Polar Express Trail lighting, Wassail Fest and Christmas Capers happening in downtown Madison this weekend
MADISON – Fa la-la-la-la, lala… la…la. Business owners and civic volunteers have ‘decked the halls’ in anticipation of an event-filled weekend in downtown Madison. Madison Community Center will host other activities.
• Polar Express Christmas Tree Trail — The official lighting of all Christmas trees on the trail is scheduled for Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. The City of Madison and Madison Station Historical Preservation Society sponsor the trail.
Trees will stand along the north side of Main Street. The Christmas trees will remain illuminated through Jan. 5.
Several activities by community partners will accompany the lighting of Christmas trees. Madison Arts Alliance will assist spectators in decorating ornaments. Madison City Community Orchestra will perform Christmas carols to set the mood.
Madison Chamber of Commerce will host “Letters to Santa” and organize a Glow Stick Parade. Madison Public Library employees will present a reading of “The Polar Express.”
Rotary Club of Madison will serve hot chocolate and cookies with music by DJ Todd. Madison Visionary Partners will stage “Snowflake Lane” in the pedestrian walkway off Main Street. Volunteers for Madison Street Festival will build gingerbread houses. Students from Madison City Schools will sing Christmas carols.
Madison Wassail Festival
Immediately following the tree lighting, residents can enjoy a tasting of wassail (hot, spiced cider) at approximately 6:15 p.m. Main Street Madison is hosting the event.
The public is welcome to visit the storefronts on Main, Church and Martin streets to taste and vote for the best wassail.
Sensory-Friendly Santa Experience!
On Dec. 6, Madison Parks and Recreation Department will coordinate the “Sensory-Friendly Santa Experience!” The department invites families for a calm and welcoming holiday event designed with sensory needs in mind.
The ‘experience’ will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Madison Community Center 1329 Brown’s Ferry Road. The event is free to attend.
Families will enjoy sensory-friendly activities and access to quiet sensory rooms from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. In addition, each family will have a 10-minute pre-reserved time with Santa in a calm, low-pressure setting. The experience is perfect for creating magical holiday memories without the overwhelm.
Sensory supports will be available throughout the event to confirm that everyone feels comfortable and included. To reserve time with Santa, visit https://bit.ly/43qy2US.
Madison Christmas Capers
Madison Station Historical Preservation Society and the City of Madison are sponsoring this local tradition on Dec. 6 at 4 p.m. The capers will be held in front of Humphrey- Hughes Drug Store on Main Street, which police will block from traffic.
Madison’s most unique holiday tradition, Christmas Capers re-enacts a custom from years in the Great Depression. Local pharmacist ‘Doc’ Hughes tossed live chickens from the roof of his business, Humphrey-Hughes Drug Store. The chickens had prize tags attached, providing a much-needed Christmas boost for residents.
Today, rubber chickens with prize vouchers are tossed from atop the old drug store, giving attendees a fun chance to win gifts from local businesses. The event also features Christmas carols by the Madison City Community Orchestra and free hot chocolate and cookies from Rotary Club of Madison.
Madison Roundhouse Christmas Open House
Madison Station Historical Preservation Society is sponsoring the event on Dec. 7 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. The Roundhouse is located on Front Street near the intersection with Church Street.
Madison City Community Orchestra Christmas Concert
Madison’s hometown orchestra will entertain with their annual Christmas Concert at Madison Methodist Church, 127 Church St. The concert on Dec. 7. will start at 5 p.m.
The public can enjoy a relaxed and informative Sunday afternoon by starting with a tour of the Roundhouse and then attending the orchestra’s concert with just a short walk to the church.
Madison Christmas Parade
On Dec. 13, the parade will kick off from Plaza Boulevard at 5 p.m. The City of Madison’s Parks and Recreation Department coordinates the event. The parade promises humor and memories of childhood with the 2025 theme, “Christmas Cartoon Classics.”
Movie at Home Place Park
The City of Madison and Torch Technologies will present a Christmas movie, free of charge, on Dec. 12 at 5:30 p.m. at Home Place Park. Food trucks will attend and sell concessions.
Breakfast with Santa
Toyota Field will be in the Christmas Spirit for Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 13. Guests can enjoy a magical breakfast experience with Santa, featuring a festive meal, holiday crafts, storytime and memorable photo opportunities for the whole family. The breakfast will start at 9:30 a.m. Tickets are $20 for adults; 12-year-olds and younger will pay $12.
