4 ways to (safely) enjoy local holiday events

The holidays are going to look a bit different, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get into the spirit of the season. There’s plenty to do in the Madison area that will keep you safe and still give you that warm, holly jolly feeling.

Downtown Middleton StoryWalk
Featuring the book, ‘A Snowy Day’ by Ezra Jack Keats, participants can enjoy a walk around downtown Middleton and a classic wintertime story. An excerpt from the 1962 book is placed on 25 different interactive Explore Wisconsin storyboards. The story starts at the first board, located at the Middleton Public Library. For those who make it through the other 24 stops, the library is also giving away a limited number of free books. Masks are required for those over the age of five and social distancing is a must for all participants. The StoryWalk is running now through Jan. 18.

Holiday Fantasy in Lights
For the 32nd year in a row, the Electric Group is hosting its “Holiday Fantasy in Lights” free light show open now through January 3. If you’ve ever spent a night driving around your neighborhood and looking at Christmas lights, you’ll want to take a drive through Olin Park. Each display is put on by a different sponsor. And even better, you won’t have to worry about making it to see the lights before closing time — the lights stay on every night from dusk to dawn.

InstaQuest: Holiday
Downtown Madison is hosting InstaQuest, a scavenger hunt to explore Downtown Madison this winter. Challenges were posted in November, but the game continues through Dec. 18. You can register here and complete socially distanced challenges. There are even some that can be done at home. There are prizes and at the end one grand prize winner will get a $200 Downtown Madison shopping spree. Find challenges here.

Wine and Design Virtual Classes
Virtual painting classes hosted by Wine and Design are perfect for night in. Sign up for a class on the Wine and Design website, pick up your painting supplies through contactless curbside pickup at the Madison Wine and Design location, join the Zoom class and get creative. Each class will produce a different painting with step-by-step instructions from the artist on how to achieve the finished product. The December calendar, available on Wine and Design’s Facebook page, features a variety of festive paintings — from a beautiful winter tree to a serene winter bridge scene — for you to display or give as a gift this holiday. If you’re looking for a couple’s activity or have a child who loves to paint, Wine and Design offers classes meant just for kids or that perfect date night, too.