A Magical Wisconsin Holiday Bucket List for Families

The holiday season in Wisconsin is pure magic — twinkling lights, cozy cocoa, bundled-up noses, and memories in the making everywhere you turn. If you’re a family in Madison, Sun Prairie, Rio, Columbus, or the surrounding areas, there are so many ways to slow down, savor the season, and create traditions your kids will remember forever.

As a local maternity, newborn, baby, and family photographer, I hear the same question every year:

“What should we do with the kids this holiday season?”

So here it is — a curated list of the best, most magical holiday activities for families across the Madison area… PLUS sweet reminders to capture this season of life while it’s still here.

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1. Holiday Fantasy in Lights – Madison

Location: Olin Park

A classic, cozy, drive-through experience perfect for all ages — especially little ones who love the magic but not the cold.

👉 Learn more about Holiday Fantasy in Lights

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2. Sun Prairie Holiday Lights Parade

Location: Downtown Sun Prairie

Stroll downtown under glowing lights, sip warm drinks, shop local makers, and enjoy a festive small-town holiday feel.

👉 See Sun Prairie’s Holiday Lights Parade details

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3. Henry Vilas Zoo – Zoo Lights

The zoo transforms into a glowing winter wonderland with themed displays, tunnels of lights, and joyful music.

👉 Get tickets and info for Henry Vilas Zoo Lights

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4. Overture Center Holiday Performances

From “The Nutcracker” to family concerts, these shows are magical memory-makers for littles and grown-ups alike.

👉 View Overture Center holiday performances

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5. Canadian Pacific Holiday Train – Columbus & Portage Stops

One of the most iconic holiday events of the season — packed with lights, music, and community magic.

👉 See Wisconsin Holiday Train schedule

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6. Santa Brunch – Seven Acre Dairy Farm

Brunch, lights and spend time with Santa.

👉 See Santa Brunch

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7. The Edgewater Ice Rink – Madison

Skate under the lights, sip cocoa, and enjoy beautiful lake views.

👉 Skate times and tickets for The Edgewater Ice Rink

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8. Cave of Lights – Cave of the Mounds

Festive holiday lights and decor experience.

👉 See the Cave of Lights

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9. Waunakee Rotary Lights

A sweet, smaller, quieter display — perfect for families who prefer calm, sensory-friendly experiences.

👉 Learn more about Waunakee Rotary Lights

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10. Cozy Holiday Memories at Home

Sometimes the magic is right inside your home, with:

• hot cocoa + twinkle lights

• a family cookie night

• holiday pajamas + movie marathon

• ornament crafting

• reading Christmas books under blankets

These simple moments often become the traditions your kids cherish most.

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A Gentle Reminder… These Moments Deserve to Be Remembered

While you’re soaking up all this holiday fun, don’t forget:

✨ your kids are only this little once

✨ your belly is only round with this baby for a moment

✨ your baby will only have their first Christmas one time

✨ your family right now — in this season — is worth documenting

If you’ve been thinking about booking…

⭐ Maternity sessions (winter glow + cozy vibes)

⭐ Newborn sessions (timeless, simple, organic)

⭐ Baby milestones or cake smashes

⭐ Family sessions in the studio or snuggled up at home

Now is the perfect time.

The holidays make everything feel a little more emotional, a little more nostalgic, and a little more worth remembering.

I would love to help you preserve this season with classic, heirloom images you’ll treasure forever.

👉 Ready to book? Just tell me which session you’re dreaming of.