Santa on State
Snowy winter evening on State Street with the Wisconsin State Capitol in the distance and the Santa on State storefront glowing at right

Santa on State

The first gift of Christmas is a free photo with Santa. Bring your own camera or phone.

See this year's dates View the gallery
It's free to visit Santa. No tickets, no purchase, no cost to attend. Bring your own camera or phone to capture the moment.
This year's visits

Seven afternoons at Santa's workshop

Santa sets up shop in a decorated storefront window on State Street between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Stop by the listed times, everyone is welcome. There's no cost to attend.

Where: 127 State Street, Suite 104, Downtown Madison, WI — just steps from the Overture Center and the Capitol Square.Click for directions
2026
Friday
November 27
12:00 – 3:00 PM
Saturday
November 28
2:00 – 4:00 PM
Saturday
December 5
3:00 – 6:00 PM
Sunday
December 6
3:00 – 6:00 PM
Saturday
December 12
3:00 – 6:00 PM
Sunday
December 13
3:00 – 6:00 PM
Saturday
December 19
3:00 – 6:00 PM
All ages welcome

This isn't just for kids, it's for all who believe

Parents, grandparents, friends, and co-workers — group and family photos are always welcome. Santa especially loves visiting with people he hasn't seen in years. Your kids will love that special photo of Mom, Dad, or the grandparents, proving they've got a direct connection to the big guy himself.

If you Believe, ring the bell.

From last year

Moments from Santa on State

A few favorites from last season. We'd love to see your visit too — post your photos and tag #SantaOnState to be featured.

Santa looking over a table of toys in his workshop Santa walking down State Street with a violin-playing elf A group photo with Santa and elves