Thursday, January 1, 2026

  1. Holiday Fantasy in Lights

    Madison, WI2026-01-01

    The free display in Olin Park is open from dusk to dawn. Candy canes are handed out till 10 p.m.

  2. ZooLights

    Chicago, IL2026-01-01

    Admission to the annual display of 2.5 million lights at the Lincoln Park Zoo is $7-$10 per person. Tickets are free on some Mondays. Reserve time slots in advance.

  3. Holiday Lights Festival

    Milwaukee, WI2026-01-01

    The season-long lights festival includes more than 500,000 lights throughout downtown's parks and streets.

  4. Cool Fool Kite & Ice Festival

    Milwaukee, WI2026-01-01

    In addition to kite-flying, there will be ice and snow carving and free hot chocolate, coffee and snacks in the lakefront Veterans Park.

  5. New Year's Day Parade

    Egg Harbor, WI2026-01-01

    Welcome the new year with a 1 p.m. parade in this Door County village. Everyone is welcome to march.

  6. First Day Hikes in Iowa

    State parks, IA2026-01-01

    Dozens of Iowa's best-known state parks are offering guided hikes, many with hot drinks and snacks afterward. Admission is always free.

  7. Candlelight ski/snowshoe/hike

    Around the region 2026-01-01

    There's nothing better than skiing (or snowshoeing or hiking) through a twinkling forest or across a luminary-lined lake. There's usually a bonfire and hot chocolate to enjoy afterward.

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