
The Edgewater Hotel Kicks Off The Holidays with Tree Lighting, Ice Skating, PJs & Pancakes, Afternoon Tea, New Year’s Eve Dining and More!
Urban Resort Lights Up Downtown Madison with Full Calendar of Community Events
Madison, WI (November 2022) — The Edgewater’s holiday schedule will feature more than 20 events taking place from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day 2023. Madison residents and out-of-town guests are invited to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays in the heart of the Midwest at the historic hotel located on the shores of Lake Mendota, steps away from the Capitol Square.
Begin with Thanksgiving Brunch and Dinner served in the Statehouse on November 24 (or, order your take-home turkey dinner in advance), followed the next day by the eighth annual Holiday Tree Lighting that marks the start of the festive season on November 25. The nighttime tree lighting, set against the picturesque backdrop of the lighted State Capitol, offers a Midwest nod to the famed Rockefeller Center, ice rink and all. This annual event, free and open to the public features activities throughout the day starting at 2 p.m., both inside and out, and includes Storyteller and Songwriter David Landau, Central Midwest Ballet Academy, visits by Santa and Mrs. Claus, games, crafting activities and much more. The Grand Plaza tree lighting ceremony begins at 6 p.m.
Throughout the season, the property offers a variety of holiday events from themed skating events to festive Happy Hours to Holiday Teas. Check out the festive schedule:
Augie’s Holiday Happy Hour – December 2, December 9, December 16, December 23
Head over to Augie’s on December Friday’s from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. for a festive holiday happy hour featuring favorite winter cocktails and live music by the Capitol City Theater Carolers.
Black Friday/Cyber Monday Room Special – November 14 – December 1
Take advantage of Black Friday rooms rates. A 30 percent discount will apply when booking the Black Friday rates from November 14-December 1. Black Friday sale room rates applicable from November 14-June 30, 2023. Discounted prices range from $160-$188 plus tax and fees. www.TheEdgewater.com to book.
Breakfast with Santa Events – December 3, December 10, December 17
Bring the kids to meet with Santa and enjoy a delightful breakfast buffet and special activities for kids of all ages. All Breakfast with Santa events run from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Cost is $42 for adults and $24 for children through age 12. Reservations required and can be made online.
This inaugural holiday event will feature a special viewing of Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas plus a live visit by Mickey and Minnie.
- December 10 – 2022 BUCKY’s Breakfast with Santa
A uniquely Madison tradition, Bucky Badger joins Santa for some holiday fun. The festive breakfast includes a special A Cappella performance by UW’s own Madhatter’s.
- December 17 – PJ’s & Pancakes with Santa
Dress up in your favorite jammies and head over to the Edgewater to meet Santa. The made-to-order pancake station, where you can decorate your own pancake with sprinkles and other goodies, awaits you. Then head over to the Craft Station to create your own holiday ornament.
Christmas Eve Dining – December 24
The Statehouse, overlooking Lake Mendota, will be the setting for Christmas Eve. Brunch will be available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and feature such delectables as Lobster Benedict and Banana and Brown Butter Pancakes. Enjoy Augie’s casual fare menu in the Statehouse from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., along with the Statehouse’s dinner menu, accented with some seasonal specialties, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Reservations are recommended.
Christmas Day Dining – December 25
Celebrate the day with lakefront dining at the Statehouse. The a la carte brunch menu will be served from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., followed by a Christmas Day Dinner menu featuring the regular a la carte menu along with holiday dinner specialties, including Garlic and Herb Crusted Prime Rib au Jus. The dinner menu is available from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Holiday Teas – December 4, December 11
A festive English tea featuring finger sandwiches, scones, dainty pastries, and a selection of British teas will take place on two select Sundays during the holiday season. Come for a taste of jolly old England while enjoying live music. Three seatings will take place at 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Cost is $48 per person and $23 for children ages 4-12. Reservations required.
Ice Skating on the Plaza – December 2 – March 30 (weather dependent)
The Edgewater’s Grand Plaza ice-skating rink will open on December 2 and be available for skating from Wednesday through Sunday. New this year is a tiny tot skate from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. from Wednesday -Friday. Special skating nights include:
- December 8 – Skate with the Grinch from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- December 15 – Frosty and Friends Skate from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- December 17 & 18 – Study Break Skate – free rental for UW Students from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday
- December 21 – Winter Solstice Skate with DJ Nick Nice from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- December 31 – New Year’s Eve Skate with DJ Nick Nice from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Hours: Wednesday – Friday, 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Cost is $7 per person with $3 skate rental. The Icehouse is open for food and beverage purchase and Firepits may be rented Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday for 90 minutes for $100. Visit www.IcehouseMadison.com for reservations.
New Year’s Eve Dine In – December 31
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with lakeside dining and delectable dishes. The Statehouse will serve an a la carte brunch menu from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. New Year’s Eve dinner, served from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., features the a la carte menu along with such festive dishes as Oyster Fritters and Lobster and Black Truffle Farfalle. A live jazz band will perform throughout the evening. Reservations recommended.
Augie’s Bar at The Statehouse will be open for brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. An a la carte menu featuring casual fare is served from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Ice Skating is available from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. with DJ Nick Nice spinning tunes from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Icehouse will serve food and drinks.
New Year’s Day – January 1, 2023
Start off the New Year with a champagne brunch at the Statehouse, served from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A festive dinner offering is available from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and include such special dishes as Oyster Fritters and Lobster and Black Truffle Farfalle.
Spa-liday Soiree – December 1
A dazzling day of treats and treatments await at the Edgewater Spa. Guests can enjoy two mini spa treatments along with indulging in a Knesko eye treatment. Enjoy appetizers and champagne and be treated to a $25 retail credit from the spa boutique along with taking home spa goodies and door prizes. Arrive early and use the spa’s luxurious amenities including the relaxation pool, steam room and lounge. The cost is $125 per person with reservations required.
Special treatments include:
- Merry & Bright Dazzle Dry Manicure
- Joy to the World Zents Fresh Foot Treatment
- Mini Mistletoe Eminence Organic Facelift Facial
- Winter Wonderland Circadia Hydration Lactic Facial Treatment
- Ho Ho Hi Brow and Cheek Lift Treatment
- Mele Kalikimaka Himalayan Salton Stone Mini Massage
Reservations
To make reservations for all activities go online to www.theedgewater.com/events, or call 608-535-8200 for additional information.
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 highlight 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.
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Media Contacts:
Claire Varrelmann Tel: 608-535-8213 Email: cvarrelmann@nulltheedgewater.com
Rebecca Werner Tel: 917-370-5005 Email: Rebecca@nullwernerpr.com