Urban Resort Lights Up Downtown Madison with Full Calendar of Community Events

Madison, WI (November 2017) – The Edgewater plays host to the Fourth Annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Friday, November 24, with the picturesque setting giving a nod to the famed Rockefeller Center. The waterfront space—filled year-round with many free, family-friendly activities—is open to the public and a frequent source of community fun. Take in the sights and sounds of the holidays in the heart of the Midwest at the historic hotel seated on the shores of Lake Mendota, steps away from the Capitol Square.

Make a weekend of it, and attend the bountiful Thanksgiving Brunch in the resort’s Grand Ballroom or Statehouse Restaurant on November 23, followed the next day by the Holiday Tree Lighting that marks the start of the festive season. The Holiday Tree Lighting Event is free and open to the public, features events throughout the day starting at 2pm, including the Ringing Badgers Handbell Ensemble, Madison Area Community Chorus & Capital City Theatre Carolers and Bucky Badger.  And, of course, a special appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus at sundown. New this year is an old-school arcade in The Icehouse. And, Santa’s Toy Village on The Grand Plaza featuring jumbo sized toys and games for kids of all ages.

“The Edgewater has been Madison’s Place since opening in 1948, and there’s no better time than the holidays to welcome our resort guests and local residents to enjoy our beautiful property, spectacular decorations and holiday programming, much of which is open to the public, free and family friendly.”,” says The Edgewater’s Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President, Amy Supple. “Our hope is that we can create holiday traditions for generations of families. Whether you come to enjoy a program, or to see our trees and decorations – we truly have something for everyone.”

Additional programming at the annual event will include a performance from favorite children’s entertainer David Landau, the Capital City Theatre Carolers, ballet by Central Midwest Ballet Academy, The Edgewater Holiday Village in The Grand Ballroom featuring crafts, story time and ornament making (where kids can hang their ornaments on holiday trees surrounding The Grand Plaza if they wish) along with Santa’s Toy Village. Stop by our retail shop to pick up unique gifts and stocking stuffers.  Following a reading from Santa himself, guests will be welcomed into a showing of The Polar Express at 7pm. A full event schedule, including parking information, is available on The Edgewater’s website.  New this year, The Edgewater will also be offering a shuttle to and from select downtown garages.  Additional information on this is also on our website.

Throughout the season, the property offers a variety of holiday events including:

• NEW! December 1, 8, 15, 22 – Holiday Happy Hour in Augie’s Tavern from 5-7pm with Capital City Theatre Carolers
• December 2 – PJs & Pancakes with Santa in The Grand Ballroom
• December 9 – Breakfast with Santa in The Grand Ballroom with a potential special appearance from Bucky!
• NEW! December 16 – Holiday Tea at The Statehouse
• December 24 – Christmas Day Grand Brunch Buffet in The Grand Ballroom
• December 31 – Destination New Year’s Eve + Grand Plaza Ball Drop

Holiday Spa Treatments

Available during November, The Edgewater’s full-service spa offers a Bourbon Marshmallow Body Treatment featuring a “spiked” exfoliation of rice bran oil, pecan-whiskey and brown sugar. The treatment finishes with a hot marshmallow butter drizzled over the body. In December, guests can indulge in a Peppermint Bark Bliss Pedicure, where toes are dipped into a warm bubbling bath of Candy Cane Champagne, followed by a moisturizing sweet cream-scented sea salt scrub and luxurious layer of chocolate applied to pamper and protect the feet.  A relaxing rubdown of Sweet Cream Body Milk concludes the experience.

Holiday Parties

For those looking to plan a private night on the rink or book a band in the ballroom, the resort offers a variety of event spaces all with breathtaking views. Groups can relax in the Sky Bar overlooking the plaza or enjoy hot chocolate by the fire in the Nolen Gallery. And, throughout November and December The Edgewater is offering special $15 bottle pricing on featured Sparkling or Red Wines and complimentary room rentals for all reservations in private dining spaces.

For more information or to book one an overnight package, call 1-608-535-8200 or visit www.theedgewater.com.

About The Edgewater

The Edgewater, an urban resort, offers visitors the ultimate Madison experience along the shores of Lake Mendota. The hotel first opened its doors in 1948 and quickly became recognized as a prominent part of the community and culture. The Edgewater has a rich history and throughout the years has hosted an array of celebrities, including Elvis Presley, Elton John, Bob Hope and the Dalai Lama, among many others. Privately owned and operated by a team that lives in – and loves – their city, the hotel reopened after a $100 million renovation in the fall of 2014. No effort was spared to showcase the property’s breathtaking views, offer unique amenities and focus on creating Madison’s place, a community-focused hub of activity that is free and open to the public year-round. The Edgewater is a member of Historic Hotels of America. To learn more, visit www.theedgewater.com.

Media Contact: Rebecca Werner, Tel:  917-370-5005, Email:  Rebecca@nullwernerpr.com