for A&E
If you are looking for things to do this holiday season around Wisconsin and Illinois, here's a variety of activities beyond simply baking cookies or going ice skating.
One activity to brighten your holidays is the Zoo Lights at Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison. The zoo features colorful depictions of animals and winter-related traditions lining the paths to the exhibits. Lights are strung around trees and pathways, making the atmosphere lighter and vibrant, especially as night. All of the exhibits are still open for viewing, with the addition of the lights and opportunities to meet Santa!
If you plan on spending Winter Break in Illinois, there is a similar event at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Both showcase holiday illumination and are great family-friendly excursions to get in the holiday spirits. If you are not very interested in zoos, there are other places to view holiday lights, such as the Olbrich Gardens on the east side of Madison, the Holiday Fantasy Lights at Olin park, and the Morton Arboretum in Naperville, Illinois.
For those who are interested in more Christmas-specific ventures, the ChristkindlMarket in Chicago might be the right fit. This market takes place in downtown Chicago, and is lined with shops from pop up vendors to food and beverage stands. Spanning from November 18th through December 24th, the ChristkindlMarket is filled with holiday cheer. Some products that are sold include ornaments, baked goods, hot chocolate, and other items unique to the holidays. This market also has locations in Aurora and Wrigleyville—both in the Chicago area—though the one in downtown Chicago is arguably the best experience.
In contrast to the more outdoorsy activities listed above, another fun activity can be the performances at the Overture Center. Nearly every year the Overture puts on holiday shows like A Christmas Carol, The Nutcracker, and festive pieces played by the Madison Symphony Orchestra. These performances welcome visitors of all ages.
A Christmas Carol is a classic and fun for everyone; it tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserable old man who hates Christmas, and everything it brings. He is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, where he learns to be a kinder, gentler old man and love Christmas. The Nutcracker is centered around a very different theme. It follows a young girl, Clara, who journeys through a land of Christmas fantasy that is brought to life through her toy nutcracker. At the Overture, it’s performed by the company Madison Ballet. Similar to the ballet are the pieces played by the Madison Symphony Orchestra. They put together and perform many classic holiday songs, which are showcased for all.
So, if you are looking for something to do this December when you get tired of throwing snowballs or baking gingerbread, try some of these recommendations to seek new festive experiences.
If you are looking for things to do this holiday season around Wisconsin and Illinois, here's a variety of activities beyond simply baking cookies or going ice skating.
One activity to brighten your holidays is the Zoo Lights at Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison. The zoo features colorful depictions of animals and winter-related traditions lining the paths to the exhibits. Lights are strung around trees and pathways, making the atmosphere lighter and vibrant, especially as night. All of the exhibits are still open for viewing, with the addition of the lights and opportunities to meet Santa!
If you plan on spending Winter Break in Illinois, there is a similar event at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Both showcase holiday illumination and are great family-friendly excursions to get in the holiday spirits. If you are not very interested in zoos, there are other places to view holiday lights, such as the Olbrich Gardens on the east side of Madison, the Holiday Fantasy Lights at Olin park, and the Morton Arboretum in Naperville, Illinois.
For those who are interested in more Christmas-specific ventures, the ChristkindlMarket in Chicago might be the right fit. This market takes place in downtown Chicago, and is lined with shops from pop up vendors to food and beverage stands. Spanning from November 18th through December 24th, the ChristkindlMarket is filled with holiday cheer. Some products that are sold include ornaments, baked goods, hot chocolate, and other items unique to the holidays. This market also has locations in Aurora and Wrigleyville—both in the Chicago area—though the one in downtown Chicago is arguably the best experience.
In contrast to the more outdoorsy activities listed above, another fun activity can be the performances at the Overture Center. Nearly every year the Overture puts on holiday shows like A Christmas Carol, The Nutcracker, and festive pieces played by the Madison Symphony Orchestra. These performances welcome visitors of all ages.
A Christmas Carol is a classic and fun for everyone; it tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserable old man who hates Christmas, and everything it brings. He is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, where he learns to be a kinder, gentler old man and love Christmas. The Nutcracker is centered around a very different theme. It follows a young girl, Clara, who journeys through a land of Christmas fantasy that is brought to life through her toy nutcracker. At the Overture, it’s performed by the company Madison Ballet. Similar to the ballet are the pieces played by the Madison Symphony Orchestra. They put together and perform many classic holiday songs, which are showcased for all.
So, if you are looking for something to do this December when you get tired of throwing snowballs or baking gingerbread, try some of these recommendations to seek new festive experiences.