Christmas parades 2026Madison · Mad City

Christmas parades and tree lightings in Madison, 2026.

In 2026, Christmas parades near Madison run Nov 28 through Dec 4. Fire & Lights Parade is Nov 28. Christmas in the Grove Holiday Lights Parade is Dec 4. This page lists eight parades and tree lightings with 2026 dates.

The quick answersChecked
When’s the Christmas parade?Fire & Lights Parade: Nov 28 · 5:30–7:30 p.m. Plus 2 more.3 paradesWhen’s the tree lighting?Shine On Madison Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony: Nov 21 · 4–6 p.m. Plus 4 more.5 lightingsIs it free?4 of 8 are free to watch; the rest list a price.4 freeDaytime or after dark?2 daytime, 6 in the evening. Each card is marked.6 evening

Last checked · 8 events · Every listing links to its official page. How we choose

By date

Every parade and tree lighting, soonest first

Filter to what fits your evening, then tap one for its time, price and kid notes.

21NovSatShine On Madison Downtown Holiday Lighting CeremonyTree lighting · 4–6 p.m.21NovSatLight the GreenTree lighting · See the organizer’s page28NovSatFire & Lights ParadeParade · 5:30–7:30 p.m.28NovSatLight the Ice CeremonyTree lighting · 5:30–7 p.m.1DecTueWisconsin State Capitol Tree LightingTree lighting · Noon4DecFriHometown Holidays Kick-Off and Tree LightingTree lighting · 4–7 p.m.4DecFriLight the Night Parade with SantaParade · 6:30–7:30 p.m.4DecFriChristmas in the Grove Holiday Lights ParadeParade · 6:30 p.m.

Christmas parades

Christmas parades in and around Madison

Start time, price and what to know with little kids, from each organizer’s own page.

Know one we missed?Send us the organizer’s page and we’ll check the date and add it.Suggest a parade

Tree lightings

Tree lightings and lighting nights near Madison

Most lightings are short and happen at dusk, often with Santa, music or cocoa.

Nov28Sat

Light the Ice Ceremony

River Rink · Monona

Tree lightingEvening
Time
5:30–7 p.m.
Price
Not listed

Good to know: A 20-foot tree with 10,000 lights goes up beside the rink. Bring skates if you want to take a few laps after the Clauses arrive.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec1Tue

Wisconsin State Capitol Tree Lighting

Wisconsin State Capitol rotunda · Downtown Madison

Tree lightingFreeDaytime
Time
Noon
Price
Free

Good to know: A youth choir sings in the rotunda, and kids can look for the ornaments made by children from around the state. The tree stays up all season during Capitol hours.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
More to come.Tree lightings are often announced late. We recheck every week through early December.Email me when one’s added

Before you go

Three things that make parade night easier

SpotGet there earlyA curb spot near the start means little ones see everything and you can leave before the end.
WarmDress for standing stillWatching is colder than walking. Bring a blanket for the stroller and an extra layer.
TimingCheck the start timeLighted parades start after dark. Daytime parades are easier for nap schedules.

Every year

Parades and tree lightings that come back every year

Each of these comes back every year. Its page keeps the last confirmed dates, and the new ones go up there once they’re posted. Every year in Madison

Light the GreenNext: Nov 21, 2026Shine On Madison Downtown Holiday Lighting CeremonyNext: Nov 21, 2026Fire & Lights ParadeNext: Nov 28, 2026Hometown Holidays Kick-Off and Tree LightingNext: Dec 4, 2026

Keep planning

More for little kids in Madison

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Good questions

Christmas parades in Madison: the FAQ

Fire & Lights Parade: Sat, Nov 28, 2026, 5:30–7:30 p.m. (Sun Prairie). Light the Night Parade with Santa: Fri, Dec 4, 2026, 6:30–7:30 p.m. (Waunakee). Christmas in the Grove Holiday Lights Parade: Fri, Dec 4, 2026, 6:30 p.m. (Cottage Grove).

Shine On Madison Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony at Lisa Link Peace Park: Sat, Nov 21, 2026, 4–6 p.m.; lighting ceremony 5 p.m. Light the Green at Stone Horse Green: Sat, Nov 21, 2026, See the organizer’s page. Light the Ice Ceremony at River Rink: Sat, Nov 28, 2026, 5:30–7 p.m. Wisconsin State Capitol Tree Lighting at Wisconsin State Capitol rotunda: Tue, Dec 1, 2026, Noon. The full list is on the tree lighting page.

Four of the eight we list are free to watch: Shine On Madison Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony, Light the Green, Wisconsin State Capitol Tree Lighting and Light the Night Parade with Santa. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.

Daytime ones are easiest with little kids: Light the Green and Wisconsin State Capitol Tree Lighting. Evening ones start after dark and are colder, so bring layers and a blanket for the stroller. Get there early for a curb spot near the start so little ones can see.

Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 21, 2026, and we recheck them every week through early December. How we choose and check.

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