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

31) Handmade Christmas ornaments

Handmade Christmas ornaments really stand out at Wisconsin’s Christmas markets. You’ll see vendors with felt decorations, wooden figures, and glass baubles—each one a little different.

A lot of these ornaments show off regional traditions and simple designs. Some are quirky, others are classic, but all of them have a story.

At the Elkhorn market, more than 500 vendors set up shop. Local artists bring handmade ornaments you just won’t find anywhere else.

Plenty of sellers use natural materials like pinecones or dried fruits. That gives the decorations a cozy, earthy vibe.

The Old World Christmas Market at The Osthoff Resort mixes traditional European and local styles. Artists decorate their stalls, so you can pick up and inspect each ornament before you buy.

Some markets even invite you to watch craft demonstrations. It’s oddly satisfying to see artisans cut, paint, and assemble decorations right there.

These demos give you a real sense of the time and care that goes into each ornament. You might walk away appreciating handmade goods a bit more.

Handmade ornaments make memorable gifts and souvenirs. Chatting with the artist is part of the fun—you’ll hear the backstory behind each piece.

Most markets keep entry fees low, or even free, so families can wander and soak up the atmosphere.

Dates	Times	Location (Address)	Cost	Nearby Place to Stay (Booking.com)	Website
Dec 5-14, 2025	10am-5pm	101 Osthoff Ave, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020	$7 adults	The Osthoff Resort	https://osthoff.com/old-world-christmas-market/
Nov 26-30, 2025	Varies	Downtown Oconomowoc, WI	Free entry	Staybridge Suites Milwaukee West-Oconomowoc	https://germanchristmasmarket.org/
Nov 28-30, Dec 5-7, Dec 12-14	Varies	8653 Maple Rd, Egg Harbor, WI 54209	Free entry	Landmark Resort	https://doorcountychristmasmarket.com/

32) Holiday wreaths handcrafted locally

You’ll spot holiday wreaths made by local artisans at several Wisconsin Christmas markets. Most use fresh greens, pinecones, berries, and ribbons, giving each wreath its own flair.

Each wreath reflects the maker’s style, which adds a personal touch to your holiday décor. It’s a simple way to make your home feel festive without going over the top.

The Johnson & Black stall, for example, offers handmade holiday wreaths crafted with care. Supporting these vendors helps small businesses thrive.

If you’re wondering where and when to find these markets, here’s a quick reference for one of the bigger events:

Date	Time	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Dec 5-14, 2025	10am-5pm	101 Osthoff Ave, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020	$7 adults, under 14 free	Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake (booking.com)	https://www.elkhartlake.com/event/old-world-christmas-market/2025-12-05/

You’ve got choices: outdoor booths, indoor craft fairs, and everything in between. Look for wreaths made with local supplies if you want something truly Wisconsin.

A good wreath just makes the whole house feel like the holidays.

33) Native Wisconsin honey products

Wisconsin Christmas markets have plenty of vendors selling local honey and honey products. Small producers from across the region bring their best jars, candles, and treats.

You can chat with beekeepers and try different honey flavors. It’s a nice way to learn about what goes into each jar.

Typical finds include natural, unheated honey, comb honey, and beeswax candles. Flavors like clover, wildflower, and basswood pop up a lot.

Many people pick up honey as gifts or for their own kitchens. Honestly, it’s hard to resist something so simple and good.

The Greendale Downtown Market carries Wisconsin certified honey during its season. The Wisconsin Honey Producers Association even selects a “Wisconsin Honey Queen” each year to spread the word.

Here’s a quick look at a market that features honey products:

Date	Time	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
June 21–October 4, 2025 (weekly)	Varies by day	6500 Northway, Greendale, WI 53129	Free to attend	Booking.com – Greendale, WI hotels	https://www.greendale.org/our_community/downtown_market.php

34) Homemade chocolates at markets

If you love chocolate, Wisconsin Christmas markets in 2025 won’t disappoint. Stands pop up everywhere, offering homemade chocolates made with local dairy and berries.

Some vendors shape their chocolates into holiday designs. It’s almost too cute to eat, but let’s be honest, you’ll eat them anyway.

You’ll find hand-dipped truffles, chocolate-covered pretzels, and molded figures. Hot chocolate made from real melted chocolate (not just cocoa powder) is a real treat on a cold day.

Curious about how they make it all? Just ask—the vendors usually love to share details about their process.

Sampling is pretty common, so you can try before you buy. Packaging tends to be simple, maybe a ribbon or a little seasonal touch.

You can find homemade chocolates at the Old World Christmas Market in Elkhart Lake and others listed on Christmas Market USA. Each market has its own vibe and selection.

Market Name	Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Old World Christmas Market, Elkhart Lake	Dec 5–14, 2025	10 AM – 5 PM	101 Osthoff Ave, Elkhart Lake, WI	$7 adults, free under 15	Nearby hotels	https://www.elkhartlake.com/event/old-world-christmas-market/2025-12-08/
German Christmas Market, Oconomowoc	TBA (Usually Dec)	Fri–Sat 10–8, Sun 10–4	Downtown Oconomowoc, WI	Free	Nearby hotels	https://germanchristmasmarket.org/vendors/

35) Fresh baked cookies and pastries

Step into a Wisconsin Christmas market, and you’ll smell fresh baked cookies and pastries almost immediately. The town squares fill with the scent of baked goods, and it’s honestly hard to resist.

Local bakers whip up gingerbread cookies, fruit pastries, and sugar cookies—sometimes from family recipes that go way back. You might even catch bakers rolling dough or decorating cookies right in front of you.

If you need gluten-free or nut-free treats, some stalls have you covered. It’s nice to see markets thinking about everyone’s needs.

Pair your cookies with a hot drink like cocoa or mulled cider. A lot of people grab extra to take home or give as gifts.

Everything is baked fresh daily, so if you want the best selection, try to go early. Once the market gets busy, favorites can sell out fast.

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby (booking.com)	Website Address
Nov 26 – Nov 30, 2025	Varies by market	Oconomowoc, WI	Free entry	Check Oconomowoc hotels on booking.com	https://germanchristmasmarket.org/
Nov – Dec 2025	Daytime and evenings	Milwaukee, WI and nearby towns	Free entry	Search Milwaukee hotels on booking.com	https://www.visitmilwaukee.org/events/major-events/holiday-markets/

Different towns hold their markets on separate weekends. Check the official German Christmas Market Oconomowoc or Milwaukee holiday markets sites for the latest details.

36) Festive candle making workshops

Candle making workshops pop up at several Wisconsin Christmas markets. You can jump in and make your own holiday candle while learning about scents and colors.

Workshops usually welcome all ages. The staff takes you through step-by-step instructions—pouring wax, adding decorations, and all that good stuff.

Materials like wax, wicks, and jars are typically included in the cost. Makes it easy to just show up and get creative.

You’ll often find these workshops in bigger cities like Madison. Sessions fill up fast, so signing up early is smart if you’re interested.

Besides making a candle, you can chat with local crafters and maybe pick up a few home project tips. It’s a relaxed way to spend an hour or two indoors, especially if the weather outside isn’t great.

Afterward, you can shop for candle supplies or finished candles at nearby stalls. Making something with your own hands just feels good—plus, you take home a handmade souvenir.

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
November 21–23, 2025	Varies by market	The American Club, 419 Highland Dr, Kohler, WI 53044	$10–$30	The American Club (booking.com)	https://www.kohlerwisconsin.com/explore-more/activities-and-events/holiday-market
December 2025	Varies by market	Madison Central, Madison, WI	$10–$25	The Madison Concourse Hotel (booking.com)	https://findthemarkets.com/christmas/madison-christmas-markets/

37) Vintage holiday decorations

Vintage holiday decorations are a big draw at Wisconsin Christmas markets. Vendors line their booths with glass ornaments, old candle holders, and hand-painted wooden toys.

These pieces bring a real sense of tradition. They remind you of holidays from years ago—even if you weren’t around for them.

Markets like the Old World Christmas Market at The Osthoff Resort are famous for classic German ornaments and nostalgic décor. Nutcrackers, tinsel garlands, and blown glass Santas pop up everywhere.

Collectors and families often hunt for unique pieces to add to their holiday displays. You’ll see tree toppers, metal signs, and figurines shaped like reindeer or angels.

The variety is huge, so whether you like understated or over-the-top, you’ll probably find something that fits. Vintage decorations just have a certain magic, don’t they?

Shopping for these pieces connects you with the past. Each item has a story, and it adds a traditional look you can’t really fake.

If you want an authentic or historical Christmas touch, Wisconsin’s markets have plenty to offer.

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Dec 5-14, 2025	10 AM-5 PM	101 Osthoff Ave, Elkhart Lake, WI	$7	The Osthoff Resort	https://osthoff.com/old-world-christmas-market/

38) Outdoor fire pits for warming

Outdoor fire pits show up at just about every Wisconsin Christmas market. They give you a spot to warm up when the air turns frigid.

You’ll usually see fire pits set up right in the heart of the market. That way, you can swing by between browsing booths or grabbing a snack.

Events like the German Christmas Market in Oconomowoc use big steel fire pits. People tend to gather in small groups, chatting and soaking up the heat.

Markets such as the Sparta Kriskindlmarkt also set up fire pits so you can eat or hang out outside without freezing. It’s a simple thing, but it makes a big difference.

If you wander through holiday markets in Milwaukee, you’ll probably spot a fire pit area with seating. These areas are perfect for warming your hands or meeting up with friends.

Nights get cold here in December, so knowing you can stop by a fire pit makes the whole outing a lot more appealing.

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay (booking.com)	Website Address
Dec 5-7, 2025	11am-8pm	104 E. Wisconsin Ave, Oconomowoc, WI	Free Entry	The Delafield Hotel	https://germanchristmasmarket.org/

39) Live nativity scenes

Live nativity scenes are a special part of Christmas in Wisconsin. Volunteers (and sometimes actual animals) act out the story of Jesus’s birth in a manger.

You can watch or even walk through the scenes. The “Journey to Bethlehem Live Nativity” in Richland Center is a good example.

This event brings in live music, simple crafts, and a chance to reflect on the Christmas story. It’s set up for families and doesn’t cost anything to attend.

Some towns, like Mineral Point, offer a drive-thru live nativity. You stay in your car, listen to carols, and watch the scene unfold—super convenient if it’s snowing or freezing out.

Here’s a quick look at a few Wisconsin live nativity scenes:

Event Name	Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to stay nearby	Website
Journey to Bethlehem Live Nativity	December 2025*	Check local listing	Richland Center, WI	Free	Hotels in Richland Center	Journey to Bethlehem Live Nativity
Drive Thru Live Nativity, Mineral Point	December 2025*	Check local listing	900 Fair St, Mineral Point, WI	Free	Hotels in Mineral Point	Drive Thru Live Nativity

*Exact dates and times might change, so check the official sites before heading out.

40) Caroling events at markets

Caroling always seems to pop up at Wisconsin Christmas markets. You’ll hear classic holiday songs sung live by local choirs or groups, usually in the evenings.

At bigger markets, like those in Milwaukee, carolers stroll through the crowd or sing from a little stage. You get live music while you shop for gifts or food.

Sometimes, visitors are invited to join in, which adds to the holiday traditions. It’s a nice way to feel part of the fun.

Markets in Sparta and Milwaukee almost always include caroling in their entertainment lineup. Some groups announce their times, others just show up and start singing.

You’ll find carolers at both big city markets and smaller town events. Some focus on German or Swiss music, and for kids, there might be a chance to sing with Santa or join a holiday parade.

Here’s a table with a few caroling events at Wisconsin Christmas markets in 2025:

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby (Booking.com)	Website
Nov 29–Dec 22, 2025	Evenings	Various, Milwaukee	Free entry	Hotels in Milwaukee	Milwaukee Holiday Markets
Nov 29–Dec 15, 2025	Fri–Sun, Evenings	Creekside, Sparta Kriskindlmarkt	Free entry	Hotels in Sparta	Sparta Kriskindlmarkt
Dec 6–8, 2024*	Afternoons	400 Railroad St, New Glarus	Free entry	Hotels in New Glarus	New Glarus Christkindli Market

*New Glarus dates are from 2024, but future announcements are expected.