Your Guide to Wisconsin's Most Charming Holiday Markets

‘Tis the season for festive holiday markets all across Wisconsin. From traditional German chalets and resort extravaganzas to sleigh rides and real reindeer, support local makers and find something for all your favorite people at these unique events.

Northern Wisconsin

Vendors in the Vines: Artist and Maker Market - Chippewa Falls

Get your holiday shopping done while enjoying live music, food trucks and gorgeous scenery at River Bend Vineyard in Chippewa Falls. Vendors in the Vines brings together small businesses and local artists for a boutique-style market that’s also a celebration of the season. Sample award-winning wines while you stroll the scenic property and browse handmade goods at this lively event.

Northwoods Christmas Artisan and Crafters Fair - Siren

This huge holiday fair has been an annual tradition in Siren for over 25 years. Explore hundreds of vendors offering fine arts, crafts, vintage and antique items, tasty treats and much more. Make the most of your trip by stopping at a craft brewery or winery in the area or embarking on an exciting ATV adventure.

Boulder Junction's Winter Wonderland Arts & Crafts Fair - Boulder Junction

Bring the kids to Boulder Junction for a free photo-op with the Grinch at the city’s Winter Wonderland Arts & Crafts Fair. The local library will provide kids' activities and you can shop ‘til you drop from local artists and vendors.

Western Wisconsin

European Outdoor Christmas Market - Pepin

In many European countries, it wouldn’t be the holiday season without a visit to a Christmas Market. These events include food, drink and seasonal items sold from open-air stalls and are usually held in the town square — a tradition that dates back centuries.

Known as “Wisconsin’s Prettiest Christmas Market”, Villa Bellezza Winery in Pepin recreates this cherished holiday tradition. On Saturdays and Sundays during the holiday season, vendors tuck into the stone arches to sell their unique treasures to market shoppers. Celebrate the season with loved ones as you shop, sample wine and Italian market foods and soak up the magical sights and sounds of the holiday.

Holiday Fair La Crosse - La Crosse

For over 60 years, families have gathered at the Holiday Fair in La Crosse to kick off the season with shopping, photo opportunities with Santa, door prizes, treats and more. The craft show spans four days in November, giving you lots of time to browse a wide variety of vendors.

Southern Wisconsin

Christkindlmarkt - Monroe

Visit an authentic Swiss chalet in Monroe to browse a festive Christmas market with a European twist. You and your crew can peruse fiber and fabric arts, candles, soaps, rugs, jewelry, home decor, holiday decorations and much more, as well as authentic European items such as Scherenschnitte (scissor cuttings), Holzschnitte (wood-carvings) and delicious baked goods.

Fair Trade Holiday Festival - Madison

Held in the same space as the Dane County Farmers' Market Holiday Market, Madison’s Fair Trade Holiday Festival exclusively features vendors who have been vetted for their ethical standards. Browse products from around the world, like alpaca apparel from Peru or handmade hardwood bowls and unique table linens from India and feel good about your purchases at this unique event. With all the variety, you’re sure to find something special for everyone on your list.

50th Annual Christmas Craft Fair - Fennimore

Head to Fennimore in Southwest Wisconsin for the city’s 50th Annual Christmas Craft Fair. Support local makers, soak up the festive vibes and enjoy a drive through Wisconsin’s breathtaking Driftless Region for the perfect outing. 

Chistkindl Market - Paoli

Just southwest of Madison, Seven Acre Dairy Company (locally famous for its scratch-made butter and soft-serve ice cream) hosts a very jolly Christmas market modeled after the traditional German variety. Here, you and your group will find open-air booths made cozy with heaters and campfires, mulled wine, chalets custom-built in Belgium, real reindeer, a visit from Santa and sparkling twinkle lights around every tree. Located along the scenic Sugar River, this event is always one to remember. 

New Glarus Christkindli Market - New Glarus

For another authentic European Christkindli Market, head to “America’s Little Switzerland” – New Glarus. The chalet-lined streets transform into the perfect holiday card filled with vendor booths, horse and sleigh rides, caroling and more. Special to this event is New Glarus Brewing Company's Holiday Wassail, an exclusive spiced stout with hints of chocolate, vanilla and spice. Enjoy it via a "Bierstacheln" experience, which involves heating the beer with a red-hot poker. 

Oconomowoc German Christmas Market - Oconomowoc

Find even more old-world charm at Oconomowoc’s German Christmas Market. Featuring polka bands, a heated Biergarten, authentic German dishes (like schnitzel, sausages and crepes) and a Stein Holding Contest, this family-friendly event is the perfect way to kick off the season of holiday cheer.

Downtown Baraboo Christmas Market - Baraboo

Baraboo’s Downtown Christmas Market transforms the city into a winter wonderland. Vendors line Oak Street, local shops stay open late and carolers serenade shoppers as they browse, enjoy sweet treats and warm up by the fire. The market is also special in that it concludes with a lively Christmas Light Parade, with Santa lighting the Christmas tree that sits atop the historic marquee of the Al Ringling Theatre.

Eastern Wisconsin

Milwaukee Makers Market - Milwaukee

Support local artisans and find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts at the Milwaukee Makers Market. Held at the Discovery World Pavilion, more than 50 local makers offer everything from artwork to jewelry to baked goods and more. Shop with a gorgeous background of Lake Michigan and stay for more fun inside the museum for a memorable day.

Old World Christmas Market - Elkhart Lake

Voted the #1 Best Holiday Market by USA Today, this 10-day extravaganza at the Osthoff Resort will transport you to traditional German markets of Christmastime’s past. Stroll the aisles of a grand heated tent lined with fragrant boughs of fresh evergreens as you browse international and regional artisans. Czech blown-glass ornaments, Russian nesting dolls, German hand-carved smokers and nutcrackers, fine apparel, handmade amber and silver jewelry, Turkish pashmina scarves and shawls, stained glass art, fine chocolates and more await. 

The Old World Food Court offers shoppers space to relax and enjoy delectable German fare, such as schnitzel, potato pancakes, red cabbage, pulled pork and apple strudel. Check out the resort's special event and holiday packages to extend your stay and soak up as much Christmas cheer as possible.

Deer District Holiday Market - Milwaukee 

Make your way to the Plaza at Fiserv Forum for the Deer District Holiday Market. This outdoor event showcases a lineup of local vendors, holiday-themed photo opportunities and seasonal food and beverage specials from Deer District establishments.

Door County Christkindlmarkt - Sister Bay

You’ll have three chances to visit the Door County Christkindlmarkt in Sister Bay, as it takes place over three weekends in late fall. Held at the Corner of the Past Historical Museum, the beautiful grounds include a giant heated tent and 16 historic buildings filled with artists selling their handmade art, crafts and Christmas ornaments under twinkling lights. On Saturdays, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be waiting in the cozy Anderson House to hear the kids’ Christmas wishes while alpacas graze nearby. Christmas music will fill the air as you stroll through the booths and warm up by the fire with loved ones. 

Wauwatosa Holiday Market - Wauwatosa

Imagine the smell of cinnamon-roasted nuts and freshly baked pretzels floating through the air as you stroll between festive chalets decked out in holiday decorations. This is exactly what you’ll find at the Wauwatosa Holiday Market, along with live entertainment, hot chocolate and German specialties like savory Usinger sausages. Get a photo with Santa and enjoy the sights and scents of the season with your favorite people.

Light the Night Market: Holiday Edition - Appleton

Downtown Appleton hosts a festive holiday edition of their Light the Night Market to kick off the season. Featuring dazzling light displays, tasty food trucks, a window scavenger hunt, treat walk, ice carving demonstrations, wagon rides and more, this family-friendly event will be one to remember.

Still feel like celebrating? Find more festive fun at these holiday light shows in Wisconsin.