Christmas Markets Wisconsin 2025: 50 Best Festive Events and Holiday Markets
Table of Contents
- 1 Find the Best Accommodations
- 2 21) Mulled wine at Christmas markets
- 3 22) Eggnog offerings at Christkindlmarket Paoli
- 4 23) Craft beer selections at Milwaukee markets
- 5 24) Door County market weekends in November and December
- 6 25) Festive music performances at markets
- 7 26) Ice skating near Christmas markets
- 8 27) Christmas market photo opportunities
- 9 28) Seasonal cooking demonstrations
- 10 29) Local artisan woodworking booths
- 11 30) Traditional nutcrackers for sale
Find the Best Accommodations
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21) Mulled wine at Christmas markets
You’ll spot mulled wine at tons of Wisconsin Christmas markets. It’s a winter favorite—usually made with red wine, cinnamon, cloves, and sometimes a bit of fruit.
Vendors pour it into special mugs. Most places ask for a mug deposit, but you can get your money back or keep the mug as a souvenir (honestly, it’s tempting to bring one home).
Hot mulled wine is served alongside cider and hot chocolate. The Wauwatosa Holiday Market and other spots around the state feature it, and the Oconomowoc German Christmas Market has authentic European drinks and food.
It’s a great way to stay warm while you browse the stalls and take in the music. They do check IDs, so you’ll need to be of legal drinking age.
Below is a table to help you plan your visit to Christmas markets in Wisconsin in 2025:
| Market Name | Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby (Booking.com) | Website Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wauwatosa Holiday Market | Dec 3–21, 2025 | Not listed | 7735 Harwood Ave, Wauwatosa | Free entry | Booking.com Wauwatosa | https://tosaholidaymarket.com/ |
| Villa Bellezza Christmas Market | Jan 4–5, 2025 | 11am–5pm | 1420 3rd St, Pepin | Free entry | Booking.com Pepin | https://www.villabellezza.com/christmas-market/ |
| Oconomowoc German Christmas Market | Nov 26–30, 2025 | Not listed | 104 E Wisconsin Ave, Oconomowoc | Free entry | Booking.com Oconomowoc | https://germanchristmasmarket.org/ |
22) Eggnog offerings at Christkindlmarket Paoli
Stop by Christkindlmarket Paoli and grab a mug of classic eggnog. The market also serves up hot buttered rum and mulled wine if you’re in the mood for something else.
Eggnog is usually served warm here, which is perfect for a chilly day. The recipe isn’t fancy, but the familiar flavors are a hit with visitors.
You can sip your drink while checking out booths along the Sugar River. The vibe is relaxed, and you’ll find small businesses, artists, and local makers all gathered together.
There are spots to sit and enjoy your eggnog—sometimes even near outdoor heaters or fire pits. It’s a nice touch.
Here are the main details for planning your visit:
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby (Booking.com) | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 2025 | To be announced | 6890 Paoli Road, Belleville, WI 53508 | Free | Verona Hotel | Christkindlmarket Paoli |
23) Craft beer selections at Milwaukee markets
Milwaukee’s Christmas markets really lean into the local craft beer scene. Many work with local breweries, so you can try something unique while you enjoy holiday fun.
Pair your beer with snacks from food trucks or local vendors. You’ll find lagers, pale ales, IPAs, porters, and sometimes even special winter brews.
Some breweries set up their own booths, so you can chat with staff and learn about their latest creations. You don’t need to know much about beer—just try what looks interesting.
Tastings are casual, and there’s never any pressure to buy a full pint. Sometimes, you’ll hear live music near the beer stalls, which adds to the laid-back vibe.
Events like the Milwaukee Holiday Markets are known for their partnerships with local breweries and food trucks.
| Date(s) | Time | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 6-7, 2025 | Varies | Milwaukee Farmers Market, Milwaukee, WI | Free | View hotels | https://www.visitmilwaukee.org/events/major-events/holiday-markets/ |
24) Door County market weekends in November and December
The Door County Christmas Market pops up during three weekends in late November and December each year. In 2025, the dates are November 28–30, December 5–7, and December 12–14.
The event is outdoors and highlights local foods and artisan gifts. Vendors gather in Sister Bay, bringing traditional items inspired by European markets.
You’ll find Nordic-inspired foods and regional Door County products. It’s easy to get to from most of Door County’s main roads.
Plan for a few hours to wander stalls, buy gifts, and sample treats. Organizers suggest dressing for the weather since it’s all outside.
Here is a table showing important details for planning your visit:
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 28–30, Dec 5–7, Dec 12–14, 2025 | Fridays & Saturdays: 11am–7pm Sundays: 11am–3pm | Corner of Woodcrest Rd & Hwy 42, Sister Bay, WI | Free admission | See hotels in Sister Bay | Door County Christmas Market |
25) Festive music performances at markets
Live music pops up everywhere at Wisconsin Christmas markets in 2025. Local bands, school choirs, and even a few polka musicians take the stage.
You’ll hear holiday classics and carols that instantly set the mood. Sometimes, the music’s so good you almost forget about the cold.
At the German Christmas Market of Oconomowoc, polka and German holiday tunes play all weekend. Over at the Wauwatosa Holiday Market, traditional music performances really crank up that European vibe.
Kids might catch school bands or children’s choirs singing familiar songs. Some markets put musical acts on the schedule, so you can time your visit for your favorite style.
Most performances happen indoors or in cozy tents, which is a relief during Wisconsin’s unpredictable winter. Music usually runs several times daily, especially on weekends.
It’s meant for everyone, and you don’t pay extra—music’s included with admission.
Here’s a quick look at some key market details:
| Dates | Times | Location | Cost | Where to stay nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 5-14, 2025 | 10 AM – 5 PM | Osthoff Resort, 101 Osthoff Ave, Elkhart Lake, WI | $7 adults, free under 14 | Osthoff Resort (on-site) or nearby hotels from Booking.com | https://osthoff.com/old-world-christmas-market/ |
| Nov 26-30, 2025 | Varies | Downtown Oconomowoc, WI | Free | Browse options in Oconomowoc on Booking.com | https://germanchristmasmarket.org/ |
| Dec 2025 (TBA) | TBA | Wauwatosa, WI | TBA | Find hotels in Wauwatosa on Booking.com | https://tosaholidaymarket.com/ |
26) Ice skating near Christmas markets
Ice skating is everywhere near Wisconsin’s Christmas markets. You’ll spot rinks in city centers or right next to the main festivities.
Milwaukee’s Slice of Ice in Red Arrow Park is a favorite downtown spot. You can skate, then wander over to a nearby Christmas market.
The Pettit National Ice Center is another big indoor rink with public skating. It’s not far from several holiday events.
Some markets have smaller outdoor rinks, especially in plazas and parks. Families and kids flock to these spots.
Here’s a table with details for two major Milwaukee skating locations:
| Name | Dates (2024-2025) | Times | Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slice of Ice in Red Arrow Park | Winter season | Various | 920 N Water St, Milwaukee | Free with own skates, rental available | Hyatt Regency Milwaukee | https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/Parks/Explore/Slice-of-Ice |
| Pettit National Ice Center | Winter season | Various | 500 S 84th St, Milwaukee | Admission + skate rental | Best Western Plus Milwaukee West | https://www.thepettit.com/ |
27) Christmas market photo opportunities
Wisconsin Christmas markets are basically a photographer’s dream. Holiday lights, decorated trees, and festive displays are everywhere.
On College Avenue, you’ll see over 100 vendor booths—plenty of backdrops for group photos. Some markets go for a Victorian vibe, with costumed carolers and old-school decorations.
If you want classic holiday snapshots, these settings deliver. At night, more than 60,000 twinkling lights turn markets into glowing wonderlands.
The Old World Christmas Market in Elkhart Lake has cozy, decorated corners for daily photo ops. Vendors and food stalls add even more charm.
At places like the Sparta Kriskindlmarkt, you can pose by rustic outdoor huts. There’s something for every style.
Here are details for some big Wisconsin Christmas markets:
| Market Name | Dates | Times | Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old World Christmas Market (Elkhart Lake) | Dec 5-14, 2025 | 10 AM – 5 PM | 101 Osthoff Ave, Elkhart Lake, WI | Varies | Nearby hotels | https://www.elkhartlake.com/event/old-world-christmas-market/2025-12-05/ |
| Sparta Kriskindlmarkt | Select weekends, Nov-Dec | Varies | Creekside Park, Sparta, WI | Free/low cost | Nearby hotels | https://www.bikesparta.com/signature-events/56394-2/ |
| Villa Bellezza Christmas Market (Pepin) | See website | Varies | 1420 3rd St, Pepin, WI | Free | Nearby hotels | https://www.villabellezza.com/christmas-market/ |
28) Seasonal cooking demonstrations
During Wisconsin’s Christmas markets, you can watch seasonal cooking demonstrations. Local chefs and home cooks show how to make traditional holiday foods.
You’ll see recipes for bratwurst, German breads, roasted nuts, and plenty of cookies. Markets like the Old World Christmas Market at The Osthoff Resort or the German Christmas Market in Oconomowoc host these sessions.
Presenters keep things simple, using ingredients and methods you can easily try at home. Kids and adults can ask questions or even sample the food.
Schedules are posted at each market, and demonstrations usually happen a few times a day. You’ll learn about European holiday dishes and see classic techniques in action.
Some markets sell cookbooks and tools right by the demo area. If you love cooking, these sessions are a fun way to connect with holiday traditions.
| Dates | Times | Location | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 5-14, 2025 | 10am-5pm | Osthoff Resort, 101 Osthoff Ave, Elkhart Lake, WI | $7/adult, under 14 free | Elkhart Lake hotels | https://osthoff.com/old-world-christmas-market/ |
| Nov 26-30, 2025 | Varies | Downtown Oconomowoc, 1011 S Main St, Oconomowoc, WI | Free | Oconomowoc hotels | https://germanchristmasmarket.org/ |
29) Local artisan woodworking booths
Wisconsin Christmas markets in 2025 bring out the woodworkers. Local booths pop up among the holiday stalls, packed with handmade wooden crafts.
You’ll find carved ornaments, toys, kitchen goods, and unique décor. Skilled artisans craft each piece right here in Wisconsin.
Most sellers love talking about their process or the materials they use. Sometimes, you can even watch a quick demo.
Shoppers looking for personal gifts crowd these booths. Many items use Wisconsin hardwoods like maple or oak.
Booths usually feature simple lights and a few evergreen touches. If you want to meet the maker, these are the spots to ask questions and connect with local talent.
Here’s a table with details for a market that features woodworking:
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to stay nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 28 – Dec 1, 2025 | Fri-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-4pm | 127 Main St, Oconomowoc, WI | Free entry | Stay at Hilton Garden Inn Oconomowoc | German Christmas Market |
30) Traditional nutcrackers for sale
You’ll spot traditional nutcrackers everywhere at Wisconsin Christmas markets. Most are carved from wood and painted by hand.
Some nutcrackers come from Germany, while others are made by Wisconsin artisans. Sizes range from tiny tree decorations to big statement pieces for your table or mantel.
Most stalls label where their nutcrackers are made, so you can pick one that fits your style. The Old World Christmas Market at The Osthoff Resort is famous for German hand-carved nutcrackers and other European decorations.
Prices really depend on size and craftsmanship. It’s worth checking out a few stalls before you buy.
You’ll also find little accessories like hats and stands for sale. Here’s a table with details about the Old World Christmas Market:
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 6-15, 2025 | 10am–5pm daily | 101 Osthoff Ave, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020 | $7 adults, kids 14 & under free | The Osthoff Resort | Old World Christmas Market |
Christmas Market Closures
Due to econonic conditions and tariffs, some Christmas Markets may cancel their events due to lack of vendors. If you are aware of a closed market,or find errors on a listing or an image, please reach out on our Contact Us page so that we may update this post.
