As the area gets teased with traces of snow, there's still not enough on the ground to trade your hiking boots for snowshoes or cross country skis. But in Wisconsin that could quickly change, so be prepared for all sorts of weather conditions for these free outdoor nature events at local parks in Madison. After many of these leisurely and family-friendly walks, warm up by the campfire and sip hot chocolate. Don't forget your binoculars or camera!

Bird and Nature Outing
When: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, December 16
Where: Goodman Community Center, 149 Waubesa St., Madison
What: Hike the bike trails and paths next to Starkweather Creek Area.
Photo (above) credit: Goodman Community Center

Candlelit Hike
When: 4:30-8 p.m. Saturday, December 16
Where: Aldo

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Madison residents likely know the gem that is Henry Vilas Zoo. The Zoo provides beautiful exhibits, a wide range of healthy, beautiful animals, and free admission to all. But for just this month, it's also added something special. The evening Zoo Lights display is well worth the visit.

This year is the second year for zoo lights. The event was started as a way to raise awareness of the zoo's winter hours, and to encourage year-round enjoyment. The evening event has grown, and includes a walk of almost all of the zoo grounds, with fabulous, lighted displays leading you along the way. The exhibits aren't just holiday themed. Visitors will enjoy lighted monkeys, hanging from trees, bears, penguins, flamingos and so many more creatures, often set near the

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As the weather continues to get colder, we're reminded that the holiday season is upon us. From getting photos with Santa to watching Christmas classics on the stage, the Madison area has plenty to offer in December.

Get Festive with Agora
When: 4-8 p.m. Thursday, December 7
Where: Fitchburg Center, 5500 E. Cheryl Pkwy., Fitchburg
What: Carriage rides, caroling, Santa, photo booth, shopping, luminaries
Cost: Free

Good Day Market Holiday Edition
When: 4:30-9 p.m. December 8 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. December 9
Where: Madison Masonic Center, 301 Wisconsin Ave., Madison
What: Shop, explore, and savor Midwest goods from over 40 vendors
Cost: Free

Jingle Bell Run/Walk
When: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 9
Where: Verona Area High School, 300 Richard St., Verona
What:

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This weekend, there is something for everyone in Madison. You can exercise, shop or just enjoy the scenery in town.

Run Santa Run:  A 5K for all ages, the Run Santa Run race takes place on and around the Capitol Square. Participants don their best Christmas costumes, and run or walk the course through downtown Madison, with stops for Christmas cookies, candy canes, candy kisses under the Mistletoe, and hot chocolate along the way.  Participants of all ages are welcome, and proceeds benefit local charities. Sign up Friday for discounted registration, or on Saturday between 11:30 and 1:30. The race begins at 2 p.m. Afterwards, there will be four after party options with soda for all participants and beer for adults. The Great Dane will also have live

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Part of what makes a house a home are traditions, especially those formed in the kitchen. Some of our team members share their favorite holiday recipes, including ones with a new twist and others passed down from generations. We hope you enjoy this season celebrating with family and friends!

Quinoa, Wild Rice Salad with Pomegranate

"We now make this salad for every Thanksgiving meal. It's healthy and hearty, and tastes really good, too! Everyone in our family loves it. We put the kids to work on harvesting the pomegranate seeds, and they enjoy contributing to the making of the salad."

- Dan Miller, Realtor

Salad ingredients
1 cup spring mix (half and half with baby spinach)
4 tbsp. chopped spring mix
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
1/2 cup toasted

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As many families head to the grocery store to pick up ingredients for Thanksgiving meals, some may also be preparing for another holiday tradition that requires tennis shoes. Hundreds of people are getting ready to run and walk on Thanksgiving morning, and three events are held in the Madison area this year. Some encourage wearing costumes, others to bring pets and kids, and all a great time to benefit local charities. Be warned: treats at the finish line may or may not curb your appetite for the rest of the day.

Festival Foods Turkey Trot

When: 8 a.m. Thursday, November 23
Where: Breese Stevens Field, 917 E. Mifflin St.
Options: 5-mile run or 2-mile walk $25 for adult and $20 for child ages 17 and under; dog jog $30 with adult and $25 with child ages

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More clouds and colder temps mean this time of year can be a little gloomy for people. But fight your inclination to hibernate inside and head downtown Madison for some new surprises and old traditions. Many of these events also offer opportunities to "Shift Your Shopping" to support local businesses.

Shine on Madison

It all starts with Shine on Madison, presented by Madison's Central Business Improvement District and the Madison Community Foundation, which will feature more than a hundred events and numerous lighting displays from November 18 through January 7. Downtown will be illuminated starting at 6:08 p.m. Saturday, November 18, where Capitol Square meets State Street, during a ceremony featuring Santa and Bucky.

Be sure to arrive early,

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With Thanksgiving in a week, and Christmas not far behind, there are all kinds of opportunities to socialize, eat, drink and wear ourselves out. But it doesn't have to be that way!  Sara Ifert, a Health Coach at Go Simple Wellness, has several tips to make sure that we get the most out of the season (without regretting it in January). We invited her to share some of her tips for the season:

The holidays can be fun, but they can really take a toll on our health. It is super easy and common to get sick or pack on the pounds (or both!) during the holiday season. Taking an integrative approach, you can stay on track toward your health goals. Take a look at these tips for staying healthy while still enjoying yourself this time of the year:   1)…

As temperatures start to dip and stores bring out their holiday displays, it's only a matter of time before winter is here. This weekend you'll find activities in Madison that blend the seasons, from an indoor art fair and farmers market to an outdoor marathon.

Farmers Market

Get ready for a Saturday shake-up when it comes to the farmers market. November 11 is the last Dane County Farmers' Market of the season held Saturday on the Square before it moves indoors for the winter. So be sure to head downtown between 6:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. to savor a fall walk in search for fresh produce. Then the Holiday Market, featuring about 60 vendors, will move indoors to Monona Terrace from 7:30 a.m. to noon on November 18, December 2, 9, and 16. After that the

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This Friday, Warner Park (1625 Northport Drive) is the place to be! Don't let the recent cold spell keep you home. The City of Madison is offering haywagon rides through the park. After the ride, warm up with a bonfire and the opportunity to roast marshmallows. Bundle up with your friends or family, and make plans to join the fun. The rides begin at 5:30, with additional trips continuing until 8:30 p.m. The cost to ride is $3/person, but riders under 2 are free.  

The rides will tour Warner Park and end at the community center. Then, after a visit to the bonfire, it's time to warm up (indoors) at the Warner Family Fun Night. For just $5, the whole family can participate. The night is a monthly occurrence at Warner Park, and offers the chance to enjoy

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