Celebrating New Year's in Madison: Your Complete Guide

Madison offers exceptional variety for ringing in 2026—from toddler-friendly morning countdowns to sophisticated prix fixe dinners, rollicking dance parties, and peaceful First Day hikes. Whether you're seeking family fun, romantic dining, or late-night revelry, this comprehensive guide covers every celebration in the greater Madison area with the practical details you need to plan your perfect New Year's celebration.

Family-friendly daytime countdowns let kids celebrate early

For families with young children who won't make it to midnight, Madison offers several early countdown options specifically designed for little ones.

Madison Children's Museum hosts two distinct NYE celebrations. The Baby New Year Party runs December 31 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM, featuring a toddler dance mix led by Erica Pinigis of Isthmus Dance Collective, a Baby New Year photo op, and three countdowns at 9:30, 10:00, and 10:30 AM—because toddlers love repetition. This event targets ages 0-3. The afternoon Wonderground Dance Party (1:30-3:00 PM) welcomes all ages with DJ GammaFam, Madison's unique T-Rex Ball Drop, hot cocoa, party favors, and countdowns at 2:00 and 3:00 PM. Both events are free with museum admission ($13 advance, $14 at door). Advance tickets recommended. Located at 100 N. Hamilton Street, Madison. Phone: (608) 256-6445. Website: madisonchildrensmuseum.org

My Family New Year's Eve at KEVA Sports Center in Middleton is the area's largest family NYE celebration, now in its 27th year. Running December 31 from 2:00-8:00 PM at 8312 Forsythia Street, this 100,000 sq ft indoor facility features an impressive entertainment schedule:

• 2:30 \u0026 3:30 PM: James the Magician

• 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, 7:00 PM: David Landau (children's music)

• 4:30 \u0026 5:30 PM: TJ Howell (juggler/unicyclist)

• 5:00 \u0026 6:00 PM: Infinity Martial Arts demonstrations

• Central Midwest Ballet Academy performances throughout

Activities include giant inflatables, open sports play, balloon artists, airbrushed tattoos, 360 photo booth, and cookie decorating. $21 advance, $24 at door (ages 3+); ages 2 and under free. Full KEVA menu available including alcohol for parents. Website: kevasports.com/annual-events

Wisco Kidz Place hosts a Bluey New Year Event from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at 2402 East Springs Drive, Suite 200, Madison. This indoor play space features climbing structures, slides, and a jumping pillow—perfect for ages 1-11. Contact venue for event-specific pricing (typically $15-30). Website: wiscokidzplace.com

Spare Time Entertainment offers family bowling sessions at 7415 Mineral Point Road. Sessions at 3:00, 5:30, 7:30, and 8:00 PM include 2.5 hours of bowling with shoes for up to 6 guests, one 16" pizza, soft drink pitcher, $10 Game Zone card per guest, party favors, and prizes. $139.99 per lane. Reservations required. Website: sparetimeentertainment.com/madison/new-years-eve

Outdoor family events offer free nature celebrations

For families preferring outdoor experiences, two free naturalist-led walks offer peaceful ways to welcome 2026.

Aldo Leopold Nature Center New Year's Eve Family Walk gathers at 6:30 PM at the Children's Shack in Edna Taylor Conservation Park (330 Femrite Drive, Monona). The naturalist-led trail walk focuses on nighttime senses—sight, hearing, and smell—with opportunities to listen for owls. Hot chocolate around the campfire concludes the evening. Free, no registration required. Leave pets at home. Phone: (608) 698-0104

UW-Madison Arboretum Night Walk runs from 6:30-8:30 PM on December 31 at the Visitor Center (1207 Seminole Highway). The approximately 1-mile, 1.5-hour guided walk ends with hot chocolate. This is one of the Arboretum's highest-attended events with limited capacity. Free, but registration required through Eventbrite by December 27. Wear warm layers and sturdy boots. Phone: (608) 263-7888. Website: arboretum.wisc.edu/event/142886

Evening adult parties range from dance clubs to upscale galas

Madison's nightlife scene offers diverse options for adult celebrations, from intimate jazz clubs to massive EDM parties.

Major venue concerts and DJ events

The Sylvee presents "Now That's What I Call 2025!" featuring DJs Creating.A.Movement and Trini spinning top 2025 hits. This 2,500-capacity venue at 25 S. Livingston Street opens doors at 8:00 PM. Ages 18+. Tickets $19.60-$48.50 via Ticketmaster. Complimentary champagne for early arrivals (while supplies last). Dress code: "glitz and glam" encouraged. Note: cashless venue. Phone: 608-709-8157. Website: thesylvee.com

Majestic Theatre hosts Granny Shot (alternative/pop punk cover band) at 115 King Street. Doors 8:00 PM, show 9:00 PM. Tickets $22.85+ via Ticketmaster. Historic 600-capacity venue with intimate rock club atmosphere. Phone: 608-255-0901. Website: majesticmadison.com

High Noon Saloon (701 E. Washington Ave) offers a double header:

• Early Show: The Kissers (Irish), doors 4:00 PM, show 5:00 PM. $19.25 advance.

• Late Show: Wonderfunk \u0026 People Brothers Band, doors 9:00 PM, show 9:30 PM. $25.95 advance, ~$34 door. Ages 18+ (minors with parent). Website: high-noon.com

Atwood Music Hall presents "New Year's Revolution" with The Earthlings, Seasaw, Wurk, and DJ Kayla Kush at 2524 Atwood Avenue. 8:00 PM start. $25 advance, $35 door. Website: theatwoodmusichall.com

Dance clubs and DJ parties

Crucible offers "Rebirth" NYE at 3116 Commercial Avenue, running 8:00 PM-4:00 AM. DJs Matt Fanale, psych0tron, Senseless, and Acideon provide goth/industrial/electronic sounds. Ages 21+. $20 advance, $25 door via Brown Paper Tickets. A "playground for the peculiar." Website: cruciblemadison.com

Liquid hosts a massive EDM blowout at 417 W. Gilman Street with two floors, two stages, and ~20 regional DJs including headliners Birthdayy Partyy from Chicago. 8:00 PM-3:00 AM. Includes champagne toast, balloon drop, and confetti shower at midnight. $25.77 advance (21+), $36.60 (18-20). State-of-the-art sound and lighting.

Lucille (101 King Street) offers an upscale experience from 9:00 PM-1:00 AM with DJ Phil Money. Ages 21+. General admission $125 + 20% gratuity includes open bar (craft cocktails, taps, wine), food buffet, photo booth, and champagne toast. VIP tables for 6: $900; for 8: $1,200. Hilton Madison offers 40% off rooms for ticket holders. Status: registration may be closed—check lucillemadison.com. Phone: (608) 283-0000

Garver Feed Mill hosts Gimme Gimme Disco, an ABBA-inspired dance party, from 9:00 PM-1:00 AM at 3241 Garver Green. $30 advance, $40 day-of via SimpleTix. All ages welcome—converted industrial space with nostalgic disco vibes.

Live music and entertainment

Café Coda (1224 Williamson Street) offers a triple feature:

• 5:00 PM: Gerri DiMaggio Trio (jazz)

• 8:00 PM: Tony Castañeda Latin Jazz Band ($30)

• 1:00 AM: DJ IllxstMaMi ($10)

• Full evening package: $40. Free champagne toast at midnight, pizza at 11:45 PM. Website: cafecoda.club

Ivory Room Piano Bar (116 W. Mifflin Street) features dueling pianos with Anthony Cao, Leslie Cao, and Jim Ripp. Doors 7:00 PM, music 9:00 PM-2:00 AM. $63.87 advance via Eventbrite. Free champagne toast at midnight. Interactive sing-alongs. Bring cash for song requests.

North Street Cabaret presents Cash Box Kings (Chicago blues) with Lee Kanehira at 610 North Street. 9:00 PM. $41.35 advance via Eventbrite.

East Side Club hosts blues with Reverend Raven \u0026 the Chain Smokin' Altar Boys and The Jimmys. 7:00 PM. $80.

Comedy and cultural performances provide sophisticated options

Comedy on State features Midwestern comedian Mike Lester at 202 State Street with three shows:

• 5:00 PM: $36

• 7:30 PM: $48

• 10:30 PM: $54 (includes champagne toast and gift bag)

Ages 18+. Two beverage minimum. Will-call tickets only. Phone: (608) 256-0099. Website: madisoncomedy.com

Ball Drop Blitz at Bartell Theatre (113 E. Mifflin Street) presents short plays created in 24 hours by Mercury Players Theatre \u0026 Know Better Productions. 8:00 PM. $25-$30. Website: bartelltheatre.org

Lola's Hi/Lo Lounge presents "DecaDance NYE" at 617 N. Sherman Avenue. DJs Nick Nice (4-8 PM, 1920s-80s music) and Fuzzy Duck (9 PM-1:30 AM, 80s-present) spin 100 years of music. Dress as your favorite decade. Table reservations $120, general admission $78. Website: lolasmadison.com

Upscale prix fixe dinners offer refined NYE celebrations

Madison's finest restaurants present special tasting menus requiring advance reservations.

Top-tier dining ($125+)

Heritage Tavern (131 E. Mifflin Street) serves a five-course supper club-style menu by Chef Dan Fox for $125/person. Courses include foie gras cornet, dry-aged beef tartare, caviar and brioche, Rush Creek risotto, lobster-stuffed salmon, grilled ribeye, and dessert. Seatings 4:00-9:30 PM via Resy. Champagne toast at midnight for late diners. Phone: (608) 283-9500. Website: heritagetavern.com

The Harvey House (644 W. Washington Ave) offers a Prime Rib Dinner Party: five courses featuring truffled sunchoke soup, egg yolk raviolo, sole Véronique, prime rib with hasselback potatoes and popovers, and choice of desserts. $175/person deposit required. Sparkling toast included. Seatings from 5:00 PM.

Cento (122 W. Mifflin Street) presents a five-course Italian menu by Chef Edwin Ramirez featuring tuna tartare, lobster Caesar, shrimp orecchiette, seared scallops, lamb osso bucco, and desserts. $150/person deposit required at booking. Wine pairing $65 (five 3oz pours). Seatings 4:00-10:00 PM via Tock. 48-hour cancellation policy. Phone: (608) 284-9378. Website: centomadison.com

Mint Mark (1874 E. Washington Ave) serves a five-course shared plate experience—omnivore or vegetarian—for $135/person. $50 deposit required. Seatings 5:00-9:30 PM via Resy. No modifications. Counter seating available for kitchen view.

Bar Corallini (2004 Atwood Ave) offers coastal Italian: five courses including shared antipasti, fried pizza Montanara, cheesy tortelloni, choice of entrées, and desserts. $150/person deposit required. Wine pairing $35. Seatings 4:00-10:00 PM via Tock.

Mid-range options ($85-$125)

Johnny Delmonico's (130 S. Pinckney Street) serves a three-course menu with sparkling wine for $110/person. Entrées include miso-glazed Chilean sea bass, spice-rubbed lamb, and herb-roasted chicken. Wine pairings $45-$75. Seatings 4:30-10:00 PM.

Graze (1 S. Pinckney Street) presents four courses by James Beard Award-winner Chef Tory Miller starting at $95/person. Features milk bread with Dreamfarm chèvre, strozzapreti with truffle sauce, pork schnitzel or sea scallops, and apple tarte Tatin. Wine pairing $35. Capitol Square views. Prepaid reservations via Tock. 20% service charge included. Phone: (608) 251-2700. Website: grazemadison.com

Osteria Papavero (128 E. Wilson Street) offers a five-course "Classic Italian Celebration" by Chef Francesco Mangano from Bologna for $99/person. Intimate 50-seat setting. Phone: (608) 255-8376. Website: osteriapapavero.com

Canter Inn (119 5th Ave, New Glarus) serves a three-course American Alpine dinner for $89/person. Courses include golden beet salad or crispy octopus (+$10), skate wing schnitzel or American wagyu beef, and citrus tart or cherry bread pudding. Swiss-inspired setting in New Glarus. Seatings 4:00-9:00 PM. Newly opened October 2025. Website: canterinn.com

Casual dining with NYE specials

Sardine (617 Williamson Street) offers all-night Oyster Happy Hour: $7 house wines, $1 off oysters, $9 French 75 cocktails. Regular menu available 4:00 PM-midnight. Lake Monona views. Walk-ins welcome at bar. Phone: (608) 441-1600. Website: sardinemadison.com

Orchard (81 W. Verona Ave, Verona) serves a three-course farm-to-table meal for $50/person featuring peel-and-eat shrimp or lamb kofta, aged hanger steak or Lake Superior walleye, and Cider Farm apple doughnuts. Seatings 4:30-8:30 PM.

Hotel packages combine accommodations with celebrations

Madison Concourse Hotel offers the most comprehensive packages

The Madison Concourse Hotel \u0026 Governor's Club (1 W. Dayton Street) provides Madison's most extensive NYE celebration with tiered packages:

Grand Package (overnight + full experience):

• Cocktail \u0026 Hors d'Oeuvres Reception (5:00-6:30 PM)

• Four-course Prix Fixe Dinner

• Live Comedy Show with Eric O'Shea

• Three parties: VO5 (cover band), DJ Dance Party, Frank Martin Busch \u0026 The Names (country)

• Champagne toast at midnight

• New Year's Day Brunch for two

• Pricing varies by room level; additional guests $235/person

Celebration Package: Overnight + parties + brunch (no dinner). Additional guests $85/person.

Night on Town Package: Overnight + DJ party + Frank Martin Busch + champagne. Governor's Club $459. Additional guests $20/person.

Locals' Night Out (no room): $150/person includes cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, four-course dinner, comedy, all parties, two drink vouchers, champagne.

VO5 Tickets Only: $75/person includes all parties, two drink tickets, champagne toast.

Entertainment schedule: Charlie Painter Jazz Trio (3-6 PM, lobby), dinner (6:30 PM), comedy (8:15 PM), parties (9:30 PM-1:30 AM). Amenities include indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, game room. Cancellation deadline: December 27 at 4:00 PM. Phone: 800-356-8293. Website: concoursehotel.com/new-years-eve

Other hotel options

Best Western Premier Park Hotel on Capitol Square offers a package including bottle of wine or six-pack in-room, festive décor, breakfast for two (January 2), and complimentary midnight bubbly at The Post restaurant. Contact hotel for pricing. Website: parkhotelmadison.com

The Edgewater Hotel (1001 Wisconsin Place) offers Madison's only AAA Four Diamond property with lakefront location, The Statehouse fine dining, full-service spa, and seasonal ice skating. No dedicated NYE package found—contact directly for availability. Phone: (608) 535-8200. Website: theedgewater.com

Ático Lounge at Moxy Hotel (823 E. Washington Ave) hosts a Disco Masquerade with dinner seatings at 5:00 and 7:00 PM featuring four courses, welcome cocktail, midnight bubbles, and DJ disco party (9:00 PM). Dinner deposit $60 (applied to bill); party-only $30. Evening wear and festive mask encouraged. Website: aticolounge.com/reservations-2

Cultural venues offer unique NYE experiences

Olbrich Botanical Gardens presents the final day of Holiday Express on December 31, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM at 3330 Atwood Avenue. Large-scale model trains traverse Winter Wonderland displays amid hundreds of white poinsettias. $10 adults, $6 children 6-12, free ages 5 and under and members. Advance timed tickets required. Phone: (608) 246-4550. Website: olbrich.org/calendar/holiday-express. Note: Olbrich is CLOSED on New Year's Day.

Outdoor ice skating options include:

• The Edgewater Hotel Ice Rink: Lake Mendota views, 11:00 AM-9:00 PM

• Lake Ridge Bank River Rink at Grand Crossing Park, Monona: 11:00 AM-9:00 PM

Regional celebrations bring quirky Wisconsin charm

Monroe New Year's Eve Cheese Drop takes place at Green County Courthouse Square in Monroe (45 minutes from Madison). Activities begin 3:00 PM with live music, beer garden, and family activities. The Cheese Drop at 5:00 PM celebrates midnight in Switzerland. Free. Host: Main Street Monroe.

Oakstone Recreational (Cottage Grove) presents an all-ages rock concert at 6:30 PM featuring five young Wisconsin bands including No Limit (Summerfest finalist) and The Modern Street. $10 via SimpleTix.

New Year's Day brings brunches and outdoor adventures

Special NYD brunches

Madison Concourse Hotel New Year's Day Brunch at 1 W. Dayton Street runs 9:30 AM-1:00 PM. $55/person. Features carving stations with slow-roasted prime rib and smoked pineapple-glazed ham, lox with bagels, scrambled eggs with cheddar, southern biscuits with tasso ham gravy, chorizo chilaquiles, smoked brisket with bourbon BBQ glaze, Belgian waffles, and in-house bakery display. Open to public; reservations recommended. Phone: 800-356-8293. Website: concoursehotel.com/new-years-brunch

Everly (2701 Monroe Street) serves all-day Brunch + Bubbles from 10:00 AM-7:00 PM. Full brunch menu plus special bubbles menu featuring cocktails, sparkling wine bottles, and mimosa kits. À la carte pricing. Reservations recommended via Tock. Dedicated gluten-free fryer available. Phone: (608) 416-5242. Website: everlymadison.com

Bassett Street Brunch Club serves 8:00 AM-3:00 PM with vintage diner aesthetic, elevated comfort foods, and homemade donuts. Website: brunchclubmadison.com

First Day hikes celebrate the new year outdoors

Devil's Lake State Park First Day Hike is the premier organized outdoor event on January 1, 2026. This twilight hike runs 3:30-5:30 PM starting at Steinke Basin Parking Lot along Highway DL (approximately 40 miles north of Madison). The naturalist-guided 2-mile hike/snowshoe traverses Steinke Basin on uneven terrain. Free (vehicle pass required: $13 daily for WI plates, $28 annual). No registration required. Snowshoes available to borrow if snow is present. Bring flashlight/headlamp, warm layers, hiking poles, and traction devices. Leave dogs at home. Contact: Susan.JohansenMayoleth@wisconsin.gov, 608-356-8301 ext. 140. Website: dnr.wisconsin.gov/events/115201

Other Wisconsin DNR First Day Hikes near Madison include:

• Mackenzie Center (Poynette, ~30 min)

• Governor Dodge State Park (Dodgeville, ~45 min)

• Mirror Lake State Park (Baraboo, ~50 min)

All hikes are free with vehicle pass. Check your local library for the Wisconsin Park Library Pass program for free admission. DNR events: dnr.wisconsin.gov/events?type=First%20Day%20Hike

Active celebrations include running and skiing

Fleet Feet New Year's Day Dash starts at 10:00 AM at the new location: Bob Suter's Legacy20 Arena (2616 N Pleasant View Road, Middleton). Choose a chip-timed 5-mile run ($40) or 2-mile walk ($35). Prices increase after December 30. Registration required at newyearsdaydash.com. Packet pickup December 31, 11 AM-3 PM at Fleet Feet Madison. Includes custom knit winter hat, finisher medal, pint glass, one complimentary beer (21+) or non-alcoholic beverage, and free race photos. Post-race party features free ice time (bring skates), concessions, and Eagles Nest lounge. All ages welcome.

Nordic Ski Meet Up at Elver Park gathers at 9:30 AM at 1250 McKenna Boulevard, Madison. Trail pass required ($8 daily, $30 annual for ages 16+). Elver offers 12 km groomed trails (5 km lit until 10 PM). Equipment rentals available at warming pavilion (Wed-Sun when staffed). Snow-dependent—check conditions at madnorski.org/trails/trail-conditions

Family activities keep kids entertained on New Year's Day

Madison Children's Museum opens 9:00 AM-4:00 PM with "Music with Junebug" New Year edition. $14 general admission ($12 online). Located at 100 N. Hamilton Street. Open every day December 26-January 4. Phone: (608) 256-6445. Website: madisonchildrensmuseum.org

Henry Vilas Zoo offers free admission (donations welcome) but operates reduced holiday hours: 9:30 AM-NOON only. Indoor exhibits open at 10:00 AM. Located at 702 S. Randall Avenue. Home to Arctic Passage with polar bears, grizzly bears, and harbor seals, plus over 650 animals. Phone: (608) 266-4732. Website: henryvilaszoo.gov

Isthmian Gaming continues its 32-hour celebration from December 31 (4:00 PM) through January 1 (midnight) at 2500 Rimrock Road, Fitchburg. $40 for full access to PCs, consoles, and VR games. Good for teens and older.

Important note: No NYD polar plunge in Madison

Madison does not host an organized polar plunge on New Year's Day. The Madison Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Wisconsin takes place in mid-February (Saturday, February 15, 2026) at Lottes Park in Monona. Minimum $100 fundraising required. Ages 12-15 require parent/guardian present; under 12 not eligible. Website: specialolympicswisconsin.org/plunge

The nearest informal New Year's Day polar plunge is the Milwaukee Polar Bear Plunge at Bradford Beach—free, no registration required. Website: polarplungemilwaukee.com

Key venues closed on New Year's Day

Several popular venues have modified or no hours on January 1:

• Olbrich Botanical Gardens: Closed all day

• Chazen Museum of Art: Closed for campus holidays

• Most UW-Madison campus buildings: Campus holiday

• Henry Vilas Zoo: Opens 9:30 AM, closes at noon

Booking deadlines and practical planning tips

Critical deadlines to remember:

• UW-Madison Arboretum Night Walk: Registration required by December 27

• Madison Concourse Hotel: Cancellation deadline December 27 at 4:00 PM

• Fleet Feet New Year's Day Dash: Best pricing through December 30

• Olbrich Holiday Express: Advance timed tickets required

• Most restaurant prix fixe dinners: 48-hour cancellation policies; deposits non-refundable

Booking platforms for Madison restaurants:

• Tock: Graze, Cento, Everly, Bar Corallini (exploretock.com)

• Resy: Heritage Tavern, Mint Mark (resy.com)

• Direct booking: Many restaurants require calling directly

Transportation planning:

• Book rideshare or taxi in advance—NYE is the busiest night

• Hotel packages eliminate driving concerns

• Street parking around Capitol Square is free after 6:00 PM

• South Livingston Street Garage near The Sylvee charges $8-10

Madison's New Year's celebration scene punches above its weight, offering genuine variety from KEVA Sports Center's 27-year tradition of family fun to Heritage Tavern's refined tasting menu and Crucible's industrial dance party until 4:00 AM. The unexpected star is the area's outdoor programming—free naturalist-led walks on NYE and the Devil's Lake twilight hike on NYD create memorable alternatives to indoor revelry. For those seeking the complete package, the Madison Concourse Hotel remains unmatched with its tiered offerings from $75 party tickets to full Grand Package experiences. Book now—popular restaurants and events are filling quickly with just days remaining until the celebrations begin.