Embrace the holiday giving season with this guide that’s got something for everyone, including local finds. | Graphic by 6AM City
Shopping for a few special people this holiday season? Browse local items and trending gifts sure to delight everyone on your list.
Gifts for your significant other
Local pick:Jazz Night | $15+ | Treat your partner with a night out listening to jazz at Cafe Coda — we recommend bundling up to grab a drink at Crystal Corner before the show.
Sherpa-lined flannel shirt jacket | $76.95+ | Choose your favorite plaid pattern + snag them a warm jacket great for hiking, trekking, and camping all season long.
Local pick: Swiss Miss ‘Shmallow | $27.99 | In collaboration with Swiss Miss®, this exclusive whiskey by Hotel Tango Distillery blends caramelized sugar and toasted marshmallow notes with rich cocoa for a cozy winter experience.*
Gifts for pet owners
Local pick:Convertible Dog Walking Bag | $34 | Make dog walking hands-free with this stylish and convertible bag from Petphoria.
The Crafty Fair | Saturday, Dec. 7 + Sunday, Dec. 8 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Goodman Community Center | Free | Browse 150 vendors selling giftable goods like jewelry, knitwear, candles, candies, and more.
“Winter Fantasia: Reimagined” | Times vary | Overture Center | $20+ | Celebrate the season at this mosaic of cultural traditions including song and dance.
UW Badgers vs. Michigan State Spartans Hockey | 7 p.m. | Kohl Center | $16+ | Cheer for UW Madison as their hockey team takes a swing at their opponents from the Great Lakes State.
A Winter Serenade: Love Abounds in All | Saturday, Dec. 7-Sunday, Dec. 8 | 7 p.m. | Madison Youth Arts | $30 | The Philharmonic Chorus of Madison spreads love with classic and contemporary carols, cookies, cocoa, and community.
Sunday, Dec. 8
Santa Day: Free Admission + Photos | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Madison Children’s Museum | Free | Get into the museum for free and snap a pic with Santa while he’s there from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
“The Bald & the Beautiful” Live | 7 p.m. | The Orpheum Theater | $52+ | Join local “RuPaul’s Drag Race” winner Trixie Mattel and co-host Katya for a live podcast episode.
Monday, Dec. 9
The Moth Madison StorySLAM | | 7:30 p.m. | High Noon Saloon | $18 | Listen to true stories at this open mic event or share your own.
Tuesday, Dec. 10
Themed Trivia: “Twilight” Edition | | 7-9 p.m. | The Rigby | Free | Answer questions about Stephenie Meyer’s vampire series to “Eclipse” your opponents and win prizes.
Wednesday, Dec. 11
Combo Noir | | 7-9 p.m. | Red Rooster Madison | $10 | This soulful and eclectic band performs their groovy and hilarious tunes at this holiday-themed show.
Thursday, Dec. 12
Trey Kennedy | Thursday, Dec. 12-Saturday, Dec. 14 | Times vary | Comedy on State | $30+ | Get a dose of humor with the comedian, actor, and podcaster known for his social media skits.
Familiar faces, including Olympic silver medalist Lauren Carlini, are set to return to the court in Madison this January. | Photo courtesy of League One Volleyball
LOVB Madison’s roster is led by former Badgers alum Lauren Carlini and Olympic teammate Annie Drews Schumacher, plus fellow local stars Claire Chaussee and Temi Thomas-Ailara.
During this historic first season, Madisonians can watch LOVB Madison serve it up at Wisconsin Field House and Alliant Energy Center. Explore the full roster, schedule, and more before getting tickets. (Hint: Volleyball is the next major league.)
The Sun Prairie City Council has approved an almost $7 million incentive for a hotel + apartment complex on the site of the 2018 natural gas explosion. The project’s Cobblestone Hotel is expected to include four stories and 63 rooms, and the apartment complex will have 100 units. (Wisconsin State Journal)
Weather
It’s been quite frigid these last few days, but a warm front may bring temps as high as the low 50s by the end of this weekend. Soak it up while you can. (WKOW)
Tech
It’s electric — Wisconsin is getting $78.65 million from the federal government to install new electric vehicle (EV) chargers throughout the state. These will first begin to pop-up along major highways to help EV drivers travel further north where there are currently not as many charging stations. (WKOW)
Community
Sun Prairie residents can find a new solar-powered kiosk in front of city hall that displays information on public meetings, road closures, bus routes, and other bits of important info. City officials hope the addition will encourage tourists and locals alike to get out and about in the area. (WKOW)
Seasonal
O tannenbaum, o tannenbaum — Wisconsin’s Capitol Tree has been lit. The tree, which was donated by Rick Burke and family, is decorated with 2,000 multi-colored lights and hundreds of ornaments created by students honoring 125 years of Wisconsin State Parks. Check it out 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekends. (WKOW)
The Word
Oxford University Press announced its pick for Word of the Year — “brain rot.” Other finalists included “lore,” “dynamic pricing,” and “slop.” Counter the brain rot by going on a local hike or heading to one of these Madison museums. (Time Magazine)
Shop
To help you find the best local gifts this season, we’re sharing our 608today Holiday Picks. Head over to the Aldo Leopold Nature Center’s Holiday Market, happening Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., to shop some of the best gifts made right here in the Badger State. Happy holiday shopping.*
Finance
How much could you borrow from your home? Get HELOC quotes now — calculate your payment.*
Shop
Looking for a last-minute gift? We found one that’s more than 60% off, can be delivered instantly + will last forever. That’s speaking our language. Shop the sale.*
Wellness
Discover the secret to hearing every detail with the Horizon IX by hear.com. These discreet, rechargeable hearing aids deliver sound so clear and natural, you’ll forget you’re wearing them. With phone connectivity, award-winning service, and flexible payment options, join the 425,000+ customers who love them.*
Plan Ahead
Don’t let those leftovers go to waste. Use the remainder of your end-of-year budget + get your business in front of thousands. For a limited time, take 25% off ads in our self-service ad portal when you use promo code “2025" at checkout.
Tech
Want to turn four-hour tasks into 15-minute wins? Download your free ChatGPT mastery guide for 100 battle-tested prompts you can copy/paste ASAP — no coding required. Plus, the guide explores how to use AI ethically at work.*
Finance
The bad news: Car repair costs have surged 17% in the last year, with some repairs exceeding $6,000. The good news: An Endurance protection plan could save you thousands. Sign up and receive $300 off your new contract, plus a free year of Elite Benefits. Get your free quote.*
City Guide
City Guide
❄️ Weather trends you need to snow
A little snow never stopped us from getting outside. | Photo by @isthmusportrait
We know the question on your mind, Madisonians — how cold is it going to get?
Thanks to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, we know what temperatures and precipitation trends to expect in our city for December, January, and February.
While exact weather conditions typically can’t be predicted more than a week in advance, here’s a seasonal outlook to help you prepare for what winter will bring.
Reminder: The first day of winter is on Saturday, Dec. 21.
Temperature
It’s a coin toss. This winter, Madison has an equal chance of temperatures being higher than normal or lower than normal.
Precipitation
Expect slightly more precipitation. Madison has a 33-40% chance of seeing below higher than average snow and rainfall amounts this winter.
Decem-brrrr
Things have officially gotten cold by the time December rolls around with average highs just touching 33° and lows dipping down to 15°. On the winter solstice (or the darkest day of the year), we’ll get just under nine hours of daylight.
This top-rated safety razor with five premium stainless-steel blades. Its double-sided design provides a closer, cleaner shave compared to disposable razors, resulting in less skin irritation.
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