Wisconsin 2023 Christmas markets guide: What to know about locations, vendors and more

Visitors enjoy the holiday market during Christmas in Okauchee in 2020. The three-day traditional open air holiday market and festival at Okauchee Lions Park featured live music, dancing, food and more.
Visitors enjoy the holiday market during Christmas in Okauchee in 2020. The three-day traditional open air holiday market and festival at Okauchee Lions Park featured live music, dancing, food and more.

Hot chocolate, live music and the smell of sweet treats are wafting through the air as Wisconsinites celebrate all things Christmas.

Markets statewide are offering specialist goods from international and regional vendors. Some markets are closer to Milwaukee, while others require a trip from the city to explore. Here's just a few markets you could visit this holiday season:

Christmas Market at First Immanuel Lutheran School, Cedarburg

At this Christmas market, there will be arts and crafts vendors, hot cocoa, face painting, a bake sale and Christmas mini photo sessions.

When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2

Where: First Immanuel Lutheran School, W67 N622 Evergreen Blvd., Cedarburg

For more information: Visit www.filministries.org and select "calendar"

Christkindl Market in Menomonee Falls

At Christkindl Market in Menomonee Falls, there will be German cuisine from bratwursts to desserts, German music, carriage rides through Main Street in downtown Menomonee Falls with a vendor market and downtown businesses selling crafts and artisanal creations.

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9

Where: Centennial Plaza, N88 W16688 Main St., Menomonee Falls

For more information: www.christmasinthefalls.com/christkindl-market

Holiday Market in Wauwatosa

This multiday European Market & Holiday Festival will offer handmade artisan goods, hot chocolate and mulled wine, sausages and other kinds of German food, live musical holiday entertainment and dance performances. There will be an Irish Christmas cottage where you can see Santa Claus.

When: Wednesday through Thursday, Dec. 6-17; 3 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays

Where: West State Street, Wauwatosa

For more information: Visit www.wauwatosavillage.org/holidays-in-the-village

Tosa Town Christmas Market

Browse through small businesses for your holiday shopping at the Tosa Town Christmas Market. There will be music, carolers, photos with Santa and the Grinch, food trucks and other vendors.

When: 2 to 5 p.m. Dec. 2

Where: 68th and Wells streets, WauwatosaMore information: Visit their Facebook page here.

A Christmas Fair to Remember in West Bend

At A Christmas Fair to Remember, there will be more than 200 craft vendors and the Washington County 4-H will sell concessions. Admission is $3.

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9

Location: Washington County Fair Park and Conference Center, 3000 Highway PV, West Bend

For more information:www.afairtoremember.com

Christkindlmarkt in West Allis

Nan Bonyata of Lake Geneva holds Huck, her dachshund, who was decked out in a traditional German hat in 2018.
Nan Bonyata of Lake Geneva holds Huck, her dachshund, who was decked out in a traditional German hat in 2018.

Stop by the sixth annual Christkindlmarkt at the West Allis Farmers Market to enjoy food and crafts from over 50 vendors.

When: Two-day event, 4 to 9 p.m. Dec. 1 and noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 2

Location: West Allis Farmers Market, 6501 W National Ave., West Allis

For more information: Visit their Facebook page here.

Christkindlmarket on Broadway in Green Bay

The Christkinlmarket is an outdoor German-style holiday street market with food and drink in downtown Green Bay.

When: Every Friday and Saturday, Nov. 17 to Dec. 23

Where: Downtown Green Bay's Broadway District in Red Sculpture Park and East Hubbard Street

More information: www.downtowngreenbay.com

Blind Horse Christmas Market in Kohler

The market offers handcrafted jewelry, holiday crafts, wall art and gourmet food.

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 2

Where: 56018 Superior Ave., Kohler

More information: www.theblindhorse.com

Old World Christmas Market in Elkhart Lake

The 25th annual Old World Christmas Market at the Osthoff Resort offers 10 days of a heated tent with specialty items from international and regional artists.

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 1 to 10

Where: The Osthoff Resort, 101 Osthoff Ave., Elkhart Lake

More information: www.osthoff.com

ChristkindlMarkt in Door County

Door County's European-style Christmas market is returning this year with traditional Nordic foods, artisan goods and live music.

When: Dec. 1-3 and Dec. 8-10; the market opens at 11 a.m., but closing times vary.

Location: Corner of the Past Museum, 10310 Fieldcrest Road, Sister Bay

For more information: www.doorcountychristmasmarket.com

RELATED: Here's where you can find winter farmers markets in Milwaukee and the suburbs

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Guide to Wisconsin Christmas markets 2023

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