BRAVA Magazine

Ravel Noel
2025-12-14 15:00 - 16:30 UTC | Asbury Church, 6101 University Ave, Madison, WI, 53705, United States
Our traditional Christmas concert, this year entitled Ravel / Noël, will commemorate the 150th anniversary of Maurice Ravel’s birth. In addition to selected choruses from G.F. Handel’s ‘Messiah’, we will present a new choral–orchestral piece based on Ravel’s work—the world premiere of a piece by Donald Fraser, commissioned by Festival Choir.

A Christmas Carol
2025-12-14 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-12-13 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-13 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-12-07 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-12-06 14:00 - 16:00 | Capitol Theater at Overture Center, 201 State St., MADISON, WI, 53703, United States
Our signature production transports audiences into the world of Charles Dickens’ Victorian England & the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge. Join us as the ghosts of Scrooge’s past, present, and future teach him about generosity and the joy of giving! A Madison tradition for over 40 years, with a message that still resonates today.
Recommended for ages 7+
Dec 6, 2025, 2:00pm to 4:00pm Timezone: CST
Dec 7, 2025, 2:00pm to 4:00pm Timezone: CST
Dec 13, 2025, 2:00pm to 4:00pm Timezone: CST
Dec 13, 2025, 7:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: CST
Dec 14, 2025, 2:00pm to 4:00pm Timezone: CST
Dec 19, 2025, 7:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: CST
Dec 20, 2025, 2:00pm to 4:00pm Timezone: CST
Dec 20, 2025, 7:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: CST
Dec 21, 2025, 2:00pm to 4:00pm Timezone: CST

The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza!
2025-12-14 13:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-13 13:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-07 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-06 13:00 - 17:00 | Starlight Theater at MYArts, 1055 E Mifflin St, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
When Mo Willems’ characters get together for the holidays, it’s bound to be the biggest extravaganza ever! The Unlimited Squirrels deck the halls and Elephant and Piggie come ready to celebrate! But will The Pigeon join in the festivities, or will he run all the way to the North Pole in search of the greatest gift ever? Terrific tunes, silly stories, goofy gifts, audience antics: it’s all in this brand-new musical party that sleighs!
Recommended for ages 3+
Happens on the following Dates:
Nov 29, 2025, 1:00pm to 2:00pm Timezone: CST
Nov 29, 2025, 4:00pm to 5:00pm Timezone: CST
Nov 30, 2025, 1:00pm to 2:00pm Timezone: CST
Nov 30, 2025, 4:00pm to 5:00pm Timezone: CST
Dec 6, 2025, 1:00pm to 2:00pm Timezone: CST
Dec 6, 2025, 4:00pm to 5:00pm Timezone: CST
Dec 7, 2025, 4:00pm to 5:00pm Timezone: CST
Dec 13, 2025, 1:00pm to 2:00pm Timezone: CST
Dec 13, 2025, 4:00pm to 5:00pm Timezone: CST
Dec 14, 2025, 1:00pm to 2:00pm Timezone: CST
Dec 14, 2025, 4:00pm to 5:00pm Timezone: CST
Dec 20, 2025, 1:00pm to 2:00pm Timezone: CST
Dec 20, 2025, 4:00pm to 5:00pm Timezone: CST
Dec 21, 2025, 1:00pm to 2:00pm Timezone: CST
Dec 21, 2025, 4:00pm to 5:00pm Timezone: CST

Wisconsin Chamber Choir’s Winter Concert “Carols and Lullabies”
2025-12-13 19:30 - 21:00 | First Unitarian Society, 900 University Bay Drive, Madison, WI, 53706, United States
Join the Wisconsin Chamber Choir for a holiday concert featuring beloved carols from around the world, representing European, Latin American, Native American, and African American traditions. The centerpiece of the program is Carols and Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest by American composer Conrad Susa, a cycle of ten carols sung in Spanish and Catalan. Guest musicians on harp, guitar, and marimba join the choir and soloists to evoke “a Southwestern piñata party for the new baby,” in the composer’s description.
Both the Southwestern carols and the remaining works on the program reflect the varied ethnic heritages of Wisconsin residents, past and present. Historical and contemporary composers from England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Mexico, Poland, and the US and Canada represent multiple waves of immigration to Wisconsin.
Some of North America’s original inhabitants speak through a pair of unique works. Xicochi conetzintle is an early 17th-century villancico with lyrics in Nahuatl, the main indigenous language of central Mexico. Wyandot’s Realm is a contemporary reinterpretation of the 17th-century Huron Carol by Indigenous Canadian composer Andrew Balfour, sung in Wendat, Ojibwe, and Latin.
Music from the African diaspora includes a moving rendition of Silent Night by Detroit-based gospel singer/songwriter Thomas Whitfield; a powerful setting of Longfellow’s poem, Christmas Bells, by British composer Roderick Williams; and the joyful concluding “Alleluia” from Ballad of the Brown King by Margaret Bonds with lyrics by Langston Hughes.
Tickets are $25 for adults / $5 students, available in advance from www.wisconsinchamberchoir.org or at the door. Discounted tickets are available for children, students, and patrons experiencing financial hardship.
Founded in 1998, the Wisconsin Chamber Choir has established a reputation for excellence in the performance of oratorios by Bach, Handel, Mozart, and Brahms; a cappella works from various centuries; and world premieres. WCC Artistic Director Robert Gehrenbeck, a Professor of Music at UW-Whitewater, has been hailed by critics for his vibrant and emotionally compelling interpretations of a wide variety of choral music. Under his leadership the WCC has presented major works with orchestra as well as innovative programs of rarely heard music by composers from a wide variety of eras, nationalities, and cultures.

Madison Bach Musicians: 15th Annual Baroque Holiday Concert
2025-12-13 14:15 - 17:00 | First Congregational Church, 1609 University Ave., Madison, WI, 53726, United States
Moving and breathtakingly beautiful! This year, savor “Christmas with the Baroque Masters.” Bella Voce (Evanston’s superb vocal ensemble) will join Madison Bach Musicians’ instrumental ensemble in the glorious holiday ambiance of Madison’s First Congregational Church — celestial voices expertly accompanied by Baroque violins, violas, cello, violone, organ, and recorders. Let your season soar, inspired by the instrumental and choral masterpieces of Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Arcangelo Corelli, George Fideric Handel, Heinrich Schütz, Guillaume Bouzignac, and Isabella Leonarda.
Don’t miss the pre-concert lecture!
Learn more and purchase in-person and/or livestream and on-demand tickets at https://madisonbachmusicians.org/holiday-concert/

Fiestas Decembrinas – December 13, 2025
2025-12-13 13:00 - 18:00 | Catholic Multicultural Center, 1862 Beld Street, Madison, 53713, United States
Fiestas Decembrinas is our annual family-friendly celebration of flavor, culture, and community.
This year’s event will take place on:
Saturday, December 13, 2025
1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Catholic Multicultural Center
1862 Beld St., Madison, WI 53713
The day begins with Mass celebrated by Bishop Hying, followed by live entertainment, cultural performances, delicious food, and a lively Christmas Market with local vendors. The event is free and open to the public, and it brings together hundreds of families from across the Madison community. We would love the whole community to be aware of the event.
Thank you for considering this request and for supporting community events that bring people together.

Delicious Natural Bubbling Beverages
2025-12-13 13:00 - 16:00 | Plymouth Community Education & Recreation, 125 S Highland Avenue, Plymouth, WI, 53073, United States
Get ready to mix, fizz, and ferment with Linda Conroy of Moonwise Herbs! This interactive class teaches you how to craft flavorful, gut-loving bubbling beverages, water kefir and lacto-fermented sodas. You will learn the basic principles of fermentation, necessary equipment, and tips for flavoring and troubleshooting. This immersive class will empower attendees to confidently create their own fermented beverages at home.

Make It Merry: A Family & Friends Crafting Event
2025-12-13 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-12-06 13:00 - 16:00 | History Maker Space, 1 S. Pinckney Street, Madison, WI, 53703
What holiday season is complete without making your own arts and crafts alongside family and friends? Join us for a special session and choose from several decorative mementos to make and take home! Want to make your very own miniature version of a famous Wisconsin Evergleam tree? Join in on paper cutting, folding and decorating as you work to craft your very own 3D snowflakes and stars, holiday banner or ornament—it’s fun for the whole family, and everyone’s invited.
While crafting, stop by Evergleam Dreams: A Vintage Holiday Display pop-up exhibit of holiday memorabilia for inspiration! As you create, enjoy some cider or hot cocoa, and a sweet treat. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to browse the History Maker Space gift shop and get further along on gift-giving for you and yours!
COST
Adult (18-64): $5
Teen (13-17) $5
Senior (65+): $5
Child (5-12): $5
Child Under 5: Free
Society members receive a 10% discount.
Advanced registration is required
Know Before You Go
General Information:
Although the program runs until 4 pm, participants are not required to stay the entire time. The length of the stay will be dependent upon how many decorations participants would like to make.
The Historical Society will provide all the supplies for the maker events. Participants just bring the creativity!
Attendees are encouraged to take home everything they craft.
The History Maker Space is located inside the U.S. Bank Plaza building (1 S. Pinckney Street, Madison, WI 53703)
The event will take place in the History Maker Space Classroom, located off the central 1st floor lobby area.
A limited amount of cider, cocoa, and cookies will be available for participants to enjoy.
Regarding Parking & Access:
Visitor parking is not available onsite at the U. S. Bank Plaza building.
Public parking is available within two blocks of the U.S. Bank Plaza building through meters and garages. The nearest parking garage is the Capitol Square North Garage, located at 218 E. Mifflin Street, and approximately two blocks north of the bank building.
For the locations and rates of public parking meters, go to the Parking Meters page on the City of Madison website.
When entering from the outside, please enter the building through the South Pinckney Street entrance.
Upon entry to the building, participants are to check in with a WHS staff member to confirm their event registration.
Attendees who are interested in learning more about the program are encouraged to contact Jenny Pederson at jennifer.pederson@wisconsinhistory.org or (608) 669-5160.

From Savory to Sweet: A Gingerbread Lunch Workshop
2025-12-13 12:30 - 14:30 | The Deliciouser, 931 E. Main St. Suite 7, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Join Pastry Chef Michelle Mau for a cozy seasonal workshop that celebrates the warm, spiced flavors of gingerbread. Michelle will guide you through her techniques for creating a moist, richly flavored gingerbread cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious—perfect for winter gatherings. After the demonstration, guests will sit down to enjoy a comforting lunch featuring squash soup and our take on a Waldorf salad, followed by Michelle’s gingerbread cake for dessert. Each guest will go home with the recipes, making it easy to recreate these festive flavors in their own kitchen.
Bar & Shopping @ 12:00 p.m.
Workshop @ 12:30 p.m.
Tickets: $70
Your $25 reservation deposit will be subtracted from your final bill
We offer a 3% discount on final payment with cash

Garver Holiday Market 2025
2025-12-13 12:00 - 2025-12-14 15:00 | Garver Feed Mill, 3241 Garver Green, Madison, WI, 53407, United States
❄️ Garver Holiday Market 2025 ❄️
Join us for a 2-day holiday market filled with festive cheer, unique gifts, and local creativity! 🎁🎄
🗓️ Saturday, Dec. 13 | 12–8pm
🗓️ Sunday, Dec. 14 | 11am–3pm
Get into the holiday spirit while browsing a variety of handmade goods, artisan vendors, and one-of-a-kind treasures—perfect for finishing your gift list! 🛍️
🍷 Sip on seasonal cocktails or grab a coffee from Ledger
🍴 Enjoy bites from Garver Lounge and other Garver businesses
-Ian’s Pizza
-Roll Play
-Calliope Ice Cream
🎶 Experience live holiday carols from our community choir
📍 Explore more at Garver (while you’re here!):
-Glitter Workshop
-Kosa Spa
-Grow Greenhouse
-Perennial Yoga
-REAP
-Beaut Hair Salon
-Twig & Olive Photography
✨ Free admission | Fun for the whole family!
We can’t wait to celebrate the season with you at Garver!

Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck & Lobstah Roll New England IPA Beer Release
2025-12-13 12:00 - 18:00 | Working Draft Beer Company, 1129 East Wilson Street, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
We’ve got a special treat for you, the traveling Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck! From 12-6pm on Saturday, 12/13, they’ll be popping up with lobster rolls, lobster and shrimp tacos, clam chowder and bisque, and even lobster tater tots!
And what goes great with New England Lobster? That’s right, New England IPA, which you may know by the name Hazy IPA. We’ll be releasing a special small-batch of Lobstah Roll Hazy IPA to pair with this delicacy.
🦞 Join us Saturday, December 13th, from noon to 6pm 🦞

Santa Cycle Rampage Saturday
2025-12-13 11:00 - 13:00 | WI
The Wisconsin Bike Fed’s Santas on bicycles will come down Monroe Street to Woodrow Street (by Edgewood College) at about 11:15 on Saturday, December 13. Spectators are welcome, and the Orange Tree Imports will be handing out 100 jingle bells to those who want to cheer on this festive parade. To quote the Bike Fed, “Join hundreds of Santas, Mrs. Claus, elves, reindeer, snowmen, the Grinch, dreidels, and more for a slow-rolling holiday parade on wheels. It’s part bike ride, part costume party, and all-out seasonal joy!”

Holiday Cheese Making
2025-12-11 18:00 - 21:00 | Plymouth Community Education & Recreation, 125 Highland Avenue, Plymouth, WI, 53073, United States
Join herbalist Linda Conroy of Moonwise Herbs in discovering the joy of creating your own artisanal cheeses! Participants will be guided through the process of making simple, yet sophisticated fresh cheeses that are perfect for entertaining or gifting. Gain the knowledge and confidence to create your very own delightful dairy delicacies as we explore the ingredients, techniques, and nuances of cheese making. This class will include samples, recipes, and cheese to take home.

Trivia Night at Working Draft Beer Co
2025-12-10 18:30 - 20:00 | Working Draft Beer Company, 1129 East Wilson Street, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Every Wednesday night Working Draft hosts its house-made Trivia.
The top three teams win WDBC gift cards (or other fun prizes) and the last place team gets to pick one category for the next week.
Seats fill up fast, so we recommend getting here early.
We often have a food truck popping up, so you can enjoy some delicious dinner along with your tasty brews (and brain-bending questions). And even if we don’t have a truck on site, you can take advantage of our delicious Sal’s Tomato Pies pizzas and giant soft pretzels from Batch Bakehouse!
This event runs from Feb 12, 2025 to Dec 17, 2025 and happens every:
Wednesdays: 6:30pm – 8:00pm

Winter Holiday Concert with Oakwood Chamber Players
2025-12-09 19:00 - 20:00 | Oakwood Village University Woods, 6205 Mineral Point Road, Madison, United States
Get festive with The Oakwood Chamber Players on Tuesday, December 9, as they crack open their treasure trove of beloved holiday tunes, with performances at 3 p.m at Oakwood Villages Prairie Ridge (5565 Tancho Drive), and 7 p.m. at University Woods (6205 Mineral Point Road).
This season, whether you seek peaceful reflection or nostalgic merriment, Oakwood’s annual mix of pops and sacred world music will leave your spirit feeling brighter and lighter. Accessible for audiences of all ages, the lively ensemble of winds and strings will charm kids from “one to ninety-two” with classics such as Vince Guaraldi’s “Christmastime is Here” from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and Frank Bridge’s “Sir Roger de Coverley” from Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”
Oakwood Chamber Players serve as the professional resident ensemble for the Oakwood Village senior living community. Artistic Directors Valree Casey (oboe/English horn), Nancy Mackenzie (clarinet), Amanda Szczys (bassoon), Marie Pauls (viola), and Maggie Townsend (cello) will be joined by guest violinists Sahada Buckley and Holly Wagner.
Tickets are $25 general admission, $20 seniors, and $5 for students. Run time, 60 minutes, no intermission. For more information and advance ticket sales, visit oakwoodchamberplayers.com.

Beyond Plastics Madison Potluck
2025-12-09 17:30 - 19:30 | Willy Street Co-op AUBERGINE, 1226 Williamson St., Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Beyond Plastics Madison is hosting a special event! Please join us to met the group, learn about our initiatives to address the overuse of plastics in our community, and find out what you can do in your own lives to help the cause!
This event is free and open to those interest in learning about solutions to plastic pollution, but please register by emailing: beyondplasticsmadison@gmail.com

Winter Holiday Concert with Oakwood Chamber Players
2025-12-09 15:00 - 16:00 | Oakwood Prairie Ridge Chapel, 5565 Tancho Drive, Madison, WI, 53718, United States

Lego Night at Working Draft Beer Co
2025-12-08 18:30 - 20:00 | Working Draft Beer Company, 1129 East Wilson Street, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Monday nights we are bringing back the childhood classic and nemesis of barefoot parents everywhere – LEGO! Join us from 6:30-8pm for 3 laid-back rounds of Lego fun! You can vote for your faves and even snag Working Draft or Bricks and Minifigs gift cards! We do three rounds of building with Lego. Each round we give you a topic / category, and you build something awesome. The winner of each round gets a gift certificate to Working Draft or our partners in Lego, Bricks and Minifigs – Madison. We’ve got the Lego covered, just bring your cool ideas. Kids are welcome and we either have a food truck or on-site pizzas for dinner! Lego Night is now every Monday at 6:30!

Holi-SLAY CharityWERQ Dance Event Supporting BBBS
2025-12-07 13:00 - 14:30 | Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center, 953 Jenifer Street, Madison, 53703, United States
Join a spectacular lineup of multi-instructors for a dynamic WERQ Dance Fitness class. It’s more than just a workout; it’s a high-energy dance party set to great music, all for a fantastic cause. The funds raised will directly support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County’s essential one-to-one mentoring programs, matching local children (Littles) with caring adult volunteers (Bigs) who provide mentorship, guidance, and support. Your participation helps us ignite the power and promise of youth in our community. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or have two left feet, no dance experience is needed! Just bring your enthusiasm and holiday spirit. Suggested donation of $10–$20 OR bring one new, unopened toy for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Class is for ages 16 and up.

Holiday Market
2025-12-07 09:00 - 15:00 | Aldo Leopold Nature Center, 330 Femrite Drive, Monona, WI, 53716, United States
Shop local, handcrafted goods and support children’s environmental education at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center’s Holiday Market.
Discover sustainably made, nature-inspired, and found-object art, including handcrafted jewelry, hand-dyed scarves, sculptures made from repurposed materials, and much more.
Find the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday list!
The event is free and open to the public, with free parking.
Our 2025 Vendors Include:
WEARABLES & ACCESSORIES
– Knit Wit 608: Merino wool hats, mittens, scarves, and home décor made with wool yarn and recycled cotton cord.
– Sandy B Handwovens: Unique handwoven jackets, scarves, and accessories crafted from natural fibers.
– SJW Handmade: Upcycled wool hats, mittens, ponchos, and dryer balls made from repurposed materials.
– A Botanical Dyery: Plant-dyed textiles including scarves, napkins, and table runners.
– Seamingly Stitched: Handmade purses and bags created from new and upcycled fabrics.
– KF Designs: Handcrafted purses and bags in colorful, durable, sustainable designs.
– Oopsie Daisy Design: Sweatshirts made with vintage quilts as well as notebooks, notepads, and bookmarks made with local pressed florals.
– The Happy Kitty: Cat toys, pillows, and décor made from upcycled fabrics and garments.
– The River Food Pantry: Handmade wool mittens supporting food security programs in Dane County.
JEWERLY
– Fovea Works Jewelry: Nature-inspired wearable art made with unique found objects, resin, and wire wrapping.
– Earth Element Jewelry: Sterling silver jewelry crafted from post-consumer recycled materials.
– Earth Delights: Fair trade sterling silver jewelry featuring semi-precious stones.
– Lady Crown Glass & Creative Juice: Flameworked glass jewelry, airplant holders, and upcycled bottle art.
HOME DECOR
– Mulberry Woods: One-of-a-kind wooden picture frames made from locally sourced wood.
– Pretty Pots N’ Pieces: Unique mosaic and fused glass décor made from repurposed materials.
– Studio 8809: Locally sourced wooden charcuterie boards accented with colored epoxy.
– Glow Wood Studio: Handcrafted hardwood boxes and décor showcasing natural grain and beauty.
– Josie Lathrop Ceramics: Functional, eco-conscious ceramics for everyday use.
– Karen Kards and Crafts: Upcycled fabric goods, pressed floral art, and eco-friendly stationery.
– Dame Good Crafts: Sustainable home goods including cloth napkins, un-paper towels, and denim bags.
– Art by Anna Flowers: Repurposed frames and materials transformed into local-inspired art and décor.
– Joshua Ludke Artist: Sculptures made from reclaimed wood and repurposed materials.
– Watercolors by TAK: Wisconsin-inspired watercolor paintings and poetry celebrating nature.
– Handicraft Soul Fair Trade: Fair trade baskets, purses, and ornaments made from recycled and natural materials by women artisans in Africa.
Have questions? Please email Rebecca Wright, Private Events Manager, or call (608) 801-0080.
A photographer may be onsite to document this event. If you would not like your photo taken, please advise the photographer. Thank you!

Madison's Fair Trade Holiday Festival
2025-12-06 08:00 - 15:00 | Monona Terrace, 1 John Nolen Dr, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Looking for unique, socially responsible, handmade gifts this year? Join us for a fun and festive atmosphere at the 29th Annual Fair Trade Holiday Festival on Saturday, December 6th at Monona Terrace in Madison. From 8am to 3pm, there will be hundreds of fairly-traded, international products for you to choose from–the handiwork of weavers, knitters, metal-workers, wood-carvers, and creative artists from around the world. Over 40 vendors will offer Fair Trade clothing, foods, jewelry, ornaments, baskets and so much more.
Make sure to bring the kids! We have a kids corner with a scavenger hunt and a hands on weaving project for them to take home.
Celebrating its 29th year, as your worker-friendly alternative, the Fair Trade Holiday Festival will take place at Monona Terrace on Saturday, December 6th from 8am to 3pm. Right next door to the Farmers Market! For more information visit: www.fairtrademadison.org or Fair Trade Holiday Festival on Instagram and Facebook

Elf Door Scavenger Hunt
2025-12-05 08:00 - 2025-12-21 17:00 | WI
Kids are invited to take part in our annual elf scavenger hunt game. About 25 elf doors will be hidden on Monroe Street starting on December 5. Ages 2-8 need to find at least 6 doors; ages 9-18 need to find at least 10. Entry forms will be available at the Monroe Street Library, 1705 Monroe Street, and Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream, 2531 Monroe Street.
