20 Magical Christmas Markets in Wisconsin [2023 Guide]

Guide to the best Wisconsin Christmas markets and craft fairs, including Madison and Milwaukee Christmas markets

There are so many great Christmas markets in Wisconsin that you’ll be spoilt for choice as you travel Wisconsin this winter.

Whether you’re looking for a small, more relaxed affair, or a grand blowout with all the trappings, there’s a Christmas market in Wisconsin waiting just for you.

In this article, I’ve included a range of options of the Christmas markets Wisconsin has to offer to find the perfect option for you.

There are large ones, smaller, more intimate ones, ones in cities and ones in villages, so you’re sure to find something that fits you perfectly.

Psssst…!!?? You can’t get enough of Wisconsin? Have a look at my other posts:

• Best Snowboarding Resorts In Wisconsin
• Comfy Winter Cabin Rentals in Wisconsin
• Unique Places To Stay In Wisconsin In Winter

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Overview: Top 5 Christmas Markets in Wisconsin

• Christkindl Market, Menomonee Falls Downtown
• Sparta Kriskindlmarkt
• Old World Christmas Market
• Blessed Sacrament Christmas Market
• Oconomowoc Christmas Market

1. Sparta Kriskindlmarkt

Where: Sparta

When: Open Fridays and Saturdays for four weeks starting the last Friday in November

The Kriskindlmarkt (Kris Kringle Market) in the small town of Sparta is a traditional European-style Christmas market in Wisconsin with a great atmosphere.

You’ll find German food and spirits (watch out for the Schnapps, it’s lethal!) and lots of other food offerings for those who don’t love bratwurst.

Beyond the food and grog, there are lots of local vendors with boutique offerings for you to browse and/or purchase at this Sparta Christmas market.

As one of the best Kris Kringle markets Wisconsin has, this market stands out for the range of handmade gifts that are available here.

The Kris Kringle Market Sparta, WI, offers is located centrally downtown and spreads throughout the downtown area.

There’s a range of other festive activities on as well to coincide with the market, such as a Santa Scamper, a holiday parade, and a lighting ceremony in Evans-Bosshard Park.

For the active, Sparta is a mecca for cyclists, from where you can access renowned bike trails like the magnificent Elroy-Sparta State Trail. The trail is one of the top mountain bike trails in Wisconsin.

Buy here the best Wisconsin itinerary

2. Christmas Fair to Remember

Where: West Bend

When: 9 December 2023

This exceptional event is one of the longest-running best Christmas markets in Wisconsin, having appeared every year since 1999!

As such, it attracts a large number of vendors each year, with over 200 coming together for a huge festive gathering full of beautiful and delicious handmade products.

There are works of art for display both inside your home and outside in the garden or on the porch. Show your neighbors some Christmas cheer with these delightful handicrafts!

Fans of woodworking, photography, glass blowing, calligraphy, painting, needlework, and upcycled/repurposed goods will have plenty to look through here.

Visitors can also enjoy free face painting and balloon sculpting for children, from local professional artists.

You’re sure to remember this Christmas market – it’s one of the best things to do in Wisconsin in winter!

3. Oconomowoc Christmas Market

Where: Oconomowoc

When: 22 – 26 November 2023

Oconomowoc Christmas market is one of the finest German Christmas markets Wisconsin offers.

So, if you’re spending Christmas in Wisconsin, don’t miss out on this one.

This is an inviting, hospitable market that aims to bring old-world charm to the party, and they certainly succeed!

This is a family-oriented event with lots to do whether you’re young or old (or in between!).

You’ll find all the classic products that you’d expect from a German Christmas market.

Beyond that, they promise you’ll discover incredible gifts you won’t find in any mall or retail store.

What more reason do you need to visit?

This is a large event where the site is divided into different sections.

There’s a Christmas Village, a Holiday Party Tent, an Indoor Biergarten, a Heated Santa Tent, a Heated Shopping Tent, and a Gingerbread Decorating Station.

So, if you’re looking for things to do in Wisconsin in winter, this could be the one for you!

Book here the best vacation rentals in Oconomowoc, WI

4. Mistletoe Market Craft and Art Fair

Where: Waukesha

When: 2 – 3 December 2023

For everything you could want for Christmas from the Midwest, the Mistletoe Market Craft and Art Fair is one of the best Christmas markets in Wisconsin!

Each year, 100 vendors will assemble to bring you all manner of handmade crafts, attractive decorations, homemade foodstuffs, and seasonal gifts.

Looking for that all-important woven rug? Thinking of trying out some local produce? Want to treat yourself to some all-natural soaps and skincare products? This Christmas market has it all!

There are even Christmas gifts to be found for your furry friends, with plenty of delicious treats, beds, and toys for your pets.

You’ll also be just on the outskirts of Milwaukee, for easy access to the city and all the festive fun it can provide.

Just make sure to take advantage of Milwaukee in winter and indulge in all the fun things to do in Milwaukee in December.

For an added bonus, under-16s also get free entry to the Mistletoe Market Craft and Art Fair with an adult.

Book the best winter cabins in Milwaukee

5. Three Kings Christmas Market

Where: Wisconsin Dells

When: 2 December 2023

Wisconsin Dells is a fun place to visit at any time, in fact, the whole city is based upon the foundation of fun, all the time!

If you’re in Wisconsin Dells in Winter then why not visit the Three Kings Christmas Market?

This is one of the Wisconsin Christmas markets that cater to all ages.

There are lots of things for the kids to do including cookie decorating, free gift wrapping, and an appearance by St Nicholas himself!

You can even leave the kids at Kid’s Corner while you explore the site.

Under the twinkling fairy lights, you’ll discover all your festive favorites including traditional food and drink offerings from the old world.

There are also roving performers strolling the site to keep the spirit convivial. Don’t forget to check out all the other amazing things to do in Wisconsin Dells.

Book here the best tours in Wisconsin Dells, WI

6. Blessed Sacrament Christmas Market

Where: Madison

When: 2 December 2023

This Madison Christmas market is a great option for those wishing to spend some time in one of the best places to visit in Wisconsin in winter – the state capital.

The Blessed Sacrament Christmas Market has been running for 100 years now, so you’ll find this magnificent event steeped in history.

This Madison holiday market has an absolutely sensational range of crafts vendors selling their wares.

You’ll find jams, soaps, home-baked goodies, baskets, candy, hand-painted silk scarves, fabric fairies, botanically dyed fiber art, and fresh greenery (including Christmas wreaths).

There’s also a magnificent array of home-cooked, organic food on offer, so you won’t go hungry.

For those with kids, there’s even a free babysitting service.

If you’d like to really get into the Christmas spirit, then Madison has a historically renowned brewing industry and today is especially famed for its superb selection of craft beers.

Winter in Madison, WI is one of the best, so while you’re here, enjoy all the other wonderful things to do in Madison!

Book here the best tours in Madison, WI

7. Old World Christmas Market

Where: Elkhart Lake

When: 1 – 10 December 2023

As we’ve seen so far, if you’re looking for a Christmas market, Wisconsin provides a bewildering array of options to select from.

If you’re seeking out that old-world charm, then the Old-World Christmas Market at Elkhart Lake offers all of this and more.

This is an incredibly highly-rate Christmas market that was even voted number 1 best holiday market in the USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards of 2018. High praise indeed.

And a visit to this marvelous market will show you just why it’s one of the top winter events in Wisconsin.

This market has an international flavor and is one of the best craft fairs Wisconsin has to offer. 

Keeping with the international flavor, you’ll discover Czech blown-glass ornaments, Turkish pashmina scarves and shawls, Estonia woolens, Russian nesting dolls, plus German hand-carved smokers and nutcrackers.

Book here the best vacation rentals in Elkhart Lake, WI

8. Norskedalen’s Old Fashioned Christmas

Where: Coon Valley – Vernon County

When: 1^st Saturday in December

If you’d like to attend a rural Christmas market in Wisconsin, then Norskedalen’s Old Fashioned Christmas is packed with rural charm.

As you might have deciphered from the name, the theme here is Norwegian, with many descendants of that nation settling here in times gone by.

This is an activity-packed event, with yule log hunts, heritage skills demonstrations, horse-drawn wagon rides (don’t miss that one!), a bell choir concert, a yule log hunt, a scavenger hunt, and, if you’re lucky, a visit from Santa. 

Well, Christmas wouldn’t be complete without that!

This is just one of the reasons this is one of the best Christmas markets Wisconsin has to offer!

You’ll also find traditional Norwegian food and goodies, plus craft and gift vendors.

Visitors can even enjoy a traditional Norwegian meal, complete with lefse.

Beyond the festivities, the Coon Valley is a haven for fishermen, with spring-fed trout streams providing magnificent fishing opportunities.

Buy here the best Wisconsin itinerary

9. Christmas Bazaar

Where: St. Germain

When: 25 November 2023

The Christmas Bazaar in stunning St. Germain provides an early opportunity to get those Christmas goodies on board in anticipation of the main event. 

As things get closer to Christmas, the markets become much (much!) busier, but this mid-November event helps avoid the crush.

The lakes around here look so much prettier in winter time so prepare to be amazed by the overwhelming beauty of it all.

It’s easy to see why the place is such a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts such as cyclists, anglers, snowmobilers, and hikers.

 The Christmas Bazaar is a great fun event for all the family. There are a host of children’s activities, raffle prizes, and even a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus!

She doesn’t make many live appearances (I’ve heard she’s quite shy), so be sure not to miss her visit.

If you’re looking for more winter activities, St. Germain also has some of the best snowmobile trails in Wisconsin!

Book here vacation rentals in Northern Wisconsin

10. Tinsel Trail

Where: Steven’s Point

When: 19 November 2023

The Tinsel Trail in Steven’s Point is one of the longest-running Christmas markets in Wisconsin. This event has been going for over 50 years now.

The event is hosted by the Steven’s Point Junior Women’s Club.

This club does some absolutely magnificent work in promoting education, preserving natural resources, and helping the elderly and disabled.

This is a group of dynamic local women who are dedicated to community involvement and enhancement.

They have also been instrumental in establishing a daycare center for mentally challenged children and supporting projects for victims of domestic abuse.

You’ll find over 250 vendors at this magnificent festive craft show.

It’s only $3 dollars to enter and all profits go to the Steven’s Point Junior Women’s Club. More power to them.

Buy here the best Wisconsin itinerary

11. A Blind Horse Christmas Market

Where: Kohler

When: 2 December 2023

If you’re looking for a quirky, Christmas market in Wisconsin then try A Blind Horse Christmas Market.

Located in the sleepy village of Kohler in the heart of Sheboygan County, this annual event focuses heavily on craft products.

Among the products on offer, you’ll find hand-crafted jewelry, beauty products, metal art, wall art, wooden creations, holiday crafts, among a whole plethora of other well-crafted goods.

There’s also a range of gourmet food on offer, plus fantastic wine being served up in The Winery.

You can also enjoy some seasonal cocktails while enjoying the seasonal music being played in the surroundings of this beautiful property.

Kohler is known for its fantastic golf courses, so if that’s your thing, you’ll be spoilt for choice around here.

While you’re enjoying this Sheboygan Christmas market, make sure to explore all the other fun things to do in Sheboygan!

Book here the best vacation rentals in Sheboygan, WI

12. Christmas Market at the Barn

Where: Elkhorn

When: Temporarily not running in 2023

Historic Elkhorn was designated as the seat of Walworth County in 1846 – but today, it’s home to one of the finest Christmas markets in Wisconsin.

Christmas Market at the Barn is a laid-back event that runs for one weekend only in early December.

It’s a great place to purchase that perfect Christmas gift for even the most difficult to buy gifts for.

There are numerous local makers who set up stalls for the weekend just for the incredible Christmas Market at the Barn Elkhorn, WI offers.

You’ll find several artisans, craft product vendors, and even junkers, ensuring you secure that one-of-a-kind object.

Elkhorn is actually known as ‘The Christmas Card Town’.

The reason for this is because in times gone by (well, the 1950s), the beautiful park that surrounds the County Government Center used to be adorned with unusual Christmas decorations.

I guess the name just stuck!

Book here the best accommodation in Elkhorn, WI

13. New Glarus Christkindli Market

Where: New Glarus

When: 1 – 3 December

Another of the Christmas markets in Wisconsin that run throughout the first weekend in December is the New Glarus Christkindli Market.

This outdoor New Glarus Christmas market is one of the prettiest winter festivals in Wisconsin. Here, you’ll find all the usual Christmas lights and music.

There’s also a great selection of local vendors operating from the attractively decorated mini chalets.

You’ll find a variety of high-quality, locally made gifts on offer, there are also horse and sleigh rides, Santa appearances, and carol singers.

New Glarus is known as America’s Little Switzerland, so as you can imagine, there’s a heavy Swiss theme running through this event.

New Glarus is incredibly proud of its Swiss heritage, with its chalet-style architecture worth the visit in its own right.

Downtown, you’ll find two museums, specialty shops, and restaurants serving Swiss food.

Buy here the best Wisconsin itinerary

14. Christkindl Market, Menomonee Falls Downtown

Where: Downtown Menomonee Falls

When: 9 December 2023

Every year, for one day only, on the corner of Main Street and Appleton Avenue, you’ll find the fantastic Christkindl Market Menomonee Falls puts on.

This is a great fun event for all the family that’s hosted both indoors and outdoors so there’s no need to worry if the weather will hold out.

In the tradition of all great German Christmas markets, you’ll discover a glut of German food and live music.

There’s also German dancing to keep you entertained. All the tropes are covered, with a beer stein lift contest and gallons of Glühwein.

There’s a Santa’s Workshop, where the kids can get their photo with the man himself. There are even carriage rides on offer.

The Menomonee Falls Christmas market truly has it all and is a magical experience for everyone.

Menomonee Falls is itself a great village with a fantastic community spirit, so get yourself along and join in the fun.

Book here the best accommodation in Menomonee Falls, WI

15. La Crosse Annual Holiday Fair

Where: La Crosse

When: 16 – 19 November 2023

Another of the longest-running Christmas markets in Wisconsin is the grand La Crosse Annual Holiday Fair, which has been in operation since 1964. 

It’s apparently the area’s largest craft show, and admission is only $2 so go along and find out for yourself.

There are hourly door prizes for all those who enter.

If you do go along, you’ll find Santa & Rudolph on hand for photos, carol singers, and all the traditional holiday music to get you in the festive spirit.

This event is targeted at children, so you’ll not be surprised to learn that there are so many activities to keep the little ones entertained while their parents peruse the array of local artisanal products on offer.

If that’s not your thing, La Crosse is a pleasant city on the Mississippi River where you’ll find unique shops, lively entertainment, great restaurants, museums, and art galleries.

There are plenty of fun things to do in La Crosse Wisconsin year-round!

Book here the best vacation rentals in La Crosse, WI

16. Fox Cities Holiday Gift and Craft Show

Where: Appleton

When: 16 December 2023

For many, Christmas markets are all about handmade gifts, delicious candies, and festive community spirit.

If you enjoy walking among the stalls of vendors, perusing all kinds of magical trinkets and decorated handicrafts, then Appleton WI is the place for you this December.

Whether you’re visiting Lake Winnebago, staying in Green Bay, or making a day trip north after enjoying some Christmas market Madison WI fun, make sure to stop by the Fox Cities Holiday Gift and Craft Show.

Because this Appleton Wisconsin Christmas festival is all about crafts – lots and lots of crafts!

From carvings, toys, and accessories to jewelry, miniatures, paintings, and macrame, there’s something for everyone here, with crafts made from blown glass, stitchery, and even copper art and rosemaling items.

You can also join in the fun with some baking, candy, folk art, and candle making. This is truly one of the best Christmas markets in Wisconsin for handmade crafts!

Book the best winter vacation rentals in Appleton

17. Germantown Christmas Festival

Where: Germantown

When: 11 November 2023

The Germantown Christmas Festival is an activity-intense event, making it one of the best Christmas markets in Wisconsin for families who like to keep moving.

To kick things off in the festival, kids can burn off some early Christmas energy by taking part in the annual Kids Jingle Bell Dash.

This fun runaround takes place just before the first main event of the day: a 5k Candy Cane Run/Walk through the quiet, festive neighborhood streets of Germantown.

Following that, there’s a Christmas parade through downtown Germantown, with Santa bringing the spirit of Christmas along with lots of colorful parade floats, marching bands, animals, and more.

After that, everyone will end up at Fireman’s Park where there will be hot chocolate and cookies to relax with.

Children can then enjoy the Candy Land Adventure activities and also have the chance to meet Santa in person.

Find the best winter rentals near Milwaukee

18. Legendary Lake Mills Winter Market

Where: Lake Mills

When: 2 December 2023

They say that good things come in small packages, and that couldn’t be more true than with the Legendary Lake Mills Winter Market.

Held every year indoors at Lake Mills Middle School, this modest market is packed full of festive fun and Christmas cheer.

With dozens of vendors bringing all manner of gifts, decorations, antiques, and handmade items, you’re guaranteed to come away with something you’ll treasure at Christmas again and again.

The handicraft skills on show here are very impressive, with paintings, dolls, macramé, toys, decorations, and more, as well as delicious seasonal baked goods.

Lake Mills is located less than an hour’s drive from Milwaukee, and only half an hour’s drive from Madison.

This makes it the perfect addition to any Madison WI Christmas market tour or if you’ve already seen the best Christmas market Milwaukee has to offer.

Book the best winter rentals in Madison, WI

19. Menominee Old World Christmas Market

Where: Marinette

When: 17 – 18 November 2023

Since it started in 2013, this annual Christmas market has showcased and celebrated the creative talents of dozens of local artists and artisans every year.

Every kind of handicraft technique can be found at the Menominee Old World Christmas Market, and they would love to show them all to you!

Over the course of Friday evening and Saturday daytime, you’ll be able to wander the stalls and enjoy holiday snacks, tasty treats, festive decorations, and homemade arts and crafts.

As you explore this winter wonderland of gifts, you’ll get to hear live music from local musical groups, which is one of my favorite things about the best Christmas markets in Wisconsin!

Parents can take the kids to see Santa and ask him about their Christmas presents, and the whole family can get their faces painted in vibrant colors and patterns.

Book the best winter cabins in Northern Wisconsin

20. Sister Bay

Where: Sister Bay

When: 3 weekends in late November and early December

What could be more festive than attending one of the best Christmas markets in Wisconsin to set out in the old European tradition?

Every year, Sister Bay puts on one of the longest Wisconsin German Christmas market festivals, with 3 weekends dedicated to seasonal goodwill.

There’s live music from local concert bands and DJs, traditional Nordic foods to try and some of the finest artisan goods of any Christkindlmarket Wisconsin can provide.

Clothes, shoes, decorations, candies, candles, paintings, maps, toys, botanicals, and more – you’ll be spoiled for choice.

How about some delicious hot drinks to keep you warm? Well, when it comes to the Christkindlmarkt Wisconsin has got you covered – grab yourself a hot, spicy mug of glühwein!

Some hot mulled wine is the perfect accompaniment to the German Christmas market Wisconsin puts on.

While here, be sure to explore the rest of Door County because Door County in winter is truly magical!

Book the best winter cabins in Door County

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As we’ve discovered, the Christmas markets Wisconsin has to offer really do offer something for everyone.

From smaller family-oriented events in sleepy villages to bustling Glühwein and Steiner bashes in the state’s thriving metropolises, whatever you’re looking for, there’s that perfect Christmas market waiting just for you.

If all that festive cheer isn’t your thing, don’t worry, Wisconsin’s a great place to visit at any time but there’s a special magic in the air during the winter.

Just remember to take some warm clothes when visiting the Christmas markets in Wisconsin or enjoying any winter getaways in Wisconsin!

And by cold, I mean really cold – but that means sleigh rides and snowmobiling!

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Short FAQ About Best Christmas Markets in Wisconsin

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What to pack for your Fall or Winter trip

• Warm Clothing: Bring a heavy winter coat, gloves, scarf, hat, thermal socks, and layered clothing.
• Footwear: Wear waterproof and insulated boots with good traction.
• Snow Gear: Pack snow pants or insulated trousers and snowshoes or crampons.
• Winter Driving Essentials: Include an ice scraper, snow brush, and emergency car kit.
• Travel Documents: Don’t forget your passport/ID, travel insurance, itinerary, and maps.
• Electronics: Bring a portable charger and camera for capturing memories. I love my GoPro!
• Health and Safety: Carry prescription meds and a basic first-aid kit.
• Sunscreen is key! I always take with me my eco-friendly sunscreen by Thinksport.
• I always carry a light rain jacket, just in case.
• Travel insurance: If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip, travel is protected against all odds with HeyMondo.

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Want More Christmas Markets In Wisconsin? Check out the webstory.

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