By Madison Mayor Paul Finley

MADISON – ‘Tis the season to be jolly, and the City of Madison has plenty of events and sights to see this holiday season! Local groups and organizations rally at this time of year, embracing the charm of our Historic Downtown. Take a stroll down Main Street, and you’ll feel like you’re on a Hallmark movie set. Throughout the month of December, the City invites residents and guests to celebrate the holidays with family-friendly events and activities for all ages to enjoy.

Madison Polar Express Christmas Trees on Main Street

Friday, December 1st Starting at 5:30pm

Sponsored by the City of Madison and the Madison Station Historic Preservation Society, enjoy the Polar Express Christmas Tree Trail has become a favorite among residents visiting downtown. Festivities begin at 5:30pm with the Madison Arts Alliance hosting Christmas ornament decorating, and our Madison Chamber of Commerce leading kids on a glowstick parade with their letters to Santa. Our Madison Public Library will also read The Polar Express to the audience while the Madison Community Orchestra serenades the crowd. Hot Chocolate and cookies will be provided by our local Rotary Club, and Madison Visionary Partners will be positioned on Garner Street for Snowflake Alley. I will proudly light the trees after 6pm, and kids can visit Santa in the Silver Ornament.

3rd Annual Madison Wassail Fest 

Friday, December 1st Along Main, Martin and Church Streets 

Immediately following the Polar Express Tree Lighting, come enjoy samples of our Downtown Merchants’ best wassail recipes, vote for the best, register for door prizes and shop! This tradition is sponsored by the Shoppes of Historic Downtown Madison and sure to warm cold hands and bellies!

Madison Roundhouse Christmas Open House and Madison Christmas Concert 

Sunday, December 10

Christmas Roundhouse Open House on Front Street Sponsored by the Madison Station Historic Preservation Society begins at 3pm and wraps at 4:30pm. Across the way, the Madison City Community Orchestra will perform a Holiday Concert at Madison United Methodist Church starting at 5pm. Enjoy all your favorite holiday tunes with a talented group of musicians.

The Madison Christmas Parade 

Saturday, December 9th at 5:00pm

One of my personal favorites of our tried and true traditions, the Madison Christmas Parade. This year’s theme is “Santa’s Workshop.” I look forward to the creative floats and participants every year. Grab a spot along Hughes Road and enjoy the show!

2023 Madison Christmas Capers 

Saturday, December 16 at 4:00pm

Sponsored by the City of Madison and the Madison Station Historic Preservation Society, this event features history and hilarity of our small town! During years of the Great Depression in the early 1930s, ‘Doc’ Hughes started a holiday tradition dubbed the “Christmas Chicken Capers.” On Christmas Eve, Hughes would toss live chickens from the roof. The chickens had tags attached to their legs, and people could redeem the tags for prizes in Hughes’ store. Nowadays, Doc Hughes’ grandsons toss rubber chickens with prize tags donated by local merchants. Gather in front of Hughes Drugstore on Main Street to catch one of the flying capers!

Madison truly shines during this season, and we hope to see you enjoying the festivities. May you and yours have a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season.