Chicago has the Christkindlmarket. New York has Rockefeller Plaza. But Milwaukee has something even better that’s making spirits bright this season. Welcome to the Deer District Holiday Market.

 

There’s no place like Milwaukee for the holidays, and this year, festive cheer lives in the land of the Deer. Located just outside of Fiserv Forum, this addition to the city’s offerings takes place November 21-30, bringing a new excitement and energy with a jolly outdoor atmosphere. It’s a 10-day village of vendors, live entertainment, themed drinks, photo ops and visits from the big man himself, making spirits bright, and putting the cheer in Deer District, all with free parking.

 

Follow this insider’s guide to what you should see, do, drink and chew out at this year’s Deer District Holiday Market.

A family of six stands inside a large, brightly lit holiday wreath decorated with ornaments, candy shapes, and gingerbread figures during the City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree event. Two people in winter jackets stand in front of the wreath taking their photo as festive lights and decorations fill the background.

Schedule

For just 10 days, you can walk around this winter wonderland. It all kicks off with the city tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. on Friday, November 21. Check out the schedule below to plan your trip to the Deer District Holiday Market.
 

  • Friday, Nov. 21: 4 pm - 9 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 22: Noon – 10 p.m.
  • Sunday, Nov. 23: Noon – 6 p.m.
  • Monday, Nov. 24: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 25: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 26: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 27: Closed
  • Friday, Nov. 28: Noon – 9 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 29: Noon - 10 p.m.
  • Sunday, Nov. 30: Noon – 6 p.m.

Children and adults bundled in winter clothing dance together in an outdoor plaza decorated with string lights during a holiday event. A child in a Santa hat leads a movement while others follow along, and people in the background gather near vendor tents.

Vendors

All your gifts in one place? It’s another Festivus miracle! Here, you can find something fit for every name on your list, from the foodie in your life to the painted portrait you never knew you needed. The holiday market has just a little dash of seasonal magic to make sure you find exactly what you’re looking for (and even a few things for yourself). Visit these vendors to find a gift that’ll take their breath away:

 

Santa Claus sits in a large, ornate chair wearing his traditional red suit and hat during an outdoor holiday event, with warm decorative lights glowing in the background.

Entertainment

The best way to spread holiday cheer is singing loud for all to hear. Dance like no one's watching. Sing like only you can. And get a little more excited to see Santa than you thought you would. The holiday market has something nearly every night of the week, so be sure to stop back to take in something new. Here’s what’s coming to Deer District this month:

 

  • Friday, Nov. 21: City Tree Lighting Ceremony (5 p.m. – 7 p.m.), Brew City Carolers (6:30 p.m.), Glencastle Irish Dancers (7 p.m.)
     
  • Saturday, Nov. 22: Santa Claus (1-5 p.m.), First Stage Children’s Theater - The Pigeon Gets a Bigtime Holiday Extravaganza (2 p.m. and 3 p.m.), Pangaea Steel Drum Band (4:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.)
     
  • Sunday, Nov. 23: Kohler High School Madrigal Singers (1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.)
     
  • Monday, Nov. 24: The Grinch - Marcus Performing Arts Center (4:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.), Santa Claus, Brew City Carolers (6 p.m.), Sound By Design DJ (7 p.m. – 9 p.m.)
     
  • Wednesday, Nov 26: Reindeer Experience (5 p.m. – 7 p.m.), Brew City Carolers (6 p.m.)
     
  • Friday, Nov. 28: Family Day – Santa Claus (1 p.m. – 5 p.m.), Pantaloon Productions (1 p.m. – 3 p.m.), Milwaukee Rep’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ (4 p.m. – 6 p.m.), Sound By Design DJ (7 p.m. – 9 p.m.)
     
  • Saturday, Nov. 29: Santa Claus, Milwaukee Rep’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ (Noon), First Stage Children’s Theater (2 p.m. – 3 p.m.)
     
  • Sunday, Nov. 30: Last day to mail letters to Santa

A woman bundled in winter clothing smiles as she takes a selfie with a costumed reindeer character during an outdoor holiday event. People in warm coats stand in line behind them near the entrance of a brightly lit arena.

Festive Drinks

In Deer District, making spirits bright is more than just another carol to be sung; it’s a nod to the creative cocktails concocted at local bars and restaurants. At many stops along the holly jolly holiday trail, you can pick up a special, limited-edition holiday Bango mug as a little memento of your new favorite holiday tradition. Here’s what’s on offer:

 

  • The Tap Room
    • Cider Claus
    • Glühwein 
       
  • The New Fashioned
    • Glühwein 
    • Spiked hot cocoa 
    • Hot Toddy 
       
  • Drink Wisconsinbly
    • DW Brandy Hot Toddy
       
  • Explorium Distilled
    • Bierstacheln holiday stein beer
       
  • Craft in The Trade Hotel
    • Yuletide Old Fashioned
    • Fa-La-La Paloma 
       
  • Tom’s Watch Bar
    • Reindeer Old Fashioned 
    • Sleigh Bell Spritz
    • Irish Coffee
    • Elf Elixir 
       

Merry Mocktails

  • Explorium Distilled
    • Reindeer Root Beer (Non-Alcoholic)
       
  • The Tap Room
    • Hot Coco Claus 
    • Cider Claus (Non-Alcoholic) 
       
  • The New Fashioned
    • Hot Coco Claus 

Holiday Bites

When Jack Frost nips at your nose, you can bite back, with special holiday eats from Deer District vendors. There’s the adventurous cranberry-brie brat, a cozy s’mores kit, a ginormous pretzel and so much more to fuel your yuletide excitement. Check out these special bites:

 

  • The New Fashioned
    • Cranberry-brie brat
    • Bratwurst 
    • Hot dog 
    • Brandied butternut squash bisque 
    • S’mores kit
    • Carrie’s Crispies
  • Insomnia
    • Friendsgiving 24-pack special
       
  • Craft
    • Milwaukee Pretzel Company pretzels and dips 
    • D.L.T. 
    • Cubano 

 

To tap into the magic of the season, explore even more holiday markets, make your festive plans and plan your winter getaway in Milwaukee today.