Countdown to Christmas: Destination Madison shares festive events this weekend

Cave of Lights in Blue Mounds
Monroe Street Elf Door Hunt
Canopy Sessions at Olbrich
The Big Gay Holiday Market

Cave of Lights in Blue Mounds, Monroe Street Elf Door Hunt, Canopy Sessions at Olbrich, The Big Gay Holiday Market

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - With Christmas one week away, this weekend marks the final opportunity for holiday shopping, but several festive events across the Madison area offer alternatives for those who have completed their gift preparations.

Sarah Warner with Destination Madison highlighted four holiday events scheduled for this weekend in and around the greater Madison area.

Cave of Lights in Blue Mounds

Cave of the Mounds near Mount Horeb is presenting the ‘Cave of Lights’ daily through Jan. 31, with closures on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The event features light displays illuminating cave formations, with the High Tunnel serving as a highlight where lights cascade from the high ceiling.

Cave of the Mounds near Mount Horeb is presenting the ‘Cave of Lights’ daily through Jan. 31, with closures on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The cave maintains a constant 50-degree temperature. The light displays are included with every cave tour during December and January.

Cave of the Mounds near Mount Horeb is presenting the ‘Cave of Lights’ daily through Jan. 31, with closures on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The attraction is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with tickets available on the website.

Monroe Street Elf Door Hunt

An elf door scavenger hunt on Monroe Street runs through Sunday, Dec. 21, at no cost. About 25 elf doors are hidden along Monroe Street in the 1700-1900 blocks and 2500-2700 blocks, placed on building fronts or in business windows.

Participants ages 2-8 must find at least six doors, while ages 9-18 must locate at least 10.

Completed entry forms can be exchanged for Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream coupons. Entry forms are available at Monroe Street Library, which is closed Thursday and Sunday.

Canopy Sessions at Olbrich

Tickets cost $12 for adults, $6 for ages 6-12, and are free for children 5 and under.

The Canopy Sessions will feature Feestet at Olbrich Botanical Gardens’ Bolz Conservatory from 6-8 p.m on Friday, Dec. 19.

Feestet is described as a Madison-based six-piece band that blends jazz with modern influences. The group, led by vocalist Helen Feest, performs what they call “gateway jazz” incorporating swing, soul, pop and indie elements.