As the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to bring your team together for some well-deserved fun and bonding outside the workplace. Madison, Wisconsin, offers a wide array of activities that not only celebrate the festive spirit but also strengthen relationships within your team. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures or cozy indoor experiences, there’s something for everyone. Here are five exciting ideas to enjoy with your team this holiday season in Madison.
1. Ice Skating at Tenney Park
Few things say “winter wonderland” like ice skating, and Tenney Park offers a picturesque outdoor rink set against the backdrop of Lake Mendota. This is a great opportunity to encourage teamwork while engaging in lighthearted, competitive fun. Whether your team consists of experienced skaters or first-timers, ice skating can provide laughter, memorable moments, and even a hot cocoa break afterward. The natural beauty of the park and the joy of skating make this activity a favorite for many local businesses looking to bring their team together.
2. Holiday Lights at the Zoo – Henry Vilas Zoo
Another fantastic team activity is visiting Henry Vilas Zoo, which transforms into a glowing spectacle during the holiday season with its special holiday lights display. Your team can explore the zoo’s festive atmosphere, enjoy the colorful light installations, and even participate in seasonal zoo activities. It’s a relaxed and enjoyable setting that fosters connection while allowing your team to appreciate the beautiful holiday displays and support a local institution. Plus, it’s a family-friendly event that could even extend to a family-inclusive team outing.
3. Strayboots Holiday Scavenger Hunt
Engage your team in a fun and interactive Strayboots Holiday scavenger hunt! This activity combines exploration and friendly competition as teams solve clues and complete challenges throughout Madison. It’s an excellent way to bond while getting to know the city’s holiday decorations and hidden gems. Plus, the friendly competition fosters camaraderie and encourages teamwork in a lively atmosphere.thinking and cooperative strategies.
4. Holiday Baking Class at Sur La Table
For a more hands-on, festive experience, consider booking a holiday baking class at Sur La Table. Your team can bond over learning to create delicious holiday treats like gingerbread cookies, festive cakes, or even seasonal savory dishes. Cooking together encourages communication, collaboration, and creativity—all vital skills that can translate back to the office. Plus, the results are delicious! A baking class provides an opportunity to relax, enjoy the process, and indulge in the culinary delights that come with the holiday season.
5. Sledding at Elver Park
If your team enjoys outdoor adventures, take advantage of Madison’s wintery weather and spend a day sledding at Elver Park. With its expansive hill and scenic surroundings, Elver Park is the perfect spot for a day of old-fashioned winter fun. You can create friendly competitions, race to the bottom of the hill, or simply enjoy the thrill of speeding down the snow-covered slopes. It’s a refreshing and exhilarating way to break from the usual office routine and foster a sense of camaraderie among your team members.
6. Attend a Holiday Show at the Overture Center
If your team appreciates the arts, attending a holiday show at the Overture Center is a wonderful way to experience local culture while enjoying the festive spirit. From performances of The Nutcracker to holiday concerts and plays, the Overture Center’s schedule is packed with events during the holiday season. This not only provides entertainment but also an opportunity for team members to bond over a shared cultural experience. With a wide variety of shows, you can choose something that appeals to your team’s unique preferences, creating an evening of enjoyment and enrichment.
7. Visit the Dane County Farmers’ Market Winter Edition
For teams that enjoy exploring local goods and seasonal delights, the Dane County Farmers’ Market Winter Edition offers a perfect outing. The winter market features an array of vendors selling everything from handmade gifts to seasonal produce and baked goods. This is a more relaxed activity that encourages your team to walk around, support local businesses, and even pick up a few holiday gifts. The festive atmosphere of the market, along with its unique local offerings, makes it an enjoyable and low-pressure way to spend time together outside the office.
8. Holiday Crafting Workshop
Get your team’s creative juices flowing by attending a holiday crafting workshop at one of Madison’s many art studios or community centers. Whether it’s making wreaths, ornaments, or other holiday decorations, a crafting session is a great way to inspire creativity and teamwork. Local places like Revel Madison offer crafting kits and workshops tailored to the season, ensuring that your team leaves with both new skills and beautiful, handmade keepsakes. This activity is particularly engaging because it allows everyone to create something personal, fostering a sense of accomplishment and collaboration.
9. Team Dinner at a Farm-to-Table Restaurant
If your team enjoys good food, celebrating the holidays with a special dinner at one of Madison’s renowned farm-to-table restaurants is a must. Restaurants like Graze or L’Etoile pride themselves on using locally sourced ingredients to craft seasonal dishes. Sharing a meal in a relaxed setting allows team members to connect on a personal level, reflect on the year’s successes, and enjoy an exceptional dining experience together. A holiday dinner is not only a way to treat your team but also to support local businesses that emphasize sustainability and community.
10. Volunteer Together
The holiday season is also a time for giving back, and volunteering as a team is a meaningful way to do just that. Whether it’s helping out at a local food bank, participating in a toy drive, or spending time at shelters, volunteering strengthens bonds and builds a sense of shared purpose. Local organizations like Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin and The River Food Pantry are always looking for volunteers during the holidays. This type of activity not only gives your team the chance to make a positive impact in the community but also highlights the values of compassion and generosity that can translate into your company culture.
Conclusion
The holiday season in Madison offers a wide range of opportunities to bring your team together, whether through festive fun, cultural experiences, or giving back to the community. Activities like ice skating, crafting, and attending local shows not only provide a break from the work environment but also foster collaboration, creativity, and deeper connections among colleagues. As a business, investing in these team-building activities reflects your commitment to a positive, engaged company culture—something that SustainableHR PEO fully supports in its mission to help businesses grow and thrive.
