Alyssa ProutyThe holiday season is in full swing, and so is shopping. Find an incredible selection of handmade gifts, treats and more at these winter markets.
Milwaukee Winter Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, all winter / Mitchell Park Domes
The holiday season would not be complete without the smell of fresh food. Find over 50 food vendors every Saturday at the Mitchell Park Domes, selling baked goods, meat, cider, honey, jams, soups and more to fill your fridge — and stockings — for the season.
The German Christmas Market of Oconomowoc
November 24 – 26 / 100 E. Wisconsin Ave, Oconomowoc
Twinkling lights cover this Thanksgiving-weekend market, which sells German-inspired food, crafts and gifts. But it’s not just a market: the German Christmas Market is complete with heated tents to warm up in, live polka music, a beer garden and gingerbread decorating. Santa Claus may even make a special appearance.
Holiday Craft & Gift Expo
November 24 – 26 / Milwaukee County Sports Complex
This three-day expo claims to be one of the largest holiday fairs in the Midwest. The vendors sell countless handmade gifts such as wooden dolls, quilts and knitted items, plus a large selection of holiday décor to spruce up your home.
Urban Garage Sale
November 25 – 26 / Mitchell Park Domes
This alternative market prides itself on showcasing the talents of local Milwaukeeans. While its featured vendors sell jewelry, dishes, soap and crafts (all of which make great gifts), the Urban Garage Sale also offers lots of vibrant clothing options that would be hard to find anywhere else.
Journeyman Holiday Market
November 30 / Founder’s Room at The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel
This holiday pop-up shop is not exclusive to shopping needs. For those looking to pamper their loved ones (or themselves), stop by Neroli’s beauty bar. Plus, shoppers will be offered a free glass of wine to sip while they peruse the room.
Holiday Art Fair
December 1-3 / Cedarburg Community Center
Tourism has been booming in Cedarburg for decades, thanks in part to the many artists who live and work in the historic town. More than 40 of them set up shop at this annual event and offer up their one-of-a-kind wares.
Old World Christmas Market
December 1-10 / The Osthoff Resort
You’ve made your list and checked it twice. Now you just need to find, and buy, gifts for all those friends and loved ones. This Germanic market is a great place to pick up traditional European handicrafts, like blown-glass ornaments, Cuckoo clocks and hand-carved nutcrackers.
Holiday Market
December 2 / Velobahn Coffee & Cycle (3618 W Pierce St)
Velobahn Coffee & Cycle puts a non-traditional, but welcomed twist on your holiday market experience. The eclectic, bike-centric coffee shop will be hosting live musical guests after hours to entertain coffee lovers while they browse through locally-based vendors. Or kick back and relax on a Saturday evening.
South Milwaukee Christmas Market
December 3 / South Milwaukee High School
Reminisce about your high school days at the South Milwaukee Christmas Market. The market includes over 100 vendors that are just unique enough to draw in Santa and his elves from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Parking is free when you take advantage of their shuttle, which leaves from 15th and College.
Hover Craft
December 3 / Pritzlaff Building
Not to be confused with a futuristic flying vehicle, the Hover Craft is an annual holiday shopping extravaganza. Visitors can purchase gifts from more than 100 local artists and artisans, including local favorites such as Orchard Street Apparel and Shovel + Spade.
The Pfister Market Place
December 9 – 10 / The Pfister Hotel
The Pfister is kicking off December with a shopping experience full of detail-oriented products, ranging from hand-painted purses to hand-dyed/spun yarn to cashmere mittens and stuffed animals crafted by loving hands. The market will offer complimentary refreshments and drinks to enjoy while you cross names off of your list.
Cream City Creatives, Holiday Show
December 16 / Turner Hall Ballroom
Turner Hall Ballroom will be filled with aisles of colors when it hosts its annual craft fair, sourced by Milwaukee-only artists and creators. Vendors sell their respective masterpieces, including Christmas ornaments, handmade jewelry, prints and more.