Shopping Not Done Yet? Why Not Check Out One of These Christmas Markets

We’ve curated a list of 15 Christmas markets around Wisconsin for your wintertime enjoyment (and maybe some last-minute gift shopping)!

There are only 21 shopping days left until Christmas, but don’t fret! It’s Christmas market season!

Whether you still have a long list of goodies to get for your loved ones, or just love the sights, sounds, and smells of Christmastime in Wisconsin, communities across the state will be hosting a bevy of markets packed to the rafters with handmade goods and toothsome treats. Hot chocolate and kolaczki, anyone?

We love Christmas markets at UpNorthNews too, so we took a little time to compile a list of a few that look fun. Many markets are happening this weekend, Dec. 4 and 5, but there are still plenty of markets taking place throughout the rest of the month. 

Do you live in the Madison area? If so, why not check out The New Glarus Christkindli Market, which debuts in downtown New Glarus Dec. 10-12?  If you live near La Crosse, you can try visiting the Sparta Kriskindlmarkt, a traditional German Christmas market taking place Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 18.

Not close to either of those towns? Check out this small list of markets we compiled. It’s certainly not exhaustive, but we’re hoping we can help you find at least one market worthy of visiting. 

• Old World Christmas Market (Elkhart Lake)
  • When: 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Dec. 3–12
  • Where: Osthoff Resort,101 Osthoff Ave. 
  • Admission: $7 per adult, children 14 and under are free if accompanied by an adult ticket-holder
  • COVID Precautions: Masks are optional, but organizers are encouraging attendees to be respectful of others’ personal space while in the market.
  • Event information from the organizers: Reminiscent of the centuries-old Christkindlesmarkt of Nüremberg, Germany, the 23rd annual Old World Christmas Market at The Osthoff Resort offers the warmth and merriment of this Old World tradition. For 10 consecutive days, guests stroll the aisles of a grand heated tent bedecked with fragrant boughs of fresh evergreens and the tantalizing scents of roasted almonds as they browse for unique and specialty items among international and regional artisans. Czech blown-glass ornaments, Russian nesting dolls, German hand-carved smokers and nutcrackers, fine apparel, handmade amber and silver jewelry are just a few of the dozens of creations that will be available for purchase. The Old World Food Court offers shoppers space to relax and enjoy delectable German fare, such as hot glühwein, sauerbraten, dumplings, schnitzel, potato pancakes, red cabbage, pulled pork, and apple strudel.

• Christmas Market at The Barn (Elkhorn)
  • When: 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 4
  • Where: 202 E Grant St. 
  • Admission: Free 
  • COVID Precautions: None mentioned, though part of event may be outdoors 
  • Event information from the organizers: Find that perfect gift for that hard-to-buy-for person just in time for the holidays! In addition to our home and gift barn being a winter wonderland filled with holiday decor, we will have local makers, artisans, and crafters, and junkers showcasing their wares. You will be sure to find that one of a kind item!

• Blessed Sacrament Christmas Market  (Madison)
  • When: 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 4 and 10 a.m.–2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 5
  • Where: Blessed Sacrament Parish,  2121 Rowley Ave.  
  • Admission: Free 
  • COVID Precautions: None mentioned but the event is an open air market
  • Event information from the organizers: Describing itself as Madison’s oldest (and apparently best) Christmas market, Blessed Sacrament’s annual bazaar has been taking place since 1922. This year, market-goers can find creations from a wonderful variety of artists and crafters, as well as take-home farm-to-table lunches. Read more on the event’s Facebook page. 

• Christmas Craft Show (Marinette) 
  • When: 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 4
  • Where: City of Marinette Community Rec Center, 2501 Pierce Ave.
  • Admission: Free
  • COVID Precautions: None mentioned 
  • Event information from the organizers: According to the city, which is hosting the market, the event will feature over 50 tables filled with handmade crafts. 

• 2nd Annual Holiday Craft Show at Waverly Beach (Menasha)
  • When: 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 5 
  • Where: Waverly Beach Bar & Grille on Lake Winnebago (N8770 Fire Lane 1)
  • Admission: Free
  • COVID Precautions: Masks will be required. Efforts are also being made to space vendors and guests.
  • Event information from the organizers: Promote local small businesses and support Children’s Wisconsin by browsing an eclectic collection of handcrafted goods and services. More information is available on the events Facebook page.
    
• Weihnachtsmarkt  (Milwaukee)
  • When: 1–3 pm, Saturday, Dec. 4
  • Where: Milwaukee German Immersion School, 3778 N 82nd St. 
  • Admission: Free
  • COVID Precautions: None mentioned 
  • Event information from the organizers: Like a traditional European Weihnachtsmarkt, the event will offer a large variety of vendors. Market-goers can purchase German Books, decorate gingerbread cookies, or have their face painted.

• Holiday Gift & Craft Fair (Union Grove)
  • When: 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 4
  • Where: Union Grove Elementary School, 1745 Milldrum St.
  • Admission: Free
  • COVID Precautions: None mentioned 
  • Event information from the organizers: Crafts, art, woodworking, jewelry, fresh baked goods, unique gifts. Refreshment stand, take pictures with Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus and their elf helpers. Nonperishable food items, mittens, and hats will be collected for the Union Grove Food Pantry. Event proceeds benefit local community charities and mission funds, distributed through three local church groups: First Assembly of God, UG Congregational Church, and Yorkville United Methodist Church

• Norskedalen’s Old Fashioned Christmas  (Coon Valley – Vernon County)
  • When: 10 a.m.–4 p.m, Saturday, Dec.4, 2021
  • Where: N455 O Ophus Road
  • Admission: $15 per family, or $6 per adult and $3 per child
  • COVID Precautions: None mentioned 
  • Event information from the organizers: Begin a new family tradition with us! On the first Saturday of December, join us as we celebrate an Old-Fashioned Christmas complete with traditional Norwegian food and goodies, family crafts, heritage skills demonstrations, and maybe even a visit from Santa!  Other activities could include horse-drawn wagon rides, a yule log hunt, craft and gift vendors, and a bell choir concert in our historic chapel!

• New Glarus Christkindli Market  (New Glarus)
  • When: 4 p.m.–8 p.m., Dec. 10; 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Dec 11; 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Dec. 12
  • Where: Downtown New Glarus December  
  • Admission: Free
  • COVID Precautions: None mentioned, though event is outdoors 
  • Event information from the organizers: This outdoor Christmas market will host decorated mini chalets offering a variety of high quality, locally made and sourced gifts, along with Christmas decorations and foods. Shop local and support local businesses, while enjoying Christmas lights and music.

• A Handmade Holiday Market at Wheatfield Hill Organics (Near Durand in Pepin County)
  • When: 11 a.m.–3 p,m,  on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays through Dec. 19. 
  • Where: #N5457 Hwy 25, Durand
  • Admission: Free 
  • COVID Precautions: None mentioned though event is outdoors
  • Event information from the organizers: Join us outdoors on the farm to find gifts with distinction. Choose from a wide selection of our certified organic toffee, pecan turtles, raspberry, blueberry, and chocolate toppings; red heirloom popcorn, beef, and holiday gift sets, with a special artisans market on Saturday, Dec. 11. 

• Christkindlmarkt Door County (Sister Bay)
  • When: Dec. 3–5 and Dec. 10–12; 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Saturdays, and 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Sundays
  • Where: Corner of the Past Museum, 10310 Fieldcrest Road
  • Admission: Free 
  • COVID Precautions: None mentioned though event is outside
  • Event information from the organizers: Christmas markets are held all over the world, including Chicago and Europe, of course, and as far away as Singapore. And now, we have our first annual Door County Christmas Market in Sister Bay, WI, at our historical site. Our beautiful tree-filled grounds and historic buildings will be filled with artists selling their handmade art, crafts, and Christmas ornaments under a myriad of twinkling lights. Imagine the air filled with the fragrance of sizzling bratwurst, roasted nuts, pastries and hot-spiced gluhwein. Children can enjoy hot apple cider or hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. On select days, Santa Claus will be waiting in the cozy Anderson House to hear the children’s Christmas wishes while alpacas are grazing outside under the lit Christmas trees. Christmas music fills the air as you stroll through the booths or warm yourself by one of the two fire pits.

•  Sparta Kriskindlmark (Sparta)
  • When: Fridays from 4 p.m.–8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.–8 p.m., through Dec. 11
  • Where: Mueller Square on Water Street, Sparta WI     
  • Admission: Free
  • COVIDPrecautions: None mentioned but event is outdoors 
  • Event information from the organizers: Kriskindlmarkt is an outdoor, traditional European-style market with local artisans of all kinds! Located centrally in downtown Sparta, with booths in Mueller Square and by the new Love Lock Bridge and Beaver Creek Kiosk area. Fore more information visit the event page. 

• City of Greenfield Holiday Makers Market (Greenfield)
  • When: 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Dec. 12
  • Where: Greenfield Community Center, 7215 W. Cold Spring Road
  • Admission: Free 
  • COVID Precautions: None mentioned 
  • Event information from the organizers: Looking for just the right gift this holiday season? Come to the City of Greenfield’s First Annual Holiday Makers Market! We have curated a group of merchants who offer a wide range of unique and special items that are sure to complete your list. A full list of vendors can be found here. 

• Kujichagulia Holiday Market (Milwaukee)
  • When: noon–5 p.m., Dec. 19
  • Where: Sherman Phoenix, 3536 W. Fond du Lac Ave
  • Admission: Free
  • Covid Precautions: None mentioned 
  • Event information from the organizers: Support artists and entrepreneurs of color at this event hosted by the Kujichagulia Producers Cooperative, Sherman Phoenix and Alice’s Garden Urban Farm. Songstress Keshena Armon will provide the live music for the afternoon, featured food businesses for the day will be Anomaly Catering and Junior’s Smoked BBQ. 

• A Downtown Christmas  (Stevens Point)
  • When: 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Dec.11
  • Where: Downtown Stevens Point 
  • Admission: Free 
  • COVID Precautions: None mentioned but most events are outside

Event information from the organizers: A flurry of traditional holiday activities, crafts, indoor and outdoor markets, and a visit with Santa and his reindeer! A full list of activities can be found here.