Each holiday season, Milwaukee brims with good tidings, festivities and the holiday markets that are so perfect for finding one-of-a-kind gifts. And this year, one of Milwaukee’s top holiday markets is celebrating its 15th anniversary.
Hover Craft
SUNDAY, DEC. 1 FROM NOON-6 P.M. | PRITZLAFF BUILDING
Hover Craft is entering its 15th year – and it’s the holiday market of all holiday markets. What makes it so special? You’ll shop through the entire first floor of the historic Pritzlaff Building from over 120 vendors. Yes, 120! Seriously, you can finish your entire holiday list in one day. But at the heart of Hover Craft are the women: Vanessa Devaki Andrew of Madam Chino, Courtney Heimerl from the Milwaukee Art Museum, and Ashley Smith of Alive and Fine and One Trick Pony. Andrew says it’s about “building a village,” where the market focuses on supporting local small businesses. And 15 years in, it’s the motto that drives Hover Craft.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
All of those vendors offer a variety of art, including ceramics, housewares, apothecary, clothing, quilting and much more. When curating the vendors, the three organizers focus on emerging artists, giving space to artists with passion. However, affordability, accessibility and originality are a must for vendors – and having all three is no small feat.
If you want to make your day extra magical, make sure to stop by Devaki’s booth and experience her live hand stitching. This is chain stitching done by hand with a throttle and no electricity. If that doesn’t sound impressive, you have to see it in person.
Visitors to Hover Craft this year can pick up a commemorative 15-year tote – and organizers say they’d appreciate it if you buy your ticket in advance to ensure shoppers are spread out throughout the day. Plus, there’s free parking, and free admission for kids under 12. $5 admission
Cream City Creatives Holiday Market
SUNDAY, NOV. 24 FROM 10 A.M.-3 P.M. | TURNER HALL BALLROOM
Shop to celebrate Cream City Creatives’ 10th anniversary, featuring wares like shirts and jackets by MissMashedUp, jewelry by Trollaphant, and catnip toys by TacoCat Creations. The bonuses include spins by DJ Synthia, food, coffee and cocktails. Also: The first 50 customers will receive a free swag bag. $3 admission
Saint Kate Holiday Marketplace
SATURDAY-SUNDAY NOV. 30-DEC. 1 FROM 11 A.M.-4 P.M. | SAINT KATE THE ARTS HOTEL
What would The Arts Hotel be if it didn’t host over 60 local artists for one of the most epic holiday markets of the year? Enjoy the ambiance of the venue’s ARC Theatre and shop for all your holiday gifts all in one go. Free admission
TOSA Locally Made Holiday Pop-Up
SUNDAY, DEC. 1 FROM 10 A.M.-3 P.M | THE LANDING AT HOYT PARK
With free parking and free admission – plus the option to bring your dog (on a leash, of course), you won’t want to miss this holiday market. Familiar vendors like Big White Yeti and Fern & Nettle will be present, but expect to find everything from arts and crafts to home decor and baked goods. Oh, and there’ll be fire pits to keep the body warm and festive drinks to keep the spirit ablaze. Free admission
MIAD Holiday Sale
THURSDAY, DEC. 5 FROM 6-9 P.M., FRIDAY, DEC. 6 FROM 5-9 P.M., AND SATURDAY DEC. 7 FROM 10 A.M.-5 P.M. | MILWAUKEE INSTITUTE OF ART & DESIGN
Talk about local – the MIAD Holiday Sale is a tradition, where students and alumni sell their handmade art. If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind gifts, you’ll want to add this one to your calendar. Art for sale varies from sculptures, paintings, stickers, and greeting cards. And the best part? Some of the proceeds are used for MIAD student scholarships. $10 admission on Thursday; Free admission other days
SAUCED Very Merry Night Market
DEC. 6 AND 7 FROM 5-10 P.M. | PILOT PROJECT BREWING
This free holiday market at Pilot Project will feature over 40 local vendors, including Plume, CTOAN Co., The Curated Carrot, Tootsie’s Tea and more. Plus, DJ Dripsweat will be spinning beats and Drink Wisconsinibly will be there, too. RSVP here.
Brady Street Holiday Market
SATURDAY, DEC. 7 FROM 11 A.M.-6 P.M. | BRADY ST.
Planning on participating in the airing of grievances during Brady Street’s annual Festivus? Go early and you can shop the holiday market near the intersection of Brady Street and Arlington Place. Local vendors and live entertainment will bring Brady Street to life – the Brady Street Days of winter, if you will. Free admission
West Allis Christkindlmarkt
FRIDAY, DEC. 6 FROM 12-9 P.M. AND SATURDAY, DEC. 7 FROM 12-4 P.M. | WEST ALLIS FARMERS MARKET
Missing the famous Chicago Christkindlmarket that had a Milwaukee run for a couple of years? West Allis has been doing it for seven, so if you want to get your European-style Christmas market fix, this is where you’ll want to be. Live music and over 50 vendors, plus local food and brews. Free admission
Waterford Old Fashioned Christmas Market
FRIDAY, DEC. 6 FROM 5-9 P.M., SATURDAY, DEC. 7 FROM 10 A.M.-9 P.M., AND SUNDAY, DEC. 8 FROM 9 A.M-4 P.M. | 123 N. RIVER ST., WATERFORD
This may be the only holiday market that also features an ice rink, so if you want to pair shopping with festive activities, the drive to Waterford will be worth it. All weekend long there’ll be shopping along with a Saturday parade, live music and winter games. Free admission
53212 Marketplace Holiday Edition
SUNDAY, DEC. 8 FROM 11 A.M.-4 P.M. | 3700 N. FRATNEY ST.
Over 30 local vendors will fill Amorphic Beer, Urban Craftsman, Home Again and Gathering Place Brewing for the 8th-annual 53212 Marketplace Holiday Edition. Shop jewelry, candles, plants, books, Fair Trade coffee and more. And if you’re hungry, grab food from Don Pastor Food Truck or Yadeem’s on the Go, which will both be on site.
Anodyne’s Merry & Bright Holiday Market
SUNDAY, DEC. 8 FROM 10 A.M.-2 P.M. | ANODYNE COFFEE ROASTING CO., 224 W. BRUCE ST.
Anodyne’s quaint Walker’s Point location will be full of 20+ vendors, like Beth Eaton Pottery, Wit and Co. and Happy Joy Candy Co. And while you shop, Tots On The Street will be serving up delicious potato snacks (if you haven’t tried, it’s a must!). Oh, and have you heard of the new cocktail bar Station 1846? They’re right next door and will be hosting a holiday market as well. Free admission
Milwaukee Makers Market Holiday Showcase Pop-Up
SUNDAY, DEC. 15 FROM 10 A.M.-4 P.M. | DISCOVERY WORLD PAVILION, 500 N. HARBOR DR.
Remember the days of the Milwaukee Makers Markets in the Bay View Colectivo parking lot? This event is now the largest, longest-running monthly market, where local artists are celebrated and curator Ryan Laessig creates a market based on community. P.S. – it’s always free admission at Milwaukee Makers Markets. Free admission
The Cocoa Bar at Tin Window
DECEMBER SATURDAYS FROM 11 A.M.-3:30 P.M. | TIN WIDOW, 703 S. SECOND ST.
Lights, Camera, CocoAction! Have you been wanting to take the kids to experience the bright, magical lights of Tin Widow’s annual Miracle on 2nd Street, in which the Walker’s Point cocktail bar is decked out for the holidays? This year, apart from Miracle’s regular bar hours (11/29-12/31, opening at 6 P.M. nightly), Tin Widow will host a family friendly Cocoa Bar on December Saturdays and Sundays, beginning on 12/7. See the lights, shop your favorite Miracle merch – including the event’s signature dinosaur Santa mug – with the whole fam in tow. There’ll also be crafts, cocoa for the kids, cocktails for the adults, and even a photo opp (printable keepsakes available) with holiday-themed characters. $10 per child, free admission for parents
