Winter is a beautiful time of year to discover the best that Wisconsin has to offer. With an abundance of family-friendly events and festivals coming up in the Madison area, here are some seasonal recommendations for getting out and about in Dane County!

Things to Do in Madison in the New Year

Frozen Assets Festival - Madison, WI

Address: 1001 Wisconsin Ave, Madison, WI 53703

The 14th annual Frozen Assets Festival happens February 7 and 8 at The Edgewater. This family-friendly winter favorite features a 5K Run/Walk on frozen Lake Mendota with proceeds benefitting Clean Lakes Alliance. There's also kites on ice, winter craft stations, hands-on learning about Madison's lakes, a snow snake with members of Ho-Chunk Nation, and demonstrations by skydivers, figure skaters and more. Plus, you can enjoy free ice skating and skate rental on The Edgewater's Grand Plaza.    

Cave of Lights - Blue Mounds, WI

Address: 2975 Cave of the Mounds Rd, Blue Mounds, WI 53517

Just 30 minutes west of Madison, Cave of the Mounds is one of the most stunning publicly-accessible caverns in the Midwest. Every holiday season, the cave's stunning natural limestone formations are illuminated by a dazzling display of lights, adding a festive ambiance to this natural wonder. This year, Cave of Lights lasts through January 31, providing ample opportunities to experience this unique spectacle. A few things to keep in mind:

• Tours take place daily from 9 am to 5 pm, with the final tour departing at 4 pm.
• The interior of the cave is a consistent 50 degrees, even on the coldest days. 
• Cave of Lights is included with the regular ticket price for admission to the cave. 

Beer & Cheese Fest 2026 - Madison, WI

Address: 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713

Food and drink connoisseurs in the Madison area will want to mark their calendars for January 17, when the annual Beer & Cheese Fest returns for its 16th year. Held at the Alliant Energy Center, the festival provides a chance to sample a wide selection of two of Wisconsin's best-loved exports. Beer & Cheese Fest 2026 includes: 

• More than 80 beer and beverage vendors
• German-inspired games, including stein holding competitions and Hammerschlagen
•  A variety of options for tickets and perks

Candlelight: 90s Hip-Hop on Strings - Madison, WI

Address: 1 John Nolen Dr, Madison, WI 53703

Candlelight Concerts, a perennial series in which classic music is performed in an intimate setting with candlelit ambiance, returns this season to Madison's Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. Taking place on January 31 at 6:30 pm, this performance, entitled Candlelight: 90s Hip-Hop on Strings, promises a unique classical take on iconic 90s hip-hop, including a medley of tracks by Jay-Z, A Tribe Called Quest, Wu Tang Clan, 2Pac, the Notorious B.I.G., and more. 

Garden and Green Living Expo - Madison, WI

Address: 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713

Helping to cultivate a love of gardening and sustainable living in the Madison area, PBS Wisconsin's Garden and Green Living Expo is back at the Alliant Energy Center this year on February 13-15. The expo includes events and activities for green-thumbed participants of all ages, including a PBS KIDS Backyard family area, a floral design competition, and talks with UW-Madison Extension Horticulture experts. It's also a great opportunity to connect with your fellow gardeners.

Ready to learn more about life in Wisconsin? Get in touch today to discover your dream home in the Madison area.