Middleton Shines: Top Spots for Seasonal Lights
The city shines even brighter during winter. Here are some top spots to enjoy outdoor holiday lights this season.
Middleton glows year-round, but the holiday season brings an extra dose of sparkle. Lights brighten everything from local shops to cozy gathering spaces, so whether you’re out for dinner, shopping or a casual stroll, these spots add a little extra shine to your visit.
Capital Brewery
Capital Brewery creates a truly unique holiday masterpiece with its "keg-mas" tree, set up in the outdoor bier garten. Standing an impressive 18 feet tall, this one-of-a-kind display is constructed from 285 kegs stacked in seven layers. The base alone is made of more than 85 kegs and spans 13.5 feet in diameter, providing a sturdy foundation for this festive structure. And a plywood cutout of the iconic Madison Capitol building crowns the tree.
To add to the holiday magic, 500 feet of pre-lit garland wraps around the tree, adorned with 1,000 LED lights, making it a dazzling centerpiece of holiday cheer. Don’t miss the chance to see this extraordinary sight lit up during the holiday season!
Stone Horse Green
Stone Horse Green, located in the heart of Downtown Middleton, has been a vibrant community hub since its opening in October 2022 and winter is no exception.
Every year, the space comes alive at the Light the Green event, a festive celebration held in late November. This event features live music, a special visit from Santa (who arrives in style aboard a firetruck), and plenty of holiday cheer. The atmosphere is cozy with an electric fireplace and inviting fire pits, perfect for warming up during the festivities. While Light the Green is the official kickoff, these lights stick around all season long.
Stone Horse Green is fully ADA-accessible, with bathrooms available during business hours (5 a.m. – 10 p.m.). While enjoying the space, you are welcome to bring unopened alcohol in a plastic or aluminum container.
Greenway Station
Greenway Station is a festive spot to visit this holiday season, featuring a beautiful artificial tree in the center of its roundabout. This 46-acre outdoor shopping center, just seven minutes from Downtown Middleton, offers a lively atmosphere with name-brand shopping, dining and more. Whether you're tackling your holiday shopping, enjoying a meal at one of their ten restaurants, or simply taking in the seasonal display, Greenway Station has something for everyone and with an added bonus of four Middleton hotels within a short distance. Be sure to snap a selfie in front of the impressive holiday decorations.
Imperial Garden
While a Chinese restaurant might not be the first place that comes to mind for holiday decorations, Imperial Garden has certainly embraced the season in style. The outdoor landscape is beautifully adorned with intricate lighting that shines on every surface, creating a stunning display. After taking in the holiday lights, stop in for some award-winning East Asian cuisine, the perfect remedy for warming up during chilly weather.
The Bruce Company
The Bruce Company is a true expert when it comes to decorations and are known for creating stunning displays throughout the area. It’s no surprise that their holiday lights are nothing short of exceptional. See firsthand why they’re considered the best at what they do. While you’re there, pop inside for the Holiday Tree Walk, featuring 25 themed Christmas trees and festive displays.
BONUS: A Short Drive Away
Want to keep the light festivities going? Here are some spots that are just a short drive from Downtown Middleton.
Lights on Colony (5 min drive)
- Residential home, lights on from dusk to 9 p.m.
Waunakee Village Park (16 min drive)
- Open 5 - 9 p.m., Nov. 23 - Dec. 31
Henry Vilas Zoo Lights (17 min drive)
- Open 5:30 - 9 p.m., Nov. 22 - Dec. 23, $12 admission
Olin Park Holiday Fantasy in Lights (19 min drive)
- Dusk to 10 p.m., Nov. 15 - Jan. 5