
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 to 11 am
Cost
Free
Ages
Children and families
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Madison Ballet is bringing holiday magic to Meadowridge Library with The Nutcracker Storytime on Saturday, December 5. Children hear the timeless story of The Nutcracker and learn how ballet tells a story through movement. The library describes it as an engaging and educational, family-friendly introduction to one of the world's most beloved ballets.

The program is held in the library's combined community rooms and kitchen, starting at 10 am. It is free, and no registration is mentioned on the listing. Little dancers who like to twirl will enjoy this one, and it is a gentle first taste of ballet for children who have never seen a live performance. The program takes place in the library's combined Community Rooms A and B and kitchen. Accommodations can be requested at no cost by calling 608-288-6160.

Parent tip: The listing shows an end time of 11 pm, which appears to be a typo; plan on about an hour from 10 am.

See dates and details from Madison Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Madison: The Nutcracker Storytime with Madison Ballet

Holiday story timeFreeMadison Public Library · Madison

Host
Madison Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Alicia Ashman Library, 733 N High Point Rd, Madison, WI 53717
When
Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 10 to 10:45 am
Cost
Free
Ages
Ages 3 to 10 and their families
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The west side's Alicia Ashman Library hosts Madison Ballet for The Nutcracker Storytime on Wednesday, December 9, from 10 to 10:45 am. The beloved holiday story comes to life through reading, music and dance, giving children an interactive introduction to ballet and storytelling.

The program is aimed at children ages 3 to 10 and their families, and the library notes that no registration is required. It is free and held in the library's meeting room. If you cannot make this date, Madison Ballet is also bringing versions of this storytime to other area libraries during December. Accommodations, interpretation or translation can be requested at no cost by calling the library at 608-824-1780. A weekday morning slot like this suits preschoolers well.

Parent tip: No registration is required; arrive a few minutes early for a good spot in the meeting room.

See dates and details from Madison Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Madison: Dance Wisconsin Nutcracker Performance

Holiday story timeMadison Children's Museum · Madison

Host
Madison Children's Museum (opens in a new tab)
Where
Madison Children's Museum, 100 N Hamilton St, Madison, WI 53703
When
Sunday, December 13, 2026, 10:30 to 11:15 am
Cost
Not stated on the event listing
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Madison Children's Museum is hosting Dance Wisconsin for a morning of Nutcracker magic on Sunday, December 13, from 10:30 to 11:15 am. The program starts with readings of two picture books, Ella Bella Ballerina and the Nutcracker by James Mayhew and The Nutcracker by Jan Brett.

After the stories, children watch characters from the cast of The Nutcracker perform to the iconic score, then get up and learn a few dance steps of their own. The event listing does not state a separate fee, so plan on regular museum admission unless the museum says otherwise. The museum is on Capitol Square downtown, so it pairs well with a holiday stroll. Children who love picture books and music will get both in one short morning program.

Parent tip: Check the museum's admission details before you go, since the listing does not state a price.

See dates and details from Madison Children's Museum (opens in a new tab)

Madison: Gingerbread Party

Holiday story timeFreeMadison Public Library · Madison

Host
Madison Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Alicia Ashman Library, 733 N High Point Rd, Madison, WI 53717
When
Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 10:30 to 11:30 am
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages and abilities
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Run, run, as fast as you can to Alicia Ashman Library for a special storytime all about the sassy little Gingerbread Man on Wednesday, December 16, from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Librarians will read the classic story of the runaway cookie, and then children will decorate wooden gingerbread cookies to take home as a keepsake.

The library welcomes all ages and abilities, and no registration is required. It is free and held in the library's meeting room. Messy clothes are recommended, so dress little ones in something that can handle a bit of craft glue or paint. Wooden cookies mean the finished craft lasts long after the season. The program takes place in the library's meeting room on the west side.

Parent tip: Messy clothes are recommended for the decorating part.

See dates and details from Madison Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Madison: The Nutcracker Storytime with Madison Ballet

Holiday story timeFreeMadison Public Library · Madison

Host
Madison Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Pinney Library, 516 Cottage Grove Rd, Madison, WI 53716
When
Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 10 to 10:45 am
Cost
Free
Ages
Ages 3 to 10 and their families
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Madison Ballet visits Pinney Library on the east side for an interactive Nutcracker Storytime on Wednesday, December 16, from 10 to 10:45 am. The program brings the beloved story of The Nutcracker to life through reading, music and dance, introducing children to the magic of ballet and the joy of storytelling.

The library says it is perfect for children ages 3 to 10 and their families. It is free and held in the library's combined community rooms. At 45 minutes, it is a good length for preschoolers, and older siblings home on a weekday morning will enjoy seeing real dancers up close. Accommodations, interpretation or translation can be requested at no cost by calling the library at 608-224-7100. No registration is mentioned on the listing.

See dates and details from Madison Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Madison: Pop-up Pajama Puppet Theater Performance

Holiday story timeFreeMadison Public Library · Madison

Host
Madison Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Central Library, 201 W Mifflin St, Madison, WI 53703
When
Monday, December 21, 2026, 10 to 11 am
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Madison's Central Library is hosting a pop-up pajama puppet theater on Monday, December 21, from 10 to 11 am. Families are invited to snuggle in for a special winter storytime featuring puppets, and everyone will share a sweet snack together at the end.

Pajamas are optional but encouraged, which makes this an easy, cozy outing during the first days of winter break. The program is free, open to all ages and held in the Youth Program Room downtown. It is a nice choice for younger children who enjoy puppets and a calm, story-centered morning. Interpretation or accommodations can be requested at no cost through the library. Older siblings home on break are welcome too, since the program is open to all ages.

Parent tip: Pajamas are optional; a snack is provided.

See dates and details from Madison Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Verona

3 confirmed events for kids in Verona, soonest first.

Verona: Hometown Holidays Kick-Off

Tree lightingFreeVerona Area Chamber of Commerce · Verona

Host
Verona Area Chamber of Commerce (opens in a new tab)
Where
Century School Park and Verona Senior Center, 108 Paoli St, Verona, WI 53593 (near Madison)
When
Friday, December 4, 2026, 4 to 7 pm
Cost
Free activities; chili supper registration by phone
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Verona kicks off the season on Friday, December 4, from 4 to 7 pm at two locations. At Century School Park, families can ice skate, warm up by fire pits with hot cider and cocoa, and gather for the official tree lighting from 5 to 5:30 pm with caroling.

At the Verona Senior Center, kids can visit Santa and decorate cookies from 5 to 7 pm, make crafts with the library and join a scavenger hunt, while live music plays and the Verona Fire Department serves a chili supper. A shuttle runs between the two sites during the event. For chili supper details, the chamber lists 608-845-7414. The kickoff is presented by the Verona Area Chamber of Commerce as part of its Hometown Holidays season.

Parent tip: Santa and cookie decorating start at 5 pm, the same time as the tree lighting, so plan your order of stops.

See dates and details from Verona Area Chamber of Commerce (opens in a new tab)

Verona: Breakfast with Santa

Breakfast with SantaVerona Lions (via Verona Area Chamber of Commerce) · Verona

Host
Verona Lions (via Verona Area Chamber of Commerce) (opens in a new tab)
Where
Lake Ridge Bank, Verona, 108 N Main St, Verona, WI 53593 (near Madison)
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9:30 to 11:30 am
Cost
Not stated
Ages
Children
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

As part of Verona's Hometown Holidays weekend, the Verona Lions will welcome Santa to town on Saturday morning, December 5. The gathering is held at Lake Ridge Bank on North Main Street in downtown Verona, and doors open at 9:30 am.

Santa will be available from 9:30 to 11:30 am to visit with children, so families have a two hour window to stop by, share wish lists and say hello. The listing does not give a price or registration details, so check with the Verona Area Chamber of Commerce if you have questions before heading out. It pairs nicely with other Hometown Holidays activities that weekend. Verona's Hometown Holidays season also includes a Christkindl Market with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Parent tip: Doors open at 9:30 am; arriving early may mean a shorter wait to see Santa.

See dates and details from Verona Lions (via Verona Area Chamber of Commerce) (opens in a new tab)

Verona: Holiday Concert: The Madison Flute Club

Holiday showFreeVerona Public Library · Verona

Host
Verona Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Verona Public Library, 500 Silent St, Verona, WI 53593 (near Madison)
When
Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 6:30 to 7:30 pm
Cost
Free, registration requested
Ages
For all ages
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Verona Public Library is hosting a holiday performance by the Madison Flute Club on Tuesday, December 8, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. The library describes it as a delightful holiday concert for all ages, and lists it for little kids, school age children and teens, so it is a gentle way to introduce children to live music in a relaxed, local setting.

The concert is free. The library asks families to register so staff can set out enough chairs for everyone. An hour-long evening concert works well for children who can sit and listen, and the library is easy to reach from Madison's west side. The library is located on Silent Street in Verona. Families can easily combine it with picking up holiday books.

Parent tip: Register ahead so the library can plan seating.

See dates and details from Verona Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Middleton

2 confirmed events for kids in Middleton, soonest first.

Middleton: 2026 Holiday Makers Market & Light the Green

Tree lightingFreeStone Horse Green · Middleton

Host
Stone Horse Green (opens in a new tab)
Where
Stone Horse Green, 7550 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI 53562 (near Madison)
When
Sat November 21 (11 am to 7 pm) and Sun November 22 (11 am to 5 pm), 2026
Cost
Free to attend
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Middleton kicks off the season with a two-day Holiday Makers Market at Stone Horse Green on November 21 and 22. Afternoons feature festive music, including carols by the Middleton Players Theatre, plus food trucks and seasonal treats. The Makers Village is open until 7 pm on Saturday and 5 pm on Sunday.

The main event for kids is Light the Green at 5 pm on Saturday. The mayor leads the countdown to turn on this year's holiday lights, and Santa arrives by fire truck, greets everyone from the Stone Horse Green stage and then poses for family photos. The host also notes that Santa returns for more photos with live reindeer from 1 to 4 pm during the weekend.

Parent tip: Plan to arrive before 5 pm Saturday to see Santa arrive by fire truck; check the host page for the reindeer visit day.

See dates and details from Stone Horse Green (opens in a new tab)

Middleton: Nutcracker Storytime with Madison Ballet

Holiday story timeFreeMiddleton Public Library · Middleton

Host
Middleton Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Middleton Public Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI 53562 (near Madison)
When
Monday, December 7, 2026, 10 to 10:45 am
Cost
Free
Ages
Ages 3 to 5
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Middleton Public Library is hosting Madison Ballet for a very special Nutcracker Storytime on Monday, December 7, from 10 to 10:45 am. Children will be enchanted by the timeless story of The Nutcracker, learn about ballet and storytelling through movement, and enjoy a festive, family-friendly introduction to the famous ballet.

The storytime is geared to children ages 3 to 5. It takes place in the downstairs Friends Community Room, which you reach through the lobby stairwell. The library does not list a fee or registration. If you need accommodations, the library asks you to contact info@midlibrary.org or 608-827-7403. Middleton Public Library also runs its regular Preschool and Tiny Tots storytimes in December, so families can come back for more stories.

Parent tip: The room is downstairs through the lobby stairwell.

See dates and details from Middleton Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Sun Prairie

1 confirmed event for kids in Sun Prairie, soonest first.

Sun Prairie: Fire & Lights Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting

Holiday paradeFreeCity of Sun Prairie · Sun Prairie

Host
City of Sun Prairie (opens in a new tab)
Where
Downtown Sun Prairie, Sun Prairie Historical Library & Museum, 115 E Main St, Sun Prairie, WI 53590 (near Madison)
When
Saturday, November 28, 2026, 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Sun Prairie's annual Fire and Lights Holiday Parade fills downtown with music and decorated fire trucks on Saturday, November 28. The Sun Prairie Community Band plays in Cannery Square from 5 to 5:30 pm, Fusion Dance Academy performs on the street at 6 pm, and the fire truck parade runs from 6 to 6:30 pm, with area fire and public safety departments parking side by side on Main Street.

At about 6:30 pm, special guest Santa Claus uses holiday magic to light the downtown tree in front of the Sun Prairie Historical Library and Museum. From 6:40 to 7:30 pm, Santa visits on the museum steps for photos, and families can get an up-close look at the parked fire trucks.

Parent tip: Fire trucks leave Kroncke Drive around 5:45 pm and travel east on Main Street; Main Street reopens at 7:30 pm.

See dates and details from City of Sun Prairie (opens in a new tab)

Looking further afield? Our Wisconsin Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Milwaukee. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Madison, WI Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What Christmas events for kids are in Madison, WI in 2026?

We confirmed 16 Christmas events for kids in Madison, WI for 2026 on each host’s own page: Zoo Lights in Madison (November 20), 2026 Holiday Makers Market & Light the Green in Middleton (November 21), North Pole Party and Tree Lighting in Madison (November 22), Fire & Lights Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting in Sun Prairie (November 28), Santa Breakfasts at The Edgewater in Madison (November 28), "The Nutcracker" Visits Central Library in Madison (November 30), Hometown Holidays Kick-Off in Verona (December 4), Breakfast with Santa in Verona (December 5), The Nutcracker Storytime with Madison Ballet in Madison (December 5), Nutcracker Storytime with Madison Ballet in Middleton (December 7), Holiday Concert: The Madison Flute Club in Verona (December 8), The Nutcracker Storytime with Madison Ballet in Madison (December 9), Dance Wisconsin Nutcracker Performance in Madison (December 13), Gingerbread Party in Madison (December 16), The Nutcracker Storytime with Madison Ballet in Madison (December 16) and Pop-up Pajama Puppet Theater Performance in Madison (December 21). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.

What Christmas events for kids are in Madison, Wisconsin?

For families in and around Madison, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Zoo Lights (Select nights, Nov 20 to Dec 23, 4:30 to 8 pm, $12; children 3 and under free; 4 tickets for $40 in advance); North Pole Party and Tree Lighting (Sun, Nov 22, 3 to 6 pm, free); Santa Breakfasts at The Edgewater (Sat, Nov 28 and Dec 5, 12 and 19, see the host for cost); "The Nutcracker" Visits Central Library (Mon, Nov 30, 10 to 11 am, free); The Nutcracker Storytime with Madison Ballet (Sat, Dec 5, 10 to 11 am, free); The Nutcracker Storytime with Madison Ballet (Wed, Dec 9, 10 to 10:45 am, free); Dance Wisconsin Nutcracker Performance (Sun, Dec 13, 10:30 to 11:15 am, not stated on the event listing); Gingerbread Party (Wed, Dec 16, 10:30 to 11:30 am, free); The Nutcracker Storytime with Madison Ballet (Wed, Dec 16, 10 to 10:45 am, free); Pop-up Pajama Puppet Theater Performance (Mon, Dec 21, 10 to 11 am, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Madison section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Verona, Wisconsin?

For families in and around Verona, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Hometown Holidays Kick-Off (Fri, Dec 4, 4 to 7 pm, free activities; chili supper registration by phone); Breakfast with Santa (Sat, Dec 5, 9:30 to 11:30 am, not stated); Holiday Concert: The Madison Flute Club (Tue, Dec 8, 6:30 to 7:30 pm, free, registration requested). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Verona section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Middleton, Wisconsin?

For families in and around Middleton, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: 2026 Holiday Makers Market & Light the Green (Sat, Nov 21, 11 am to 7 pm (lighting at 5 pm); Sun, Nov 22, 11 am to 5 pm, free to attend); Nutcracker Storytime with Madison Ballet (Mon, Dec 7, 10 to 10:45 am, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Middleton section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin?

For families in and around Sun Prairie, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Fire & Lights Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting (Sat, Nov 28, 5:30 to 7:30 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Sun Prairie section of this page.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Madison, WI?

Yes. 12 of the 16 events here are free: 2026 Holiday Makers Market & Light the Green in Middleton, North Pole Party and Tree Lighting in Madison, Fire & Lights Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting in Sun Prairie, "The Nutcracker" Visits Central Library in Madison, Hometown Holidays Kick-Off in Verona, The Nutcracker Storytime with Madison Ballet in Madison, Nutcracker Storytime with Madison Ballet in Middleton, Holiday Concert: The Madison Flute Club in Verona, The Nutcracker Storytime with Madison Ballet in Madison, Gingerbread Party in Madison, The Nutcracker Storytime with Madison Ballet in Madison and Pop-up Pajama Puppet Theater Performance in Madison. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa in Madison, WI this December?

Santa appears at Zoo Lights in Madison (November 20), 2026 Holiday Makers Market & Light the Green in Middleton (November 21), North Pole Party and Tree Lighting in Madison (November 22), Fire & Lights Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting in Sun Prairie (November 28), Santa Breakfasts at The Edgewater in Madison (November 28), Hometown Holidays Kick-Off in Verona (December 4) and Breakfast with Santa in Verona (December 5). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Madison, WI?

Holiday story times on this page: North Pole Party and Tree Lighting in Madison, "The Nutcracker" Visits Central Library in Madison, The Nutcracker Storytime with Madison Ballet in Madison, Nutcracker Storytime with Madison Ballet in Middleton, The Nutcracker Storytime with Madison Ballet in Madison, Dance Wisconsin Nutcracker Performance in Madison, Gingerbread Party in Madison, The Nutcracker Storytime with Madison Ballet in Madison and Pop-up Pajama Puppet Theater Performance in Madison. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.

Where can we have breakfast or a meal with Santa in Madison, WI?

Meals with Santa confirmed for 2026: Santa Breakfasts at The Edgewater in Madison (Sat, Nov 28 and Dec 5, 12 and 19) and Breakfast with Santa in Verona (Sat, Dec 5, 9:30 to 11:30 am). These usually sell out, so book as soon as you pick a date.

How much is Zoo Lights in Madison?

$12; children 3 and under free; 4 tickets for $40 in advance. Zoo Lights is on Friday, November 20, 2026 to Wednesday, December 23, 2026 (select nights in November and December), 4:30 to 8 pm at Henry Vilas Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is 2026 Holiday Makers Market & Light the Green in Middleton?

Free to attend. 2026 Holiday Makers Market & Light the Green is on Sat November 21 (11 am to 7 pm) and Sun November 22 (11 am to 5 pm), 2026 at Stone Horse Green. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is North Pole Party and Tree Lighting in Madison?

Free. North Pole Party and Tree Lighting is on Sunday, November 22, 2026, 3 to 6 pm at Hilldale Shopping Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Fire & Lights Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting in Sun Prairie?

Free. Fire & Lights Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting is on Saturday, November 28, 2026, 5:30 to 7:30 pm at Downtown Sun Prairie, Sun Prairie Historical Library & Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

When is Santa Breakfasts at The Edgewater in Madison in 2026?

Sat November 28, Sat December 5, Sat December 12 and Sat December 19, 2026, at The Edgewater. The host has not posted a price on its page, so check there before you go.

How much is "The Nutcracker" Visits Central Library in Madison?

Free. "The Nutcracker" Visits Central Library is on Monday, November 30, 2026, 10 to 11 am at Central Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Hometown Holidays Kick-Off in Verona?

Free activities; chili supper registration by phone. Hometown Holidays Kick-Off is on Friday, December 4, 2026, 4 to 7 pm at Century School Park and Verona Senior Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Breakfast with Santa in Verona?

Not stated. Breakfast with Santa is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9:30 to 11:30 am at Lake Ridge Bank, Verona. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is The Nutcracker Storytime with Madison Ballet in Madison?

Free. The Nutcracker Storytime with Madison Ballet is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 to 11 am at Meadowridge Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Nutcracker Storytime with Madison Ballet in Middleton?

Free. Nutcracker Storytime with Madison Ballet is on Monday, December 7, 2026, 10 to 10:45 am at Middleton Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Concert: The Madison Flute Club in Verona?

Free, registration requested. Holiday Concert: The Madison Flute Club is on Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 6:30 to 7:30 pm at Verona Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is The Nutcracker Storytime with Madison Ballet in Madison?

Free. The Nutcracker Storytime with Madison Ballet is on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 10 to 10:45 am at Alicia Ashman Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Dance Wisconsin Nutcracker Performance in Madison?

Not stated on the event listing. Dance Wisconsin Nutcracker Performance is on Sunday, December 13, 2026, 10:30 to 11:15 am at Madison Children's Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Gingerbread Party in Madison?

Free. Gingerbread Party is on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 10:30 to 11:30 am at Alicia Ashman Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is The Nutcracker Storytime with Madison Ballet in Madison?

Free. The Nutcracker Storytime with Madison Ballet is on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 10 to 10:45 am at Pinney Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Pop-up Pajama Puppet Theater Performance in Madison?

Free. Pop-up Pajama Puppet Theater Performance is on Monday, December 21, 2026, 10 to 11 am at Central Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Madison, WI?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Madison, WI Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Kelsey Cecil
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