The weather is about to turn colder, the holiday season and the end of the year approaches–it is almost time for winter in Madison. While it is the same vibrant, unique, and inviting city as it is in spring, summer, and fall–winter in Madison has a special sort of charm with sparkling snow, twinkling lights, and cozy spaces in which to stay warm and have a meeting.

Getting around Madison remains accessible and convenient–you might just have to bundle up a little. It’s a magical time of year to experience and meet in Wisconsin’s capital city.

Cozy Indoor Spaces

While winter weather is not conducive to outdoor meetings, spaces in which you can gather during this time of year offer warmth–many also offer culinary experiences.

Meet & Dine Around Madison: Madison is known for its restaurant scene, and many favorite dining establishments around town also offer meeting space, so you can partake in their unique menus and gather somewhere separately from a hotel conference room.

Forward Craft & Coffee: This local coffee house and craft brew bar is located on Atwood Avenue on Madison’s near east side, not far from Downtown. This establishment offers a private, quiet room that is free to reserve on weekdays. Its capacity fits 8-12 people so if a smaller group is looking to get out and have a warm cup of coffee or cocoa offsite, this shop is the perfect fit.

Starbucks in The Madison Concourse Hotel: We happen to have our own cozy coffee shop with warm, seasonal beverages in the hotel. You can grab a cup of joe, seasonal latte, tea, or cocoa and head over to one of the comfortable chairs near the fireplace in our lobby.

Winter Farmer's Market: Even though the Dane County Farmer's Market leaves the capitol square in November, it moves indoors at Garver Feed Mill during the colder months. This way, you can still enjoy a Saturday morning stroll away from the elements with much of the same local, seasonal produce and products. The winter market in 2026 starts January 2nd and lasts through April 4.

Micro breweries and brew pubs

Wisconsin is known for its beer, and Madison is home to several great microbreweries and beer pubs. Stay warm and explore the tavern scene for brews you can’t find anywhere else (at least not outside of Wisconsin).

The Great Dane Pub: Located on East Doty Street, the Great Dane downtown location is just a short walk from the capitol square via King Street. Not only does the Great Dane make their own beer, they have a full menu of warm, hearty fare and a billiards room.

Young Blood Beer Co.: Located downtown on King street, Young Blood specializes in unique, one-and-done craft beers with unique names. 

Vintage Brewing Company: With three locations in the Madison area, Vintage brews its own craft beers offered on tap in its restaurants.

Working Draft Beer Company: Located in the Willy Street neighborhood not far from downtown on Madison’s east side, Working Draft specializes in European-style lagers and hoppy ales.

Team Building in a Winter Wonderland

When winter weather hits Madison, the landscape changes but there is no shortage of outdoor activities–perfect for a group outing,

Ice Skating: The City of Madison creates and manages rinks and lagoons in public parks for ice skating. If you didn’t bring skates, don’t worry–at parks like Olbrich Park, skates are available for rent. If the winter weather is balmier than usual, you can skate indoors at Madison Ice Inc.

Winter walks and hikes: Madison and the surrounding Dane County area is filled with walking paths and hiking trails from the Lakeshore Nature Preserve to Dane County Parks. After the holidays, many candlelight hike events are held in the area where you can take a winter walk amongst luminaries guiding the trail. Follow the park pages on Facebook to find out when these events are happening.

Bolz Conservatory at Olbrich Gardens: While the outdoor gardens are exposed to the elements, you can escape to a tropical paradise in the dead of winter by visiting Olbrich Gardens’ indoor jungle at Bolz Conservatory.

Skiing: Why not rent or bring some skis (or snowboard) and take to the slopes? Tyrol Basin and Devil's Head are two ski resorts near Madison that make for a fun day outing on snow-covered hills amongst Wisconsin's stunning wilderness.

Winter in Madison is a place for all snow sports, so whether you prefer snowshoes, skates, snow boots, or skis--there is always a way to stay active during the winter season, no matter what you are into.

The Holiday Atmosphere

During the holiday season, Madison has an array of sparkling holiday lights and all the trimmings that bring the magical yuletide season to life.

Shine On Madison: Downtown will be decked out in festive holiday light displays and trimmed with red ribbons and evergreens for the season. State Street and the surrounding area make for the perfect backdrop to holiday shopping and walks through our urban center.

Zoo Lights at Henry Vilas Zoo (November 21-December 23): On weekdays and select weekends, you can stroll through millions of lights while visiting the animals at Henry Vilas Zoo. 

Holiday Fantasy in Lights at Olin Park (November 11-December 31): Every holiday season, Olin Park near downtown off John Nolen Drive is decked out with holiday light displays that you can drive through. Admission is free, so if you’re group is looking for something to do–fill up or rent a vehicle and drive through the glowing, colorful displays. 

A Comfortable Place to Stay

We want your experience at The Madison Concourse Hotel to feel like a home-away-from home. The hotel feels especially cozy thanks to its carefully curated touches and atmospheric spaces. Guests enjoy the plush bedding and linens from our Dayton St. Comfort Collection, spacious and impeccably maintained rooms, and the warm ambiance of our lobby and lounge areas. The downtown Madison location adds convenience and charm, with easy access to shops, restaurants, and the State Capitol.

The Governor’s Club level—on the top three floors—elevates the comfort with its private lounge offering Capitol views, complimentary breakfast, appetizers, cocktails, and desserts. Adjacent to the Governor’s Club lounge is The Library, a quieter, more contemplative space with additional seating and similarly impressive views, ideal for relaxing or reading.

Winter in Madison offers a refreshing change of pace for meetings and events. From cozy indoor spaces with views of snow-covered Capitol Square to unique seasonal activities that encourage team bonding, the city combines warmth, charm, and convenience even in the coldest months. Whether you’re planning a small retreat or a large conference, Madison’s welcoming hospitality and vibrant winter atmosphere make it the perfect setting to inspire connection and creativity.