Celebrate the magic of thousands of lights along the St. Croix River. Historic downtown is steeped in winter charm, ready for you to explore both indoor and outdoor
Candle-lit trails for cross-country skiing and hiking (the trails are not groomed). Ski and snowshoe equipment rentals available (limited quantities).
Warm food available for purchase in the Dining Hall with GAMES hosted by Hudson Area Public Library!
Stop by to learn about Hudson Hot Air Affair with a prize drawing and kids’ activities.
Hot Air Affair Canvas Party with Audrey Martin, featuring a painting of “Shimmer and Shine” at Cracked Barrel Winery, 570 Coulee Trail, Hudson. $50 for class and supplies.
Enjoy Sippin’ Special prices on unique alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Vote for your favorite for a chance to win a $50 Gift Certificate.
Classroom programs on hot air ballooning are presented in area schools. Students learn how the beautiful hot air balloons fly.
Open House at the Octagon House Museum, 1004 3rd Street. Come in from the cold to hear about the family who called the Octagon House their home for just over 100 years.
The Torchlight Parade features prizes for the best overall parade unit, the best unit by hot air balloonist, the best “Staying Alive in 2025” themed unit and the best kazoo marching band. Hot air balloon pilots and crews displaying blasts of fire.
Enjoy a pancake breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, fruit, beverages. $10 adults, $5 children under 12.
Hot Air Balloon Launch on the River Crest Elementary School grounds. 30+ hot air balloons in mass ascension flight. (all inflations and flights are weather dependent.)
Craft and souvenir selection with special winter apparel, ballooning and Hot Air Affair emphasis. Visit the Hot Air Affair booth for souvenirs, Hot Air Affair apparel and collectibles. Hot food and drinks available in cafeteria by local non-profit groups.
Visit the River Crest Elementary School cafeteria throughout the day for a warm-up break, refreshments available to purchase.
Hudson Lions Club will host a bean Bag Tournament at Hop & Barrel Brewing, 310 2nd St. Coordinated by the Hudson Lions Club.
Join in Hot Air Affair’s wackiest winter sport with 4 people strapped onto two Smooshboards.
The Hudson Boosters will hold a Bingo Fundraiser at The Village Inn Sports Bar and Grill. This popular afternoon bingo raises money for youth sports programs in Hudson.
This is an optional flight: if the balloons are able to fly at the morning launch, pilots can participate at their discretion. However, if the balloons are not able to fly in the morning there will be a mass ascension flight at 3:00 pm (weather permitting).
Watch live streaming of the Moon Glow/Field of Fire at area businesses. Aired by River Channel Hudson/North Hudson Community Access Television. Details coming in mid-January.
Hot air balloons light up the dark so bring your camera for this spectacular event! In case of windy weather, the Moon Glow becomes a Field of Fire.
Hot Air Balloon Launch on the River Crest Elementary School grounds, 535 County Road F. 30+ hot air balloons in mass ascension flight (weather permitting).
Ice fishing at the Perch Lake Road Boat Launch, 497 Perch Lake Road. Equipment and mentors on site. Giveaways for all the participants. Limited parking at Perch Lake, please take the shuttle to the site from Carbone’s Pizzeria/Willow River Saloon (1106 County Road A, Hudson, WI).
