Christmas fun in downtown Madison kicks off this week
MADISON – Reminiscent of a scene from Charles Dickens, Madison dresses up in its Christmastime finery for the season.
Visiting downtown takes you back to nostalgic times for decorated storefronts with silver bells, red holly and . . . if you’re lucky . . . big sprigs of the dark green leaves and opaque berries of mistletoe. (Quick! No one is looking.)
The scenic storefronts decked out in Christmas decor are reminiscent of yesteryear. Plus, take as long as you need to review the decorated tree in the Polar Express Christmas Tree Trail. On Holiday Card Lane, you can reflect on the message that local artists are convening with the cards, which may be traditional, whimsical or a religious view of the Nativity.
New events and traditions have filled the calendar as Madison residents prepare for the Christmas season.
Holiday Card Lane
Opens the Christmas activities in downtown Madison’s historic district on Nov. 30. Madison Arts Alliance will present artwork by local artists who will exhibit their outdoor, larger-than-life cards in homeowners’ front lawns on Church and Front streets. After sunset, the artwork will be illuminated for drive-by viewing. Card themes vary from religious scenes, cartoon characters, winter landscapes to humorous vignettes.
Polar Express Christmas Tree Trail
The City of Madison and Madison Station Historical Preservation Society sponsor this display of Christmas trees. The trail will be staged along the north side of Main Street.
On Dec. 5 at 5 p.m., municipal and civic groups will collaborate to launch the trail. Madison Arts Alliance will lead individuals in decorating Christmas ornaments to brighten a spot at home. Talented musicians in Madison City Community Orchestra will perform Christmas carols.
In addition, Madison Chamber of Commerce staff will handle “Letters to Santa” and lead children in a glow stick parade. Madison Public Library employees will gather children (of all ages) for a reading of “The Polar Express.” For a quick pick-me-up, Madison Rotary Club will serve hot chocolate and cookies as deejay Todd sets the mood.
Madison Visionary Partners will prove that Alabama can have a white Christmas with Snowflake Lane in the pedestrian walkway on Main Street. Gingerbread houses will give flashbacks to childhood Christmases – thanks to volunteers with Madison Street Festival. The trail opening will culminate with none other than Santa Claus (after the City of Madison convinced him stop by Madison for visits with children who upheld their betterbe- good pledges).
Madison Main Street Wassail Trail
Immediately following the trail lighting on Dec. 5, Shoppes of Madison and Main Street Madison will coordinate the Wassail Trail. Business owners on Main, Church and Martin streets will serve their personalized recipes of wassail. After tastings are complete, individuals can vote for their favorite blend.
Madison Christmas Capers
Christmas Capers will be held Dec. 6 on Main Street at the former Hughes Drugstore. The City of Madison and Madison Station Historic Preservation Society are sponsors.
The Christmas Capers reprise the legend of ‘Doc’ Hughes tossing live chickens from his drug store’s roof to spectators below during the Great Depression on Christmas Eve. ‘The chickens had tags attached to their legs, and people could redeem the tags for prizes in Hughes’ store. Anyone who caught the chickens (sometimes turkeys) received the prizes and kept the chicken for Christmas dinner.
To relive Hughes’ generosity, his descendants, Larry Anderson and Walt Anderson, now throw gift certificates from the roof to excited residents. Sponsors are City of Madison and Madison Station Historical Preservation Society. The capers on Dec. 6 will start at 4 p.m. Madison City Community Orchestra will perform Christmas carols. Rotary Club of Madison will serve hot chocolate and cookies and will feature DJ Todd.
The custom of Christmas Capers originated in 1925 when George Walton ‘Doc’ Hughes rented the Humphrey-Hughes property at 200 Main St. in downtown Madison. Doc Hughes opened his drug store business at that location, which he operated until 1972.
During years of the Great Depression in the early 1930s, Hughes started a holiday tradition dubbed the “Christmas Chicken Capers,” according to “Madison Station, Historic Downtown Madison, 1856-2015” by Madison Station Historical Preservation Society.
Roundhouse Christmas Open House
The Madison Roundhouse, a unique icon for the city on Front Street, will have Christmas Open House on Dec. 7 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Madison Station Historical Preservation Society is sponsoring the occasion to tour the building that contains historical documents and photos, especially for downtown properties and owners.
Madison City Community Orchestra Christmas Concert
Madison’s very own orchestra will perform its annual concert for the Christmas season on Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. Individuals could first tour the Roundhouse and then walk to the concert at Madison Methodist Church’s Christian Life Center at 127 Church St. The city is fortunate to serve as the home of these accomplished musicians who present free concerts throughout the year.
Madison Christmas Parade
Madison’s parade is one of the most popular activities at Christmastime. The City of Madison sponsors the parade, which will kick off at 5 p.m. on Dec. 13. Spectators can view the parade on its route on Hughes Road. The 2025 theme for floats and units in the parade is “Christmas Cartoon Classics.”
