Milwaukee Holiday Markets

Whatever the reason you’re traveling during the holiday season, we know it can mean missing some homey holiday comforts, particularly if you’re traveling with children. And while there’s no place quite like home, visiting one of Milwaukee’s many holiday markets delivers a comforting sense of that special spirit. You might even find a craft, gift or experience to take back home and add to your holiday tradition. So start making your list and checking it twice by exploring the fun, family-friendly options listed here.

Holiday Folk Fair International

Dedicated to celebrating southeastern Wisconsin’s cultural heritage, the Holiday Folk Fair International packs three days full of art, music, dance, food and fun into the Wisconsin State Fair Park’s Exposition Center in West Allis. Presented by the International Institute of Wisconsin, the fair also includes interactive exhibits and the International Bazaar, where vendors offer a wide selection of keepsakes.

Dates & Times: Friday, Nov. 21, 2-9 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 22, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Admission at the gate: $16 for ages 8-61; $13 for ages 62 and older; free for military personnel with military ID and children seven and younger. Discounts for advance purchases made at folkfair.org.

Christkindl Markets

They’re one of the new world’s most popular ways of celebrating old-world holiday traditions. Christkindl Markets continues to attract people from across Milwaukee, including in the suburbs of West Allis and Menomonee Falls. 

West Allis invites guests to its 8th annual Christkindlmarkt on Dec. 6 and 7 at the city’s farmers market for artisanal crafts, local food trucks and beer from local breweries. The Falls Christkindl Market is on Dec. 13 in downtown Centennial Plaza, where you’ll enjoy German cuisine and music. You can take a carriage ride down Main Street if the mood strikes.

Dates & Times: West Allis: Friday, Dec. 5, 4-9 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 6, Noon-4 p.m. Menomonee Falls: Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Admission: Free

Milwaukee Makers Market

If you’re looking to support local businesses and find one-of-a-kind items simultaneously, the Milwaukee Makers Market is the place to go. More than 50 local makers collectively offer everything from artwork and jewelry to baked goods to handmade crafts. You’ll walk away knowing that every dollar you spend directly supports the area’s maker community. Holiday-centric sessions are on tap at Discovery World. See specific dates and locations below.

Dates & Locations: Nov. 29 (MKE's Official Shop Small Sat.) at Discovery World Pavilion, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Dec. 21 (Holiday Showcase), Discovery World Pavilion, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Tickets: Free. 

Old World Christmas Market

In 2023, the USA Today Readers’ Choice survey named the Osthoff Resort's Old World Christmas Market one of the top five holiday markets in the entire country. So yes, it's well worth making the easy hour-long drive north to Elkhart Lake for the 27th annual edition of this 10-day winter wonderland. 

Aisles and aisles of vendors await your presence inside a heated tent, and they offer an array of items inspired by European heritage, including German hand-carved smokers and nutcrackers, Czech blown-glass ornaments and woolen wearables from Estonia. You'll also find jewelry, stained glass art, chocolates, woodwork, and more. When you need a break, head for the food court to dine on German specialties like pulled pork, sauerbraten, schnitzel, potato pancakes, red cabbage and apple strudel. The resort also offers many kids-oriented activities like horse-drawn wagon rides, cookie decorating and ornament making. And if you'd like to stay after the market closes, you can always book some of Osthoff's award-winning accommodations.

Dates & Times: Dec. 5-14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Admission: $7 for adults; free for children 14 and under when accompanied by an adult ticket holder.

Even More Holiday Markets!