This holiday season, Madison once again transforms into Merry Madison, not just a destination, but a feeling. Along the sparkling Ohio River, Madison’s National Historic Landmark District becomes a wonderland of twinkling lights, holiday traditions, destination holiday shopping and family fun. From candlelit home tours and trolley rides to a Christmas parade, concerts, and cozy downtown shopping, Merry Madison is the perfect place to make the season bright.
Highlights of the 2025 Merry Madison Season
- Nights before Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes Step into the warmth of Madison’s historic homes and holiday traditions during two enchanting weekends, November 28–29 and December 5–6. Tour beautifully preserved private homes, historic sites, and a church decked out for the holidays in Madison’s National Historic Landmark District.
- A Very Merry Madison Christmas Parade & Celebration On December 6 at 11AM, downtown Madison comes alive with festive floats, marching bands, giant balloons, and, of course, Santa himself. After the parade, Broadway Fountain hosts a community celebration featuring vendors, free kids’ crafts, hot chocolate, and reindeer visits. From 9AM to 3PM, find craft vendors and more alongside Madison’s Farmers Market.
- Holidays at the Winery: 31st Annual Festival of Trees, Hosts of Angels & Rudy’s Garden at Lanthier Winery & Distillery Open daily November 28th through Christmas Eve, this free, family-friendly tradition features one of the Midwest’s largest private collections of angels and cherubs, over 850 dazzling Christmas trees, and the glowing wonder of Rudy’s Garden.
- The Madison Trolley Line Experience Madison in motion! Enjoy festive trolley ride experiences including themed events like the Santa Express, a pajama-clad adventure to the White Barn Venue, and the movie-inspired Christmas Crawl through downtown pubs.
- A Month of Music & Merriment From the Louisville Brass Concert and Christmas at Hanover to a special Harp Twins Rockin’ Christmas Concert, music fills the air throughout December. Local performances, caroling, and community concerts bring Madison’s creative spirit to life.
- Holiday Open House & Small Business Saturday Kick off the season with the Downtown Holiday Open House (Nov. 14–15) and celebrate Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29 with free trolley rides, local shopping, and warm hospitality from Madison’s charming boutiques and eateries.
- Light Up Madison! Join Santa and the Mayor on Friday, November 28 as the city’s Christmas lights glow to life at Broadway Fountain, officially launching the Merry Madison season!
To make it easy to join in all of the festivities and see Santa’s schedule, every event has been compiled in the annual ‘Merry Madison & More Holiday Events Brochure’, available to view or download online. Be sure to follow our #WeekendToDos online or on Facebook @VisitMadisonIndiana, for up-to-date weekly holiday happenings. For more information go to www.VisitMadison.org or call 812-265-2956.
