IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL time of the year — and that means it’s market time! We’ve rounded up the most festive holiday markets in Milwaukee (and beyond) for all of your shopping, snacking and Santa visit needs. These seasonal pop-ups are sure to spark joy as you countdown the days until your favorite holiday.
Map of Wisconsin Holiday Markets
Markets are listed in order by date.
1.
Winter Farmers’ Market
November 3 – March 15, Oconomowoc High School
Every Sunday this winter, take a throwback trip to your high school days at the Winter Farmers’ Market hosted by Oconomowoc High School. In addition to seasonal shopping, select Sundays have speciality classes on the calendar. Get training in CPR, self defense or pilates.
2.
Christkindlmarket Milwaukee
November 15 – December 25, Fiserv Forum
The Christkindlmarket has officially taken over the Deer District. The 40-day extravaganza goes above and beyond a typical German holiday market. Enjoy dozens of vendors plus special events like lantern parades and wine glass painting.
3.
Holiday Fair
November 21 – 24, 300 Harborview Plaza.
Santa and Rudolph are headed to La Crosse for its 56th annual Holiday Fair. Carolers will serenade you with festive jingles while you browse vendors’ Wisconsin-centric artwork, tailored gifts and sweet trinkets.
4.
Holiday Market at the American Club
November 22-24, 419 Highland Dr., Kohler
This Kohler market is sure to kindle holiday joy. You’ll shop vendors from across the Midwest. Highlights include handmade wooden toys, serving ware, spirited decor, clothing and, of course, yummy treats. Make it a vacation weekend by reserving spa treatments, checking out local shops and booking one of the nearby hotels.
5.
Holiday Folk Fair International
Nov. 22 – 24, Wisconsin State Fair Park
The Wisconsin State Fair Park isn’t a summer exclusive. In addition to an international bazaar, you can enjoy traditional food, dance, music and interactive exhibits. Explore your own heritage or learn about a new culture. This immersive event is perfect for a family looking for more than just shopping.
6.
Holiday Market
November 23, 8580 S. Howell Avenue, Oak Creek
The Oak Creek Center is also gearing up for the holidays. Over 50 traditional vendors are expected to partake, and the day will be rounded out with a bake sale, raffles and cash bar.
7.
Cream City Creatives’ Annual Craft Fair
November 24, Turner Hall
This local, annual favorite is returning to Turner Hall. You may see some familiar faces in this vendor line up; MKE Home, Sparrow Collective and The Waxwing are just a few companies that are ready to get you in the spirit.
8.
Holiday Craft and Gift Expo
November 29 – December 1, 600 W. Ryan Rd., Oak Creek
Milwaukee County Sports Complex transforms into a true winter wonderland for Thanksgiving weekend. Bring visiting family members along to get a head start on your shopping.
9.
German Christmas Market of Oconomowoc
November 29 – December 1, 100 E. Wisconsin Ave., Oconomowoc
This authentic German Christmas Market is like no other. Take in the old world spirit while you shop. You can snap a pic with Santa, listen to live polka tunes and gaze at the lights from the comfort of heated tents. Be sure to nibble on traditional German treats, of course.
10.
Holiday Art Fair
November 29 – December 1, W63 N643 Washington Ave., Cedarburg
This Thanksgiving weekend, it’s all about the artists in Cedarburg. Local artists are ready to share their pride and joy with interested buyers and browsers alike. One of a kind finds include beaded glass, furniture designs, felted wool, sculptures and multimedia paintings, to name a few.
11.
Twilight Tours
November 29 & 30, December 6, 13, 20, 21 & 23, Pabst Mansion
The Pabst Mansion at Christmas is a true Milwaukee classic, but they’re adding a few twists this year. After select evenings roaming the Pabst on a Twilight Tour, shop specialty products (Addicting Pretzels, December 6; Cream City Caramels & Confections and Twist Path Distillery, December 20; Faith Ann Givings and Joanna Zaczek’s pastries from Third Coast Provisions and Merriment Social, December 21).
12.
Mistletoe Market
December 1, N67 W28643 Sussex Rd., Merton
The Metron Community Fire Department’s Mistletoe Market gifts parents an opportunity to split up from their little ones to get the shopping done. Kids can spend the afternoon crafting and sipping on hot cocoa while parents hit the vendors.
13.
Hover Craft
December 1, 325 N. Plankinton Ave.
More than 100 creatives will descend on The Pritzlaff Building for the tenth year in a row. Everything for sale is handmade. The first 200 shoppers will receive a special edition Hover Craft bag.
14.
MIAD Holiday Sale
December 5 – December 7, MIAD: 273 E. Erie St.
MIAD students and alumni alike will showcase their talent and spirit all weekend long with their handiwork. Some of the proceeds support the artists directly, but the rest will go toward scholarship funding as a way to give back. Galleries will remain open at this time so you can sneak a peek at even more great work Milwaukee students are doing.
15.
Old World Christmas Market
December 6 – 15, 101 Osthoff Ave., Elkhart Lake
You have 10 days to visit this merry market. Aromas of evergreen, roasted almonds and bratwurst fill the air. In addition to local finds, you’ll see international treasures for sale like Czech blown-glass ornaments, Russian nesting dolls, German nutcrackers and Turkish shawls.
16.
The Maker Market
December 7, 407 E. Buffalo St.
LOCALmke is hosting its third annual holiday market. The storefront will be flooded with local makers who sell goods in the shop. Score amazing finds and mingle with the masterminds behind them.
17.
Fair Trade Holiday Festival
December 7, 1 John Nolen Dr., Madison
Thinking of taking a trip quick to Madison this holiday season? Keep fair trade shopping festive this year and be sure to stop by Monona Terrace for a range of meaningful gifts.
18.
Pfister Holiday Marketplace
December 14 & 15, The Pfister
Fifteen rooms on the Pfister’s mezzanine level will be totally transformed into mini pop up shops. The residing vendor in each space will distinctly design their room to ensure Christmas cheer. But this holiday market may be worth stopping by more than once. Twenty new vendors will rotate through the hallway each day, so there will be magic to find no matter what day you visit.
19.
Milwaukee Makers Market: Holiday Pop Up Event
December 15, 1130 N. 9th St.
This monthly market is getting a holiday twist next month. The pop up will be housed in Glass & Griddle Venue 42. Vintage metal, handcrafted ornaments and exquisite jewelry will all be up for grabs.
Worth Crossing the Border For
If you’re feeling adventurous, cross the border into Chicagoland to check out these Illinois market highlights.
Map of Illinois Holiday Markets
20.
Christkindlmarket: Chicago
November 15 – December 24, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago
Chicago’s largest open-air Christmas market is directly inspired by holiday happenings in Nuremberg, Germany. The original Christkindlmarket has been around since the 1500s, but the Midwestern holiday staple has been around for 24 years.
21.
Randolph Street Market Festival
November 23 & 24 and December 14 & 15, 1341 W. Randolph St., Chicago
The country’s largest antiques market is gearing up for the holidays. Here, you can revamp your ugly Christmas sweater, personalize wrapping paper and design bath bombs. Sample Smirnoff while you’re visiting.
22.
Rockford’s Annual Stroll on State
November 30, Rockford, IL
Kick the food coma and head to Rockford’s iconic Stroll on State. The market is rounded out with a tree lighting, parade, horse and wagon rides, fireworks and more.
23.
Holiday Market at Lincoln Park Zoo
December 3, Lincoln Park Zoo
Chicago’s zoo becomes a shopping headquarters in early December. Complete with artists and boutiques alike, this market is truly decked out. There will be no shortage of lights and zoo-inspired holiday decor for your merriment. Enjoy carousel rides, light shows, slushies and s’mores.
24.
The Night Market Before Xmas
December 10, 838 W. Kinzie, Chicago
This festive fair truly has something for everyone. Chow down on Mexican, Israeli and American cuisine or sip on cider while you shop forty Illinois vendors.
25.
Made Holiday Pop-Up Art and Gift Show
December 15, 401 N. Morgan St., Chicago
This pop-up guarantees you’ll go home with treats for everyone on your “Nice List.” Select from jewelry, ceramics and fashion finds. You can also meet up with pals at an open bar. Don’t forget to visit the handmade holiday card station or kick back with food truck fare.
