When the Thanksgiving meal is over, and the dishes are done, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy all that Madison offers. And for an alternative to Black Friday madness, you may want to make a few stops in Downtown Madison. The Edgewater Hotel has a weekend full of free activities for the whole family. On Friday, the recently renovated hotel will open its Ice Skating Rink, and fill the day with events, performances and activities for the whole family. Beginning at 10 a.m., Bucky Badger, Peppy the Purgolder and Bruce the Spartan will be on hand to celebrate the ice skating season. There is no cost to skate the entire weekend, and skates can be rented for $3. 100% of the skate rental fee will be donated to the Keep Madison Warm/Cool Fund and the Heat for Heroes Fund.
In addition to the skating, indoor activities include crafts for kids, story times each hour, from 10:30 to 4:30, and a mix of movies and performers throughout the day, including Children's Theater of Madison, The Central Midwest Ballet Academy, and The Figure Skating Club of Madison. Additional caroling and musical performances will be held beginning at 4 p.m. At 5:30, the rink will close, and preparations will be made for a 6 p.m. Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. Following the ceremony, skating and live music will continue until 10 p.m. Saturday, photos with Santa can be taken between 11-1 and ice sculpting will begin at Noon. Of course, the Badger game will be on, and skating will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday the Madison Capitol's Mascot, D.C. Eagle, will be along to skate with the family from 1- 3 p.m.
Nearby, the Madison Central BID will be hosting a holiday open house, complete with activities for all ages. Shoppers will enjoy free trolleys all day, providing treats for kids, and welcome bags and shopping ideas for adults. Free family photo opportunities make greeting card planning a breeze at Peace Park from 11-1 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Photos with Santa can be taken at Dream Bank both days until 1 p.m., and Thanksgiving activities for kids are available at both the Madison Children's Museum and the Madison Public Library until 4 p.m. Overture Center will host its popular "Kids in the Rotunda" at 9:30, 11:00 and 1 p.m. On Friday, "Bubble Wonders" will feature Geoff Atkins and his fantastic bubble making skills. On Saturday, The Cash Box Kings are sure to please all ages.
And once night time falls, be sure to take a drive through Olin Park for the 27th annual Holiday Fantasy in Lights. The light display opened mid-November and is sure to please, with a wide variety of decorations and sponsors. The experience is just a short drive through the loop at the park.
Enjoy your turkey, be thankful, and be sure to make the most of Madison during the holiday season!
