What’s Open on Christmas in Madison 25 Ways Not to Cook This Holiday

Christmas dinner does not have to be stressful messy or disappointing. Madison stepped up in a big way this year with restaurants open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day plus multiple take and bake options that feel thoughtful indulgent and easy. Whether celebrating with family skipping tradition or just wanting good food without the cleanup there is something for every appetite and schedule.

Several local restaurants are open both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day offering everything from classic diner comfort to bold international flavors. Parkway Family Restaurant continues its tradition of welcoming guests early and late with breakfast all day and hearty plates like meatloaf and country fried steak. Tullys in Monona stays open 365 days a year providing comfort food and supper club classics for anyone needing community and consistency. The Great Dane opens multiple locations with Wisconsin staples and craft beer for a relaxed holiday stop.

International options shine during the holidays as well. Ashirwad Indian Restaurant brings rich spice and vegetarian friendly dishes while Ichiban Sichuan Restaurant and Taigu offer extensive Chinese menus packed with heat noodles and shareable plates. These spots have become go to destinations for Christmas dining because the flavors travel well and the menus satisfy groups with different tastes.

Looking for something festive without cooking at home The Statehouse at the Edgewater offers a refined Christmas Day menu with smoked ham prime rib and elevated desserts plus lakefront views that make the meal feel like an event. Marcus Movie Theaters keep the classic Christmas movie tradition alive with food service comfortable seating and holiday screenings that double as dinner plans.

For those who want to stay home but skip the cooking Madison area take and bake options are clutch. Bar Corallini offers a rich lasagna that feeds a crowd. Bonfyre American Grill provides full holiday dinners with turkey salmon short ribs or prime rib. Ollies in Fitchburg delivers inclusive meals with vegan and gluten free options that still feel indulgent. Branch and Daughter Heritage Catering and Cassoulet round out the list with heat and eat feasts perfect for small households or larger gatherings.

The best advice is to plan ahead verify hours and tip generously. These businesses keep the city fed and festive when most kitchens are dark. This Christmas the smartest move is letting Madison cook while the holiday stays joyful.

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Mariah Carey Announces She Is Opening the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan

Mariah Carey continues to redefine what legacy looks like. The Grammy winning superstar announced she will perform at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics officially expanding her reign from Christmas season to the entire winter calendar. The announcement was made directly by Mariah on social media where she teased fans with a glamorous video and confirmed her appearance at San Siro Stadium in Milan on February sixth.

The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place in Cortina Italy with events running through February twenty second. While the games themselves will feature world class athletes from around the globe the opening ceremony has already become a major pop culture moment. Mariah Carey joining the lineup puts the Winter Games in rare company following the star powered opening of the 2024 Summer Olympics which included Lady Gaga and Celine Dion.

This move is classic Mariah. Strategic bold and perfectly on brand. Known worldwide as the Queen of Christmas she has dominated December charts for decades turning seasonal music into an annual global event. By stepping onto the Olympic stage she expands that dominance into February proving her cultural relevance remains unmatched.

The choice of Milan adds to the spectacle. San Siro Stadium is one of the most iconic venues in Europe and provides a massive stage worthy of a performer known for big vocals high fashion and unforgettable moments. Fans can expect a performance that blends elegance drama and undeniable star power.

Beyond the music this announcement highlights how the Olympics continue to evolve as a global entertainment platform. The inclusion of artists like Mariah Carey reflects the growing intersection of sports culture and pop culture bringing in audiences far beyond traditional viewers.

Whether it is a powerful ballad a cinematic moment or something completely unexpected Mariah Carey opening the 2026 Winter Olympics is already one of the most talked about moments of the upcoming games. Winter officially has a soundtrack and Mariah is once again at the center of it.

#FusionAfternoons #MariahCarey #WinterOlympics #PopCultureNews #MusicIcon

Snoop Dogg Makes History as First Honorary Coach for Team USA

Snoop Dogg continues to expand his legacy far beyond music. The global icon has officially been named the first Honorary Coach for Team USA marking a historic crossover between hip hop culture and the Olympic movement. The announcement arrives as Team USA prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games in Milano Cortina.

Snoop revealed the news with a polished Team USA style headshot and playful first day of school energy instantly setting the tone for his new role. As Honorary Coach Snoop will provide encouragement inspiration and cultural connection for hundreds of athletes representing the country on the world stage.

This move builds on Snoop’s massive popularity during the Paris Games where he became a breakout star outside of competition. His appearances as a cheerleader commentator and torchbearer brought fresh energy to Olympic coverage and introduced a new audience to the athletes and events. Fans responded in a big way and organizers clearly noticed.

One of Snoop’s first initiatives as Honorary Coach is the launch of the Coach Snoop x Team USA collection arriving this December exclusively through Fanatics. The collaboration blends Olympic branding with Snoop’s unmistakable style and more importantly directs a portion of proceeds back to supporting Team USA athletes through fan funding.

Beyond the merch and headlines this appointment represents a broader shift in how sports organizations engage culture. Snoop brings authenticity humor and positivity while amplifying awareness around the dedication and sacrifice of Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

From music charts to Olympic history Snoop Dogg continues to redefine what influence looks like. Coach Snoop is not just a title. It is a moment and Team USA just got a whole lot cooler.

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