- Event Overview
About
Madison, WI
Ugly Sweater Pub Crawls
Madison’s Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl brings the Mad City’s State Street bar culture and Badger holiday spirit to the holiday sweater tradition. State Street and the surrounding bar district are among the most celebrated bar destinations in the Midwest and on ugly sweater night the combination of UW-Madison energy, the Capitol backdrop, and the excellent Madison bar community creates a holiday celebration that reflects the full quality of what Wisconsin’s capital city has built.
Our Madison route moves through State Street and the surrounding bar district, stopping at venues that represent the extraordinary bar culture that Madison has developed. The ugly sweater competition in Madison draws on the creative energy of a progressive university city with a strong arts and culture tradition and the entries reflect that genuine creative excellence combined with Badger enthusiasm.
December in Madison is cold, typically ranging from 18 to 28 degrees at night. The Wisconsin winter is real and the State Street holiday decorations with the Capitol building lit up in the background are some of the most beautiful in the Midwest. The bar community in Madison has the warmth and quality that has made this city one of America’s most celebrated college bar towns.
Our hosts manage the Madison route with local knowledge. Specials are confirmed, wristbands handle entry at every stop, and the ugly sweater contest brings Mad City creativity to the holiday season.
Event Detalis
Everything you need to know about the Madison Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl.
VIP Wristband
Largest Pub Crawl Event
Top Madison Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
40,000+ Attendees
Thousands join the annual Madison Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
100+ Participating Bars
Organized Event
- What's Included
What You Get With a Pub Crawl Ticket
Pub crawls for the biggest party holidays. Choose your event and join the party in 100+ cities across the USA.
Ugly Sweater Contest
The most outrageous sweater wins a prize.
Welcome Drink at Check-In
Included with your ticket.
Drink Specials at Every Stop
Exclusive holiday pricing throughout the route.
Official 2025 Wristband
One wristband for every venue on the crawl.
On-Site Hosts
Our team manages the route and the sweater competition.
VIP Entry at Select Venues
Priority access at participating bars.
Holiday Party Gear
Festive accessories at check-in.
Pub Crawl Route
The crawl covers the best bars in the city’s top bar neighborhood.
Participating Venues on the Pub Crawl Route
The 2026 Madison Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl route runs through State Street / Capitol Square. All stops within walking distance. Full lineup sent to ticket holders before the event.
How the Pub Crawl Works
Four simple steps to join the Madison Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl and start bar hopping.
Purchase at pubcrawls.com.
7:00 PM. Address with ticket confirmation.
Welcome drink, wristband, holiday gear. Route starts at 7:30 PM.
Hosts guide the group through venues all evening.
Event Agendas
Your complete Madison Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl timeline from check-in to after-party.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the Madison Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl.
Where does the crawl start?
Madison WI. Exact address with ticket purchase.
What is the weather like?
Madison WI in December averages 18 to 28 degrees at night. Cold Wisconsin winter. Full winter gear.
Is there a dress code?
Ugly sweaters are the theme. The more outrageous the better.
What is included?
Welcome drink, wristband, drink specials, holiday gear, ugly sweater contest.
Group bookings?
Ten or more get priority entry. Contact pubcrawls.com.
Age requirement?
21 and over with valid ID.
Can I buy at the door?
Subject to availability. Buy in advance.
Is the event walkable?
Yes. All venues are within walking distance on the route.
