Your Guide to Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Madison, WI: Dining Specials, Family Fun, and Adult Events
New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration, reflection, and making memories. Whether you're planning a family outing, a romantic dinner, or an exciting night out, Madison, WI, has something for everyone. Here’s a curated guide to help you navigate the festivities, with options ranging from kid-friendly events to sophisticated dining and adult-oriented celebrations.
Family-Friendly Events
Bluey New Year Event | Wisco Kidz Place
December 31, 11 AM – 1 PM | Location: 2402 East Springs Drive, Suite 200, Madison, WI.
Bring your little ones to celebrate with everyone’s favorite blue pup! The Bluey New Year Event promises engaging activities and plenty of fun for kids and parents alike. General Admission: $25.
Madison Children’s Museum Events
1. Baby New Year Party
December 31, 9 AM – 10:30 AM
Kick off the day with this adorable event designed for kids aged 0-3. Highlights include toddler dance mixes led by Rachelle Fochs of Isthmus Dance Collective, a Baby New Year photo op, and countdowns at 9:30, 10, and 10:30 AM. This event is free with general museum admission.
2. New Year’s Eve Wonderground Dance Party
December 31, 2 PM – 3:30 PM
Celebrate the end of 2024 with a family-friendly dance party. This free event features multiple early countdowns (2:30, 3, and 3:30 PM), perfect for kids who can’t make it to midnight. This event is free with general museum admission.
My Family New Year’s Eve 2025 | Keva Sports Center
December 31, 2 PM – 8 PM | Location: 8312 Forsythia Street, Middleton, WI
Enjoy an evening packed with entertainment, including music by David Landau, performances by James the Magician and juggler TJ Howell, inflatables, sports play, and more. Food and drinks (including alcohol) are available for purchase. Tickets are $24 per person (free for ages 2 and under).
Holiday Express | Olbrich Gardens Final Day
December 31, 10 AM – 4 PM | Location: 3330 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704
Don’t miss the last day of this holiday favorite! Explore the dazzling train displays at Olbrich Gardens. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for children aged 6-12 and free for Olbrich members and children under the age of 5.
Dining Specials
Bar Corallini
December 31, 4 PM – 10 PM | Location: 2004 Atwood Ave.
Enjoy a luxurious five-course, prix fixe menu starting with an antipasti board, burrata, and cacio e pepe. Guests can select from multiple main course and dessert options. Reservations are required with a $150 deposit per person.
Cento
December 31, 4 PM – 10 PM | Location: 122 W. Mifflin St.
Indulge in a five-course Italian feast featuring dishes like gnocchi al tartufo and eggplant parmigiana. Toast to the new year with a selection of sparkling wines. Reservations require a $150 deposit per person.
Lola’s “Wisco Disco”
December 31, 9 PM – 1:30 AM | Location: 617 N. Sherman Ave.
Dance the night away to disco classics spun by DJ Nick Nice. Enjoy a midnight champagne toast under a glittering disco ball. Reserve a table with a dedicated server for $100 or purchase a general admission ticket for $60.
Mint Mark
December 31, 5 PM | Location: 1874 E. Washington Ave.
Savor a five-course New American menu featuring dishes like winter vegetable salad and ginger cake. Vegetarian and omnivore options are available. Reservations are $150 per person, with an optional $55 wine pairing.
Osteria Papavero
December 31, 7 PM | Location: 128 E. Wilson St.
This casual Italian restaurant presents a prix fixe menu themed around eggs, including salmon roe, quail egg, and caviar. Dinner costs $125 per person, with an additional $25 for drink pairings. Reservations are required.
Reunion
December 31, 5 PM | Location: 134 W. Jefferson St., Spring Green
Celebrate with a five-course dinner featuring prime rib, porchetta, or smoked mushrooms as the main course. Starters include French onion soup and baked oysters, ending with tiramisu. Reservations are $75 per person.
Sardine
December 31, 4 PM – 12 AM | Location: 617 Williamson St.
Enjoy "Oyster Happy Hour" all night with $8 French 75 cocktails, $15 glasses of champagne, $7 house wines, and $1 off East Coast oysters.
The Harvey House
December 31, 5 PM | Location: 644 W. Washington Ave.
Inspired by classic supper clubs, The Harvey House offers a five-course menu featuring steak tartare, Waldorf salad, spiced steamed pudding, and more. Reservations require a $180 deposit per person.
Eno Vino Downtown
December 31, 5 PM | Location: 1 N. Webster St.
Celebrate with a five-course New Year’s meal featuring dishes like hazelnut pesto gnocchi, crab cakes, and bistro filet. $100 per person, with optional wine pairings available. Limited reservations remain.
Johnny Delmonico’s
December 31, 5 PM | Location: 130 S. Pinckney St.
Enjoy a three-course prix fixe menu for $110, including a glass of sparkling wine. Entrée options include seared scallops and roasted halibut, with dessert choices like chocolate torte. Wine pairings are available for an additional cost.
Red
December 31, 5 PM | Location: 316 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 100
Indulge in a five-course omakase menu featuring dishes like truffle lobster roll and Wagyu short rib. The meal is $165 per person, with no substitutions. Reservations are required.
Ahan
December 31, 5:30 PM or 8:30 PM | Location: 744 Williamson St.
Ring in the New Year with a six-course Asian-fusion meal from James Beard nominee Jamie Hoang. The menu includes duck dumplings, oysters mignonette, and roasted Cornish hen. $125 per person, with vegan and vegetarian options available. A $50 deposit is required.
Graze
December 31, 5 PM | Location: 1 S. Pinckney St., Ste. 107
Enjoy a three-course prix fixe meal starting at $75, with choices like steak au poivre and mushroom paella. The meal includes a champagne toast and optional wine pairings. A $10 reservation deposit applies.
Lucille
December 31, 9 PM – 1 AM | Location: 101 King St.
Decked out in holiday cheer for the Miracle on King pop-up, Lucille hosts “Lucille Ball,” a New Year’s Eve event featuring an open bar with craft cocktails, taps, wine, and bubbles. The $120 ticket includes a drink upon entry, hors d’oeuvres, a DJ, face painting, and a photo booth. Ages 21 and up.
Lone Girl Brewing Company
December 31, 2 PM – 7 PM | Location: 114 E. Main St. #101, Waunakee
Join the Rock Around the Block bus tour, visiting four locations: J. Henry & Sons Bourbon Tasting Room, Red & White Wine Bar, Rock N Wool Winery, and Lone Girl Brewing Company. Tickets are $100 and include drinks, snacks, and a tote bag. Bingo starts at noon at Lone Girl, which is open until 1 AM.
Late Night Fun
Garver Feed Mill
December 31, 8 PM | Location: 3241 Garver Green
Launch into 2024 with Madison music collective The Earthlings, promising an otherworldly night of psychedelic electronic rock. Joining them are Def Sonic, DJ Kayla Kush, The Civil Engineers, and Lunar Ticks. This 21-and-older event features a cash bar and encourages intergalactic attire. General admission is $25 ($35 at the door), and an $80 VIP ticket grants access to the lounge with an appetizer and slider buffet, themed party favors, and a prosecco toast at midnight.
Comedy on State
December 31, 10:30 PM | Location: 202 State St.
A talented storyteller from New Orleans, Sean Patton brings his comedic tales to the stage. Tickets are $30–$50.
Bartell Theatre
December 31, 8 PM | Location: 113 E. Mifflin St.
Watch writers, directors, actors, and techs create and stage a play in just 24 hours during the Ball Drop Blitz. Tickets cost $25.
Red Rooster
December 31, 8:30 PM | Location: 2513 Seiferth Road
Madison blues/swing band Reverend Raven & the Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys kick things off before Madtown Mannish Boys close out the night. Tickets are $30–$35.
Crucible
December 31, 8 PM – 4 AM | Location: 3116 Commercial Ave.
Dance the night away at Crucible’s Rebirth party, featuring DJs Matt Fanale, psych0tron, Senseless, and Acideon. Tickets are $20.
Ivory Room Piano Bar
December 31, 9 PM | Location: 116 W. Mifflin St.
Celebrate with dueling pianos at the Black & Gold Extravaganza. The $40 ticket includes entertainment, a champagne toast, party hats, and noise-makers. Seating is first come, first served.
Slow Poke Lounge
December 31, 7:30 PM | Location: 137 W. Jefferson St., Spring Green
Enjoy ’90s-style alt-rock with Violet Palms and funky soul from Sugar Mama and the Rent Check. No cover, but donations for the bands are encouraged.
Majestic Theatre
December 31, 8 PM | Location: 115 King St.
The People Brothers Band headline with Salty Dog and Wurk opening. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 day-of, and $40 for an opera box.
The Sylvee
December 31, 9 PM | Location: 25 S. Livingston St.
Gimme Gimme Disco, an ABBA-themed party, invites you to dance to disco-era favorites. Tickets range from $20–$40.
Isthmus Gaming
December 31, 4 PM | Location: 2500 Rimrock Road, Fitchburg
Celebrate with a 32-hour LAN extravaganza featuring PCs, consoles, and tabletop games. Tickets are $45, including snacks and drinks.
Cafe Coda
December 31, 10:30 PM | Location: 1224 Williamson St.
Celebrate with DJ M. White spinning soulful tunes late into the night. Tickets are $25.
Cardinal Bar
December 31, 9 PM | Location: 418 E. Wilson St.
Dance the night away with DJs Fuzzy Duck and Sarah Akawa. Tickets are $10.
Come Back In
December 31, 9 PM | Location: 508 E. Wilson St.
Party with The N’achos, delivering live music until 1 AM.
Buck & Honey’s, Sun Prairie
December 31, 9 PM | Location: 804 Liberty Blvd.
Enjoy live music by James Crockett.
Bur Oak
December 31, 8 PM | Location: 2262 Winnebago St.
Dance to DJ ScaryMike and The Geminis. Tickets are $20.
No matter your style or interests, Madison offers an abundance of ways to welcome the New Year in style. From fine dining and craft cocktails to live music, comedy, and family-friendly activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Make your plans early, gather your loved ones, and toast to an unforgettable New Year’s Eve. Here’s to 2025, a year of new beginnings and endless possibilities!
Posted by Iris Chavarria on
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