By Lenah Helmke | Photography by Errin Hiltbrand Photography
Make It Merry: A Family & Friends Crafting Event
Dec. 6, Wisconsin Historical Society History Makers Space
Holiday crafting season is here! Make snowflakes, stars, holiday banners and ornaments at this fun workshop.
bravamagazine.com/event/make-it-merry-a-family-friends-crafting-event-2/
Holiday Express Model Train & Shower Show
Dec. 6-21, Olbrich Botanical Gardens
A display overflowing with poinsettias and fresh evergreens will frame a large-scale model train setup that loops an entire room (indoors!) at the botanical gardens.
olbrich.org/calendar/holiday-express
Hot Cocoa Crawl
Dec. 7, Downtown Madison
Sample hot cocoa and gourmet marshmallows at downtown Madison businesses. Stops include Fontana Sports, Lake City Books and Little Luxuries.
visitdowntownmadison.com/events/hot-cocoa-walk
Adult Swim: Holiday Craftacular
Dec. 12, Madison Children’s Museum
Children’s programming is put on hold for a night to welcome adults to craft and carouse throughout the museum. Plus, festive beverages will be served.
madisonchildrensmuseum.org/event/adult-swim-holiday-craftacular
Christkindl Market
Dec. 12-14, Seven Acre Dairy Co.
Looking for a small-town Christmas market? Venture to Seven Acre Dairy Co. in Paoli for some hot buttered rum, local food trucks and extensive holiday shopping.
Fitchburg’s Holiday Lights Tour & Jubilee
Dec. 12-14, Fitchburg
Nothing says the holidays are here like intricate light displays! The town of Fitchburg’s residences and businesses will have their best light displays up for all to enjoy. Plus, find deals on gifts and partake in festive activities.
fitchburgchamber.com/cvb/holiday-lights-tour
“The Hello Girls: A New American Musical”
Dec. 13-20, Four Seasons Theatre
Say hello to the story of America’s first women soldiers. This musical highlights the women who worked as bilingual telephone operators during World War 1 in Paris, and fought for gender equality after their return home to New York.
overture.org/tickets-events/2025-26-season/four-seasons-theatre-the-hello-girls
From Savory to Sweet: A Gingerbread Lunch Party
Dec. 13, The Deliciouser
Impress your holiday guests this season with the perfect gingerbread cake. Learn everything you need to know from Pastry Chef Michelle Mau at her workshop, then enjoy squash soup or a Waldorf salad for lunch.
bravamagazine.com/event/from-savory-to-sweet-a-gingerbread-lunch-workshop
“Ravel/Noël”
Dec. 14, Asbury Church
Listen to the Festival Choir of Madison perform choruses from G.F. Handel’s “Messiah” and an orchestral piece based on Maurice Ravel’s work by Donald Fraser.
bravamagazine.com/event/ravel-noel
Paint Nite: Winter Glimmer
Dec. 20, VFW Post 1318
Whether you call yourself Picasso or have yet to touch a paintbrush, this event is for you. Unleash your creativity with drinks, camaraderie and music by local artist Tad McLain.
bravamagazine.com/event/paint-nite-winter-glimmer
Fox and Branch’s Will Branch
Dec. 20, Overture Center
The duo Fox & Branch’s Will Branch bring a family-friendly show that features music on guitar, fiddle, banjo and washboard. Don’t miss the interactive musical adventure filled with nonstop fun.
overture.org/tickets-events/2025-26-season/kids-in-the-rotunda-fox-branch
Spending Christmas with Alicia Witt
Dec. 21, The Bur Oak
Award-winning pianist and Billboard Top 30 charting singer-songwriter, Alicia Witt will perform at The Bur Oak. Witt’s Christmas music has been featured in holiday movies, including on the Hallmark Channel.
theburoakmadison.com/shows/spending-christmas-with-alicia-witt
