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. 22, 2-9 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 24, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Admission at the gate: $16 for ages 8-61; $14 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 7th annual Christkindl 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. 14 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. 6, 4-9 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 7, Noon-4 p.m. Menomonee Falls: Saturday, Dec. 14, 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 Ivy House, Deer District Beer Garden and Discovery World. See specific dates and locations below.

Dates & Locations: Nov. 17 (Early Bird Holiday Sale), The Ivy House, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Nov. 23 (Cheer District Holiday Pop-Up Market), Fiserv Forum Deer District Beer Garden, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Nov. 30 (Milwaukee’s Official Shop Small Saturday), Discovery World, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Dec. 15 (Holiday Pop-Up Market), Discovery World, 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 26th 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. 6-15, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

SnowGlobe Holiday Festival (Powered by Enchant)

They’ve shaken things up just enough at the SnowGlobe Holiday Festival, previously known as Enchant Christmas, to create a magical experience for newcomers and previous festival-goers alike. Night and light combine to transform Ballpark Commons into an immersive snowglobe experience. Relax while listening to carolers and live music, and stroll the Christmas village to find gourmet foods and handcrafted wares on sale from local vendors. Children will love wandering through the holiday light maze, coasting along the ice-skating trail and building a teddy bear while sipping hot cocoa. Adults can sip on more grown-up Christmas cocktails at the pop-up bar. And, of course, all can meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus and have a greeting card photo taken with them.

Dates: Evenings on Nov. 22-24, Nov. 29-Dec. 1, Dec. 5-8, Dec. 12-15, Dec. 19-24, and Dec. 26-30.

Admission: $29.99 for general admission; $55 for VIP experiences; $24.99 for military personnel with military ID and seniors ages 62 and up; $19.99 for ages 4-12; free for children three and younger. 

Wauwatosa Christkindlmarkt

Come December, the home of the warmer-weather Tosa Farmers Market plays host to the Wauwatosa Christkindlmarkt. This European-style gathering at the Hart Mills lot in the bustling village’s downtown area transports you to another time and place. Vendors offer their wares from charming chalets, and you can enjoy them while staying warm inside a heated tent.

Feast on German cuisines like hot pretzels and grilled sausages, then wash it down with cold beer, mulled wine or hot chocolate. Live musicians – including 5 Card Studs, The Squeezettes and the Florentine Opera – will also flow with the European theme, serenading you with selections that include holiday favorites and polka music.

Dates & Times: Dec. 4-22; Mondays-Thursdays, 3 p.m.-9 p.m.; Fridays & Saturdays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sundays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Admission: Free.

The warmth of the holiday season combines with Milwaukee’s Midwestern hospitality to make these holiday markets a joyous time for everyone. Be sure to take the time to treat yourself and the family and make a few new memories along the way.

Even More Holiday Markets!