Madison, WI Holiday Decorations: Holiday Light Rules (2026)

Madison City Code contains no provisions regulating residential holiday light displays. There are no rules on installation timing, removal deadlines, brightness limits, or animation. Wisconsin's cold winters and early sunset (sunset around 4:25 PM in late December) create extended holiday lighting seasons - many Madison homes display lights from late November through early February. The Olin Park Holiday Fantasy in Lights drive-through display at Olin-Turville Park is a regional tradition. Real restrictions on holiday lights come from condominium and HOA covenants under Wisconsin Statute Chapter 703 (Condominium Ownership Act) and common-law contract principles for HOAs. Common covenant rules: installation no earlier than Thanksgiving; removal by February 1 (extended for Madison's late winter); no audio amplification; outlets and extension cords must be UL-listed for outdoor cold-weather use. Madison Landmarks Commission review under MGO Chapter 41 applies for permanent fixtures in Mansion Hill, Third Lake Ridge, University Heights, Marquette Bungalows, and other designated districts; seasonal decorations are typically exempt from Landmarks review. Light trespass on neighbors may be actionable as common-law private nuisance.