MADISON – The annual Madison Christmas Parade is the latest event to be canceled due to COVID-19 this year. Usually held the second Saturday in December, city officials felt it safer to do without the annual tradition — however, there are other events planned to celebrate the holidays in Madison.

The Rocket City Trash Pandas will host a drive-thru light display starting Nov. 13. Hundreds of thousands of lights will be on display for all to safely enjoy this holiday season.

Guests can drive through the magical “Santa’s Mountain” themed light show around Toyota Field for just $25 per car. The festivities will begin at 5 p.m. nightly. Visitors will be able to simply tune into their vehicle’s radio and experience a spectacular synchronization of music and lights.

Tickets can be purchased online in advance at reserve.imclutch.com/trash-pandas, or on the day of the event – credit cards and mobile pay are encouraged.

Guests can also park their car after driving through the lights and enter the winter wonderland within the stadium at no additional cost.

The Madison Station Historical Preservation Society’s 2nd Annual Christmas Capers will be a virtual event this year. The event honors the “Christmas Chicken Capers” in the 1930s when “Doc” Hughes would throw live chickens off a roof with tags on their legs that could be redeemed for prizes in his store.

Rubber chickens will be tossed from the roof of Hughes Hardware and streamed live on Facebook. People can submit their names and contact information to MSHPSociety@gmail.com for a chance to win a prized chicken.

Additional COVID-cautious events include several walking tours of the Historic Homes on Church, Arnett, Front and Maple Street that will be socially distanced in small groups.

The Polar Express Christmas Tree Trail will also showcase the spirit of the season along Main and Front Street. Residents can also jingle some joy on Christmas eve while we ask our community to ring bells at 6pm for two minutes, ringing in hope and joy.

The city it will post dates and additional information on its website at www.madisonal.gov in the future.