Come to Downtown Madison to Celebrate the Holidays!

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It is TIME to come back downtown and create new seasonal traditions.

Madison’s Central Business Improvement District presents the 2021 “Shine On Madison” campaign. This campaign brings area property owners, businesses, community organizations and area non-profits together to celebrate the season and shine in Downtown Madison.

This six-week community campaign include a lighting ceremony, a celebration of downtown partners, a special focus on downtown retailers, enjoyment of our arts groups and a strong sense of community. Information is available at: www.visitdowntownmadison.com/shine-on-madison.

The six-week project kicks off with a combined Madison Night Market AND a Seasonal Lighting Celebration on Thursday, November 18.

SEASONAL LIGHTING CELEBRATION (6:08pm on November 18)
Join Santa & Mrs. Claus for a special ceremony beginning at 6pm on November 18 where the Capitol Square meets State St. At 6:08pm (a nod to our 608 area code) we will turn on all the lights! We have many special surprises in store for this very special event! In addition to a special Madison Night Market; more than 50+ downtown businesses will be open late with shopping specials.

SEASONAL LIGHTS
With several special lighting displays, Downtown Madison is the perfect place to celebrate the season with friends and family. In 2017, as part of their 75th anniversary, the Madison Community Foundation helped the BID add new lighted activity areas to the downtown. These new lights, along with over 100 snowflake pole lights and seasonal planters create a fun festive feel to downtown Madison.

SPECIAL DISPLAY LOCATIONS

Location map here: https://bit.ly/shineonmadison21

Special Light Displays

  • King Street LIVE – The street known for their Live on King Street performances.
  • The Capitol Corners – Visit each of the corners on the Capitol grounds for a different experience, including a special police memorial on the Hamilton Street corner.
  • Community Partners – Fifteen area organizations have volunteered their time and talents to create unique seasonal displays.
  • The Groovy Grove – The tree trunks are wrapped to make this a vibrant, colorful space to visit.
  • The Festive Forum – A giant multi-color tree takes center stage at the Forum.
  • Lisa Link Peace Park & Downtown Visitors Center – The market lights stay up and we add a giant tree to the center circle.

COMMUNITY PLANTERS
This year the BID has partnered to present a tour of Community Planters. These planters have been “adopted” by local non-profit organizations and are scattered throughout the downtown. These organizations will add special decorations and share information about the work they do. The displays will be turned on at 6:08pm on November 18, 2021 and stay up through January 9, 2022.

Community Planter partners include: Black Men Coalition of Dane County, Boys & Girls Club of Dane County, Capitol Neighborhoods Inc., Culture Collectives sponsored by the Black, Hmong and Latino Chambers, EOTO Culturally Rooted, Ma, Paws, and Me Rescue, Madison Ballet, Madison BCycle, Madison Reading Project, Madison Saint Vincent de Paul Youth Service Council, Progress Center for Black Women, Sierra Club – Four Lakes Chapter and Sustain Dane.

MADISON NIGHT MARKETS (November 18 and December 16)
The Madison Night Markets will include 50+ vendors showcasing handmade products, local art, artisan gifts, prepackaged foods, games and special visiting food carts. This winter event will be held from the 100 block to the 600 block of State St on November 18 and December 16 from 4pm – 9pm. Retailers and restaurants in the area will feature warm drinks and delicious food. www.madisonnightmarket.com

ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Downtown Holiday Open House

November 26, 27 & 28

Special shopping weekend with in-store promotions, specials, and offers as well as special activities at partner locations. Live music and downtown caroling.

Downtown Madison Holiday Market Bag

November 26 – END

Attendees can get a special shopping bag at the Downtown Visitor Center at 452 State St. Bags are available while supplies last.

Holiday Carolers 

Saturdays November 26 – December 26

BID coordinated, each Saturday through the holiday.

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