Nothing captures the spirit of the holidays quite like a spectacular holiday light display. Seeing local parks and main streets adorned in all the holiday splendor makes this one of the best times of year to see the sights in and around Madison.

Best Holiday Lights Near Madison, WI

From twinkling lights to towering Christmas trees, check out these beautiful holiday displays in Dane County this season. 

Holiday Fantasy in Lights - Madison, WI

Address: 1156 Olin-Turville Ct, Madison, WI 53715

Madison's premier holiday lights display, Holiday Fantasy in Lights, takes place at Olin Park. Attendees can drive through over 50 dazzling displays, free of charge, courtesy of IBEW Local #159 and NECA. This year's display will be lit up on November 15 and remain open until New Years Eve. The lights come on at dusk, and free candy canes are available while supplies last.

Henry Vilas Zoo Lights - Madison, WI

Address: 702 S Randall Ave, Madison, WI 53715

Zoo Lights are returning once again to Madison's Henry Vilas Zoo, providing one of Madison's quintessential holiday experiences. It's open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and select week nights from November 22 to December 23, and features nearly 1,000,000 bulbs illuminating the pathways at the zoo. 

Chandler Park Holiday Lights - Pardeeville, WI

Address: Chandler Park Dr, Pardeeville, WI 53954

Taking place at picturesque Chandler Park in the village of Pardeeville, the annual Chandler Park Holiday Lights display is a beloved tradition in the local community. Details of the 2025 event are yet to be announced, but if past years are any indication, this charming small-town display of holiday cheer is not to be missed.

Rotary Lights in the Park - Stoughton, WI

Address: 324 S 6th St, Stoughton, WI 53589

Head to Stoughton this holiday season to experience Rotary Lights in the Park, an annual holiday light show hosted by the local Rotary Club. The show begins with an official lighting ceremony at Rotary Park on the Friday after Thanksgiving, and the vibrant display includes as many as 300,000 individual lights. 

Waunakee Rotary Lights - Waunakee, WI

Address: 410 E Main St, Waunakee, WI 53597

A tradition for over 20 years, the Waunakee Rotary Lights are scheduled to begin illuminating the charming village of Waunakee starting on Sunday, November 23, 2025. Visitors can walk through the charming winter wonderland of Waunakee Village Park and experience the festive display daily from 5 pm to 9 pm until New Year's Eve.

Rotary Botanical Garden Lights - Janesville, WI

Address: 1455 Palmer Dr, Janesville, WI 53545

Now in its 29th year, the Rotary Botanical Garden Lights in Janesville offers one of South Central Wisconsin's most truly unique and beautiful holiday displays. This season's lights will be on display from November 28, 2025, through January 3, 2026, providing visitors with plenty of opportunities to wander through the enchanting 20-acre gardens beneath the glow of 2 million colorful lights.

Contact us today to discover everything the Madison, WI area has to offer. Our real estate agents are here to help find your dream home in Dane County this holiday season.