Things to do in Madison, WI: Dec. 6-12

Things to do in Madison, WI: Dec. 6-12

Hi there!

This is the first post that features event selections from the Tone Madison team.

Be on the lookout for this emoji: 🟠. That's your signal that Tone's team recommends checking the event out.

Tone has been a friend to the newsletter since the very beginning, and we’re excited they’re interested in partnering on events coverage. Their team knows Madison’s arts and music landscape better than anybody else.

A couple of other stray notes:

🎄'Tis the season for holiday pop-up bars. Young Blood has decorated their space to be The Office-themed. And with Miracle 2021, Lucille is transforming their restaurant into the "ultimate Christmas Cocktail Bar."

🎅🏽 Hilldale's got a mall Santa. Check out his full schedule here. If you're into the idea of taking photos with a cow dressed up as Santa, you'll want to be at the West Towne Mall Chick-Fil-A on Saturday.

🎁 Can you help this local grandparent find activities for their grandkids this holiday season? She's looking for suggestions that are a good fit for a pandemic-era holiday season. More on that below the event listings.

- Sam


Monday, Dec. 6

Tuesday, Dec. 7

Wednesday, Dec. 8

Thursday, Dec. 9

Friday, Dec. 10

Saturday, Dec. 11

  • Holiday Hoopla organized by Madison Vintage Pop Up Collective at Monona Terrace. Vendors and shopping. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
  • Exhibition Celebration/Reception + Artist Talk for “Santiago Cucullu: you still make me tremble” at MMoCA. 6 p.m. Free.
  • STARSET with The Word Alive and All The Good Things at The Sylvee. Doors at 6 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $29.50.
  • Bad Philosopher at Café Coda. Two shows (7 & 9 p.m.). $20. 🟠
  • Puff and Paint III at Quality CBD. 7 p.m. $35 a person includes a CBD joint and drink.
  • Magnolia (1999) at UW Cinematheque. From IMDb: “An epic mosaic of interrelated characters in search of love, forgiveness, and meaning in the San Fernando Valley.” Doors at 6:30 p.m., screening at 7 p.m. Free. 🟠
  • Violinist Gil Shaham at Memorial Union. 7:30 p.m. Full price tickets start at $35, with discounts for UW students and staff. Virtual streaming option.
  • Tone Madison Fundraiser Concert with Solid Freex, L.E.X., DJ Hanna, and DJ Tara at Garver Feed Mill. Doors at 7:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. $12. 🟠
  • An Evening with David Sedaris at the Overture Center. "David Sedaris returns to the road following the release of his most deeply personal and darkly hilarious collection, Calypso." 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $45.50.

Sunday, Dec. 12


🤔 Question from a neighbor

Our email address is always listed in our events posts in case you have a question.

One local grandparent wrote to us looking for things to do with her grandchildren. Here's what she said:

I thought you might have ideas for me as we give grandchildren an “experience” for Christmas ... With Covid and the range of ages from 2-15 I was wondering if your staff would have any ideas or know who/what to contact about finding an experience or having the experience brought to us.

Before Covid-19, these "experiences" included staying at a water park, mini golf, rock climbing, ice fishing, and sledding. Sometimes the activities were holiday-themed, sometimes they weren't.

As mentioned above, though, safety concerns are dominating this year's planning. "We are all vaccinated, the ones that can be….although we are still being careful," the email went on to say.

My immediate suggestions were the Zoo Lights display and the holiday-themed events at the Madison Children's Museum.

What would you add to the list? Email us at contact@madisonminutes.com with your thoughts, and I'll pass them along.


🟠 = Tone recommends

Wondering what that 🟠 means? That symbol next to an event listing means that Tone Madison’s team of writers and editors recommends checking it out. Tone knows Madison’s arts and music landscape better than anybody else.

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