This is Wayfair’s biggest (and best) Black Friday sale to date. | Photos provided by Wayfair
We asked, and you answered: The key to impressing guests is “setting the perfect vibe.” Before welcoming family and friends into your home this holiday season, consider these five tips to enhance the vibe in your spaces — at up to 80% off.
Now until Sunday, Dec. 1, you can snag the lowest prices of the year during Wayfair’s extended Black Friday sale. Psst... Check back on Dec. 2 for Cyber Monday deals, too.
Pro tip: Warm lighting makes for an extra-cozy atmosphere. These dimmable Edison light bulbs will do the trick.
3. Minimize clutter
Storage doesn’t have to be an eyesore. You can tuck away miscellaneous items (think: books and games) in this extendable coffee table and store shoes in this natural rattan shoe storage cabinet that always seems to be trending online.
“It’s a Wonderful Life: A New Musical” | Saturday, Nov. 30-Sunday, Dec. 1 | Times vary | Mitby Theater | $15+ | Watch this new interpretation of the classic film with original songs by local composer Andrew Abrams + partner John Atkins.
Caturday Night Fever | 6 p.m. | Crucible | $25 | Get your paws moving at this dance party featuring disco band V05 that supports Madison Cat Project.
Good Vibes: A Comedy Show | 7 p.m. | The Cardinal Bar | $15+ | Enjoy a night of laughter with a lineup of Midwest comedians headlined by Chris Schlichting.
Sunday, Dec. 1
Madison ComiCon | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center | $8 | Wear your best cosplay and browse 100+ tables featuring comic book vendors, artists, and game enthusiasts.
The Dark Holiday Bazaar 2024 | 1-5 p.m. | Crucible | $5+ | Don’t fear, this holiday market will help you find one-of-a-kind gifts from local vendors + artists while you’re entertained by live performers and appearances by Krampus.
Monday, Dec. 2
Christmas with Lorie Line | 7 p.m. | Wisconsin Union Theater | $71 | Welcome the holiday season as the classically trained pianist performs Christmas songs.
Tuesday, Dec. 3
Madison Bikes Winter Bike Social | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Working Draft Beer Company | Free | Grab a drink, meet other cycling enthusiasts, and talk about winter biking at this all-levels meetup.
Wednesday, Dec. 4
Drag Comedy Show with Bingo | 7-9 p.m. | The Rigby | $10 | Wear your favorite Christmas sweater as drag performer Kendra Banx$ hosts this humorous bingo night.
Thursday, Dec. 5
Chris Redd | Thursday, Dec. 5-Saturday, Dec. 7 | Times vary | Comedy on State | $25 | The comedian, voice actor, and former SNL cast member performs his “Why Am I Like This?” show.
Friday, Dec. 6
Shrek Rave | 9 p.m. | Majestic Theatre | $20+ | This isn’t a fairy tale, you can really spend the night celebrating the “All Star” green ogre.
Exclusive access: Shop 40% off Harlestons site-wide
Presented by Harlestons
Harlestons has opened their 40% site-wide sale exclusively for our readers. | Video by Harlestons
Cyber Monday came early: Harlestons is giving our readers exclusive access to shop their products at 40% off, site-wide, with code HOLIDAY40.
Treat your husband, kid, or favorite golfing buddy to the quality and craftsmanship Harlestons is known for, from the lightweight performance polos to the stylish layering pieces, wearable throughout every season. (Plus, free shipping and free exchanges on every order.)
Bonus: Spend $150+ to get a free mystery polo, or spend $300+ to get a free mystery pullover.
Have you been eyeing our guide to 30+ volunteer opportunities in Madison? You’re not alone. According to a new study by AmeriCorps, formal volunteering and informal helping (think: helping your neighbor rake the leaves) are on the rise again after dipping in 2021 due to COVID-19.
Civic
There will be at least 44 women serving in the Wisconsin Legislature next year — up by five people compared to 2024. They will be part of the 2,450 women in state legislatures nationwide (or ~33%), setting a new record. (AP News)
Plan Ahead
Sunday, Dec. 1 is Secondhand Sunday. Created by secondhand marketplace Poshmark, the day encourages shoppers to purchase pre-owned items for gifting like records, clothing, jewelry, and home decor. In case you need vintage store inspo, we have some ideas for you.
Number
$1,523. Per WalletHub, that’s the average 2024 holiday budget of a Madisonian. The research calculated the max holiday budget for 550+ US cities using metrics like population, income, age, and ratio of savings to monthly expenses. Pro tip: Start with our gift guide.
Finance
This leading card is one of the best-kept secrets for managing debt. The key: Transfer your existing balance and pay it down as much as possible during the intro period (this one offers 0% interest until 2026).*
Home
How much could you borrow from your home? Get HELOC quotes now — calculate your payment.*
Health
Remember all the scammy weight loss ads from the ‘90s that promised “magical results” (but never delivered)? Well, thanks to Hers and GLP-1s — the ingredient behind Ozempic® and Wegovy® — we’re not that far off. Start your weight loss journey. Read website disclaimers for important consumer information.*
Holiday Pick
For a limited time, you can give the gift of a lifetime of languages for less. Think: Forever access to all of Rosetta Stone’s immersive + engaging lessons at more than 60% off. Snag the deal.*
Try This
You know how awesome your business is, but do our 37,000+ readers? Visit our self-service ad portal to learn how 608today can help connect your business with our local audience — no long-term contract required.
City Guide
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Think big, shop small
Get ready to shop ‘til you drop at these local small businesses. | Photo via Good Day Shop
Small Business Saturday, an initiative dedicated to celebrating and supporting small and locally owned businesses + the impact they have in our communities, is today, Nov. 30.
The day falls between two of the biggest shopping days of the year — Black Friday and Cyber Monday — and has become an annual shopping tradition for many since its establishment by American Express in 2010.
If you’re looking to join in on the festivities this year, check out our list of some of our favorite small businesses in town — and some extra suggestions from our followers.
Good Day Shop | This intentionally curated selection of goods like chocolate bars, coffee cups, and colorful socks may be a perfect place to start if you’re looking for something to contribute to the office gift exchange.
Facial Collective | @lifeofelliemack called this biz the “best facial in Madison.”
El Barn Quilts | One up your neighbor’s barn with one of these beautifully painted artworks.
Brix Cider | Local apples are responsible for this cider company’s lovely, juicy concoctions. Pick from flavors like Drunken Apple Cider or Troll Juice.
Lake City Books | Help your friends’ brains get a bit bigger with a title from this new + used bookstore.
Want to share some more small business love? Make sure to tag your favorite local businesses in the comments of our post.
Reminder: Shopping + supporting small isn’t limited to just this day — we love letting our local businesses shine all year long in our collection of City Guides.
Yourfavorite thing on Oprah’s Favorite Things list for 2024. We’re seeing goodies like fluffy mittens and paint-by-numbers portraits. Psst — Oprah’s also picked finds from small businesses, like a hot chocolate collection made by Asheville, NC’s French Broad Chocolate.
Looking for some other ways to support Madison small businesses? There’s a Holiday Craftacular happening at the Garver Atrium/Garver Canvas today from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. where locals can make crafts along with several of the city’s other artisans. You can expect some nice treats to accompany your hard work.
