Reverse Snowbirding: Why Winter in Madison, WI Is Worth It

The holidays in Madison, Wisconsin, are nothing short of magical. From twinkling lights reflecting off the city’s iconic lakes to cozy traditions tucked into unexpected corners of town, there’s something to charm both locals and visitors alike. Whether you're in the mood for big holiday markets or quiet moments in winter gardens, Madison offers a warm mix of festive spirit and delightful surprises. Here’s your guide to the city’s must-see holiday highlights - some you’ve probably heard of, and others that might just become your new seasonal favorites. 1. Holiday Fantasy in Lights at Olin Park One of Madison’s most beloved holiday traditions, Holiday Fantasy in Lights transforms Olin Park into a drive-through wonderland of colorful scenes and twinkling displays. Now in its 35th year, this free event runs from mid-November through New Year’s and draws families from all around. Roll down your windows, cue up your favorite holiday playlist, and cruise slowly through the lights - bonus points if you're sipping hot cocoa and singing along. 2. State Capitol Holiday Tree No downtown December trip is complete without seeing the Wisconsin State Capitol dressed up in holiday splendor. The rotunda features a massive tree decorated with handmade ornaments from kids across the state, and the entire space feels straight out of a holiday movie. Free tours are offered daily, and during the holidays, everything just feels a little more magical. 3. Olbrich’s Holiday Express Need a warm, indoor escape? The Olbrich Botanical Gardens Holiday Express is a total treat. The tropical conservatory gets decked out in seasonal plants and lights, with a charming model train weaving through a miniature winter scene. It’s a peaceful way to slow down and enjoy the season and it’s perfect for both kids and the young at heart. 4. Dane County Farmers’ Market Holiday Market While the outdoor market takes a break for winter, you can still support your favorite vendors at the Dane County Farmers’ Market Holiday Market , held indoors at Monona Terrace in early December. Expect everything from local meats and cheeses to holiday baked goods, handmade soaps, and thoughtful gifts. It’s the kind of place where you go in looking for one thing and leave with a full tote bag and a happy heart. 5. Capitol Square’s Holiday Window Displays Downtown Madison gets an extra dose of sparkle in December thanks to decorated windows around Capitol Square. Local shops like Anthology and Little Luxuries pull out all the stops with creative, festive displays that are fun to stroll past - even if you're just browsing. Bundle up, grab a peppermint mocha, and take a slow wander through the Square. 6. Henry Vilas Zoo Lights Zoo Lights at Henry Vilas Zoo is a must if you’ve got little ones - or if you're just a sucker for a good light show. Think thousands of lights, festive displays, and even holiday snacks and warm drinks. It’s a low-cost night out, and proceeds support the zoo, which remains free year-round. Total win-win. 7. Holiday High Tea at The Edgewater Want to feel a little fancy this season? The Edgewater’s Holiday High Tea is held throughout December and offers finger sandwiches, pastries, seasonal teas, and champagne for a luxurious mid-afternoon treat. You’ll also find an ice rink on the property, complete with twinkle lights and skate rentals - it's pretty much a Hallmark movie set. 8. Santa's on Monroe Street What started as a quirky neighborhood display has grown into one of Madison’s most delightful (and smile-inducing) new traditions. Walk or drive down Monroe Street in December and you’ll spot an ever-growing army of giant inflatable Santa's - some eight feet tall, others towering at twenty. They’re scattered across lawns, porches, rooftops, and even peeking out from windows. It’s a grassroots display of holiday spirit that’s equal parts festive and fun. 9. Wintry Walks at UW Arboretum and Picnic Point When the holiday hustle gets a bit too hectic, take to the trails. The UW Arboretum and Picnic Point are just as stunning in winter, especially when the trees are dusted with snow. Bundle up, bring a warm drink, and enjoy the quiet. It’s like hitting reset for your soul. 10. Capitol City Theatre’s Holiday Productions There’s no shortage of festive performances in Madison. From A Christmas Carol to The Nutcracker and fun seasonal cabarets, local venues like Overture Center and Capitol City Theatre offer top-notch holiday programming. Whether you're a theater regular or a once-a-year ticket holder, this is a great time to experience Madison’s vibrant arts scene. 11. Lights on the Lake For some homespun holiday magic, head out for a self-guided tour of neighborhood lights. The Monona and Lake Ripley areas are especially known for going all-out. Many local Facebook groups and neighborhood associations even publish maps. Pack some snacks, turn on some classic holiday tunes, and make an evening out of it. 12. Hidden Gem: UW Stock Pavilion Holiday Sale Each December, students from UW-Madison’s horticulture and plant sciences departments hold a charming holiday sale at the UW Stock Pavilion. You’ll find handmade wreaths, evergreen swags, amaryllis bulbs, and more. It’s a sweet little event that supports student programs and helps you green up your holiday decor. Wrap It Up: Madison’s Cozy Season Awaits From classic light displays and festive shows to unexpected nooks and cozy escapes, Madison knows how to do the holidays right. The season brings a blend of warmth, tradition, and creativity that’s uniquely Madison. So, grab your mittens, your favorite people, and maybe a thermos of something spiked and make the most of this magical time of year. If you're planning a visit, consider staying at The Saddlery Madison , an extended stay (or weekends too) hotel. Perfectly located in downtown Madison, WI so you can take in all the festivities, it's your cozy home base for a holiday to remember. The city’s waiting to celebrate with you. Let the holiday adventures begin!

Being a digital nomad sounds dreamy - and let’s be real, it is . Morning emails from a rooftop café. Lakeside walks between Zoom calls. Local food cart cuisine for lunch. But making the work-travel lifestyle actually work takes some intention (and strong Wi-Fi). Whether you're settling into a new city for a few weeks or hopping countries every month, here's how to stay productive and soak it all in. Choose Stays That Get Remote Life Not all lodging is created equal. When booking your next spot, make sure the place you call home is work-friendly: Fast, reliable Wi-Fi (check reviews - not just the listing) A real desk or table you won’t wreck your back at or public space with a set up that is comfortable for you Quiet vibes if you’ve got calls or creative work to do It might seem like a no-brainer, but always confirm that your place is fully furnished. There’s nothing worse than arriving for a long-term stay and finding an empty apartment. Bonus points for co-living spaces or extended-stay hotels (👉check out The Saddlery Madison ) that cater to remote workers - they’re great for community, comfort, and keeping structure. Make a Routine That Works With You The freedom is amazing but it can also backfire. Avoid burnout (or the opposite: zero productivity) by creating a flexible schedule. Set core work hours you’ll stick to and schedule your fun around them. Try apps like Notion or Google Calendar to juggle time zones and keep your week on track. Tools like Toggl are gold for time-tracking and avoiding distractions. Don’t Forget to Actually Travel Remote life isn’t just about working from different places - it’s about living them. Work hard, but don’t forget to unplug. Try the “4-3” approach: four full workdays, one flex day, and two full days to explore. Check out local art walks, food tours, or waterfall hikes - whatever fills your tank. Sites like Culture Trip or Atlas Obscura are great for uncovering local gems. Stay Social (Online and IRL) Being on the move can get lonely – unless you’re intentional about staying connected. Keep in touch with your team through Slack, Zoom, or quick check-ins – but don’t forget to build community where you are. If you’re staying in a hotel, strike up conversations in common areas or see if there are social events happening onsite. You can also check out coworking spaces, hit up local events on Meetup, or try apps like Bumble BFF to connect with fellow nomads and locals. A few good connections can make a place feel like home – even temporarily. Pack Smart, Travel Smarter Your gear is your office - keep it light and functional. • Pack multi-purpose clothes you love – and don’t forget to check the weather • Bring tech essentials and backups – chargers, adapters, power banks, and maybe even a travel Wi-Fi hotspot • Store important docs safely in the cloud – you never know when you'll need access on the go • Toss in a compact travel yoga mat or resistance bands – staying active keeps you grounded • Don’t forget blue light glasses – your eyes will thank you after long screen hours • Carry a small notebook or journal – perfect for notes, ideas, or reflecting on the journey And always, always double-check Wi-Fi speeds, time zones, and local customs before you land – no one wants a surprise blackout in the middle of a deadline. Know When to Slow It Down Even in the most beautiful places, burnout is real. If you’re feeling off, take a beat. Stay longer in one place. Schedule a no-laptop weekend. Give yourself time to breathe and reset. Slower travel often means deeper experiences and fewer logistics to juggle. Final Vibes Living the remote life isn’t just about cool workspaces and travel pics. It’s about finding a rhythm that lets you chase your goals and your curiosity. When done right, it’s not just a lifestyle – it’s a mindset. Don’t be afraid to explore the unpopular. You’ll be amazed what you’ll find in lesser-known cities – hidden cafés, inspiring locals, and experiences that aren’t in any guidebook. Sometimes the best discoveries happen where the crowds aren’t. So pack your bag, charge your laptop, and lean into the adventure. Your best work – and most epic memories – might just happen at the same time.

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