Christmas Markets Wisconsin 2025: 50 Best Festive Events and Holiday Markets

11) Handcrafted gifts at German Christmas Market

At the German Christmas Market in Oconomowoc, you’ll find a huge selection of handmade gifts. Vendors bring authentic German woodcarvings, Polish pottery, glass ornaments, and woolen hats and sweaters.

Most of these come from small businesses or local artists. Other stalls offer German lace, candles, Turkish scarves, and jewelry.

Decorated huts and tents give the market its cozy, traditional feel. Most gifts are crafted using old-school techniques, so you can count on quality.

You can chat with vendors about how things are made or where materials come from. Seeing the gifts in person really helps you pick out something special.

Here’s what to know before you go:

Dates	Times	Location	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby (Booking.com)	Website
Nov 28 – Dec 1, 2025	Fri-Sat 10am-8pm Sun 10am-4pm	803 Summit Ave, Oconomowoc, WI	Free admission	Olympia Resort, Staybridge Suites	https://germanchristmasmarket.org/

12) Authentic European food stalls

Christmas markets in Wisconsin usually feature food stalls with recipes from all over Europe. You’ll spot classics like bratwurst, pretzels, and schnitzel.

Stalls often use family recipes that give everything a comforting, old-fashioned taste. The German Christmas Market in Oconomowoc is famous for sausages and warm spiced drinks.

At the Old World Christmas Market at The Osthoff Resort, vendors serve handmade pastries, imported chocolates, and mulled wine. In Wauwatosa, the Holiday Market dishes out European favorites like potato pancakes and stollen bread.

Most food stalls sell things you can eat right away. There are tents and tables where you can relax with friends or family.

Some markets let you buy treats to take home as gifts or snacks. Here’s a quick table of where and when to find the best food stalls:

Market Name	Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Stay Nearby	Website
German Christmas Market, Oconomowoc	Nov 26-30, 2025	Not listed	Downtown Oconomowoc, WI	Free entry	Hotels in Oconomowoc	https://germanchristmasmarket.org/
Old World Christmas Market, Osthoff	Dec 5-14, 2025	10am-5pm	101 Osthoff Ave, Elkhart Lake, WI	$7 adults, kids free	Hotels near Osthoff Resort	https://osthoff.com/old-world-christmas-market/
Tosa Holiday Market, Wauwatosa	Not listed	Not listed	7735 Harwood Ave, Wauwatosa, WI	Not listed	Hotels in Wauwatosa	https://tosaholidaymarket.com/

13) Traditional Bavarian Christmas stalls

At Wisconsin’s Christmas markets in 2025, you’ll spot stalls styled like classic Bavarian huts. They usually have wooden frames, green pine garlands, and soft, glowing lights.

This cozy look comes straight from Germany and really sets the mood. Vendors fill these huts with handmade ornaments, wooden toys, and festive tableware.

Food stalls tempt you with bratwurst, pretzels, and hot drinks. The Oconomowoc German Christmas Market is one spot where you can dive into Bavarian food and decorations.

German holiday music sometimes drifts through the air while you shop or snack. At places like The Osthoff Resort, you might find a mix of local artisans and imported crafts, all in that European style.

Most stalls accept both cash and cards, but bringing a little cash is smart for small buys. If you’re planning a market trip, here are a few main events to consider:

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 5-14, 2025	10 AM – 5 PM	101 Osthoff Ave, Elkhart Lake, WI	$7/adult	Osthoff Resort	https://osthoff.com/old-world-christmas-market/
Nov 28-Dec 1, 2025*	Not Listed	Downtown Oconomowoc, WI	Free	Olympia Resort*	https://germanchristmasmarket.org/
Dec 2025 (check site)	Varies	7735 Harwood Ave, Wauwatosa, WI	Not Listed	The Village Inn Wauwatosa*	https://tosaholidaymarket.com/

*Please check each market’s website for the latest event info and places to stay nearby.

14) Dutch Christmas market booths

Dutch Christmas booths pop up at several Wisconsin holiday markets. These focus on European-style decorations, food, and gifts.

You’ll spot handmade ornaments, wooden toys, and Dutch treats inside small, decorated huts. At Holland’s Kerstmarkt, booths offer hand-knit sweaters, jewelry, and classic baked goods.

Sometimes you’ll see artisans showing off pottery or candy-making skills. Dutch snacks are easy to find as you wander the stands.

Organizers try to create a traditional European vibe, right here in the Midwest. Kerstmarkt in Holland, Michigan is a well-known example, but a few Wisconsin markets also have similar booths if you’re hoping for Dutch gifts and foods.

Here’s a quick reference for Kerstmarkt and a Wisconsin example:

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 22 – Dec 20, 2025	Fri-Sun, varies	150 W 8th St, Holland, MI	Free	Courtyard by Marriott Holland Downtown	https://www.holland.org/kerstmarkt/
Dec 3 – Dec 21, 2025	Not listed	7735 Harwood Ave, Wauwatosa, WI	Free	Renaissance Milwaukee West Hotel	https://tosaholidaymarket.com/

15) Outdoor decorated Christmas trees display

If you love seeing decorated Christmas trees, Wisconsin’s markets won’t disappoint. Local businesses and community groups put their own spin on tree themes.

These trees line streets or fill a park, making a perfect spot for a stroll, photos, and soaking up the lights. One event worth checking out is the Manitowoc Holiday Tree Display.

Downtown transforms with decorated trees, each group showing off their unique style. Some markets make these trees the main draw, while others weave them into bigger holiday celebrations.

The displays are outdoors, so bundle up if you’re heading out. Nighttime visits are best for catching the lights at their brightest.

Here’s a table with details for the Manitowoc Holiday Tree Display:

Dates	Times	Location	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Late Nov-Dec 2025*	Evening	Downtown Manitowoc, WI	Free	Holiday Inn Manitowoc (booking.com)	https://christmasmarketusa.com/christmas-markets-wisconsin-2025/3/

*Check the event’s website for specific dates and updates.

16) String lights decor at markets

String lights make Wisconsin Christmas markets sparkle. Booths, trees, and walkways glow with white or colored bulbs.

You’ll see lights outlining vendor tents, framing entrances, and stretching overhead. They help you find your way after dark and make food stalls or artisan shops easier to spot.

Some markets go big with themed light displays above the crowds. Organizers use string lights for both safety and decoration, which feels like a win-win.

The Lake Geneva Holiday Market and Old World Christmas Market at The Osthoff Resort both use string lights to brighten their vendor areas.

If you’re visiting in the evening, these lights make markets feel warmer and more inviting—especially when December sunsets come early. You’ll find string lights at indoor and outdoor markets, with some places choosing classic warm bulbs and others opting for energy-saving LEDs.

17) December 5-14, 2025 Old World Market dates

The Old World Christmas Market in Elkhart Lake will run from December 5 to December 14, 2025. You can visit daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

This event takes place at the Osthoff Resort, located at 101 Osthoff Ave, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. General admission is $7 per person.

You can spend the day browsing vendor booths, tasting food, or checking out holiday decorations. If you’re staying overnight, The Osthoff Resort and other local inns are nearby.

For more options, take a look at Booking.com’s listings for Elkhart Lake. For the latest event info, visit the official market website.

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
December 5-14, 2025	10:00 am-5:00 pm	101 Osthoff Ave, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin	$7	Book hotels nearby	Old World Christmas Market

18) December 6-15, 2024 market schedule

From December 6-15, 2024, several Wisconsin Christmas markets will be open. You’ll find a mix of indoor and outdoor events during this stretch.

One of the big ones is the Old World Christmas Market at The Osthoff Resort. It runs daily from 10 AM to 5 PM at 101 Osthoff Ave, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020.

Admission is $7 for adults, and kids 14 and under get in free. You can browse hotel options nearby on Booking.com.

For more info, check the Old World Christmas Market site.

In Madison, the Holiday Market at the Dane County Farmers’ Market is another option. Over 60 vendors bring local food and holiday goods.

It’s a good spot if you want festive treats or gifts. Details are on the Dane County Holiday Market page.

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 6-15, 2024	10AM-5PM	101 Osthoff Ave, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020	$7 (adults)	Booking.com	Old World Christmas Market

19) Children under 14 free admission at Old World Market

Visiting the Old World Christmas Market in Elkhart Lake with your family? Kids under 14 get in free if they’re with a ticketed adult.

That makes it way less stressful to plan a holiday outing—no need to worry about extra ticket fees for the little ones. Adults pay a small admission, but your younger kids can soak up the festive atmosphere and wander the stalls without any charge.

The market is packed with vendors, seasonal foods, and classic decorations. There’s plenty for everyone to see, and honestly, it’s hard not to get caught up in the holiday spirit.

The event happens at The Osthoff Resort, which is super convenient for families who want to stay right on site. If you’d rather sleep somewhere else, you’ll find other hotels nearby—Booking.com has plenty of options.

Here is the practical information in a table:

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 5-14, 2025	10:00 am – 5:00 pm	101 Osthoff Ave, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020	$7 adults, kids under 14 free	Osthoff Resort	Old World Christmas Market

20) Hot buttered rum at Sugar River celebration

If you find yourself at the Christmas market near the Sugar River in Paoli, Wisconsin, don’t skip the hot buttered rum. It’s a classic at the holiday celebration, usually served alongside mulled wine and eggnog.

People often enjoy this drink outdoors, wandering between vendors and soaking up the decorated surroundings. You can sip your rum while munching candied nuts or a Bavarian pretzel—doesn’t get much cozier.

The market sits right along the river, which gives the whole place a peaceful vibe. Locals and out-of-towners both show up every year to be part of the tradition.

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Places to Stay Nearby (Booking.com)	Website
Early December 2025 (exact dates TBA)	TBA	6890 Paoli Rd, Paoli, WI 53508	Free entry	Paoli House Inn	Christkindlmarket Paoli