Christmas Markets Wisconsin 2025: 50 Best Festive Events and Holiday Markets
Table of Contents
- 1 Find the Best Accommodations
- 2 41) Santa visits and children activities
- 3 42) Holiday cocktail tastings
- 4 43) European-style mulled cider
- 5 44) Gingerbread house displays
- 6 45) Festive holiday clothing stalls
- 7 46) Christmas market souvenir mugs
- 8 47) Kid-friendly craft areas
- 9 48) Holiday storytime sessions
- 10 49) Live brass bands performing carols
- 11 50) Holiday-themed photo booths
Find the Best Accommodations
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41) Santa visits and children activities
Santa visits are a huge draw at Wisconsin Christmas markets. You can usually find Santa ready for photos and a quick chat with kids.
For example, at the German Christmas Market in Oconomowoc, Santa’s around from 10am to 5pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 10am to 3pm on Sundays.
Lots of markets offer other fun for children—crafts, live music, and story times. Sometimes there are workshops, or spots where kids can write letters to Santa.
If the weather’s right, you might even find light tours, ice skating, or carriage rides. Family-friendly activities run all day, so you don’t have to stress about timing.
Most markets make sure kids have a safe spot to play and enjoy the festivities. Here’s a quick table with details on markets featuring Santa and children’s activities:
| Dates | Times | Address | Cost | Nearby Stay (Booking.com) | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 5-14, 2025 | 10am-5pm (daily) | 101 Osthoff Ave, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020 | $7/adult | The Osthoff Resort | https://osthoff.com/old-world-christmas-market/ |
| Nov 29 – Jan 1, 2025 | Market Vendors Thurs-Sun | 710 Spring St, Somerset, WI 54025 | Varies | AmericInn by Wyndham Somerset | https://samschristmasvillage.com/ |
| Nov 29 – Dec 1, 2025 | Fri & Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10-3pm | 104 E Wisconsin Ave, Oconomowoc, WI 53066 | Free | Hilton Garden Inn Oconomowoc | https://germanchristmasmarket.org/ |
42) Holiday cocktail tastings
Holiday cocktail tastings are a favorite at Wisconsin Christmas markets. Many markets set up special bars or pop-up drink stands where you can try festive cocktails.
You’ll spot options like mulled wine, spiced cider, and other creative drinks with classic holiday flavors.
Bigger markets, especially in Milwaukee, roll out pop-up bars with unique holiday cocktails for anyone over 21. You can sip something festive while you wander the stalls.
Remember, alcohol’s only for those of legal age—vendors will check your ID. Most markets also have non-alcoholic versions, so everyone can join in on the cheer.
Here’s a quick table for a market with holiday cocktail tastings:
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 5-14, 2025 | 10 AM – 5 PM | 101 Osthoff Ave, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020 | $7 (adults) | The Osthoff Resort, Book at booking.com | Old World Christmas Market |
43) European-style mulled cider
You’ll find European-style mulled cider at nearly every Wisconsin Christmas market in 2025. Vendors heat up spiced apple cider with cinnamon, cloves, or orange.
The smell alone is enough to draw a crowd. This cider is usually non-alcoholic, so it works for everyone.
Some markets also serve mulled wine if you want something a little stronger. Both drinks are traditions borrowed from German and Dutch markets, which have shaped Wisconsin’s holiday scene.
You can get your cider in a reusable mug or just a paper cup, usually for $3 to $5. Look for it at events like the Top 10 Christmas Markets in Wisconsin—Milwaukee, Madison, and Sparta are safe bets.
Here’s some info to help plan your cider fix:
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby (booking.com) | Website Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov-Dec 2025 (varies) | Varies by city | See market websites | Free entry | Search cities like Milwaukee on booking.com | https://christmasmarketusa.com/christmas-markets-wisconsin-2025/ |
44) Gingerbread house displays
Gingerbread house displays are a sweet highlight at several Wisconsin Christmas markets in 2025. At the Old World Christmas Market in Elkhart Lake, you’ll spot gingerbread houses alongside European treats and crafts.
These displays get pretty creative, with all sorts of candy decorations and details. In Milwaukee, check out the MATC Parade of Gingerbread Houses at the Public Market from December 6 to December 12.
Admission is free, and you’ll find the display in the main atrium during business hours. Green Bay’s airport also goes all out with 17 gingerbread creations—some stand three feet tall, and one even copies Lambeau Field in gingerbread form.
Families and kids especially love these displays. Most are easy to visit and set up in public indoor spaces, so you don’t have to worry about the weather.
| Event | Dates | Times | Location | Cost | Hotels Nearby/from Booking.com | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old World Christmas Market (Elkhart Lake) | Dec 6–15, 2025 | 10:00 am–5:00 pm | 101 Osthoff Ave, Elkhart Lake, WI | Varies | The Osthoff Resort | https://christmasmarketusa.com/christmas-markets-wisconsin-2025/16/ |
| MATC Parade of Gingerbread Houses (Milwaukee) | Dec 6–12, 2025 | Market business hrs | 400 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI | Free | Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Downtown | https://milwaukeepublicmarket.org/events/matc-gingerbread-parade-of-houses |
| Green Bay Airport Gingerbread Display | December 2025 | Airport hours | 2077 Airport Dr, Green Bay, WI | Free | Lodge Kohler, Green Bay | https://spectrumnews1.com/wi/milwaukee/news/2024/12/23/gingerbread-house-display-at-grb |
45) Festive holiday clothing stalls
When you wander through Christmas markets in Wisconsin, you’ll spot plenty of stalls packed with festive holiday clothing. Sweaters, scarves, and hats with seasonal patterns fill the racks.
Warm gloves and socks are easy to find, too, which is a lifesaver when the December chill sets in. Some vendors bring handmade clothing from local artists, and honestly, that adds a nice personal touch.
Most sellers go for simple, practical designs rather than anything too flashy. You’ll notice lots of cozy wool and fleece—those seem to be crowd favorites at these markets.
If you’re hunting for unique gifts, these clothing stalls offer options for all ages. Packing clothing as a souvenir is super convenient, and it’s actually useful, not just something that sits on a shelf.
Most stalls take both cash and digital payments, so you don’t have to stress about having the right bills.
Here’s a table with a few Wisconsin Christmas markets where you’ll find holiday clothing stalls:
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby (Booking.com) | Website Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 5-14, 2025 | 10am-5pm | 101 Osthoff Ave, Elkhart Lake | $7/Adult, Kids Free | The Osthoff Resort | https://osthoff.com/old-world-christmas-market/ |
| Nov 21-23, 2025 | Not Listed | 419 Highland Dr, Kohler | Not Listed | The American Club | https://www.kohlerwisconsin.com/explore-more/activities-and-events/holiday-market |
| Dec 2025 (exact TBD) | Not Listed | Village Green, Ripon | Free | Boarders Inn & Suites by Cobblestone | https://christmasmarketusa.com/christmas-markets-wisconsin-2025/12/ |
| Dec 2025 (exact TBD) | Not Listed | Downtown, Egg Harbor | Free | Newport Resort | https://christmasmarketusa.com/christmas-markets-wisconsin-2025/ |
46) Christmas market souvenir mugs
At Wisconsin Christmas markets, you’ll see souvenir mugs at nearly every drink stand. Hot cocoa, cider, or mulled wine usually comes in these mugs.
When you grab a drink, you might pay a small deposit or fee for the mug. You can keep it or return it and get your money back—pretty fair, right?
Souvenir mugs almost always show the year and the market’s name. Some have just the city name, while others get creative with festive artwork or a local landmark.
People love collecting these mugs. You’ll spot folks carrying them around as they browse the stalls.
They’re handy keepsakes since you can reuse them at home. Some markets roll out a new mug design each year, so if you’re a collector, that’s a fun bonus.
Here’s a table with details for a few 2025 Wisconsin Christmas markets:
| Market Name | Dates | Times | Address | Cost | Nearby Hotels (booking.com) | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wauwatosa Holiday Market | Dec 3 – 21, 2025 | Not listed | 7735 Harwood Ave, Wauwatosa | Free entry | Wauwatosa hotels | https://tosaholidaymarket.com/ |
| German Christmas Market, Oconomowoc | Nov 26 – 30, 2025 | Not listed | Oconomowoc | Free entry | Oconomowoc hotels | https://germanchristmasmarket.org/ |
| Central Park Christmas Craft Market | Not listed | Not listed | Two Rivers (Central Park) | Free entry | Two Rivers hotels | https://christmasmarketusa.com/christmas-markets-wisconsin-2025/ |
47) Kid-friendly craft areas
A lot of Wisconsin Christmas markets set up craft areas just for kids. Children can make holiday decorations and other simple crafts there.
Staff or volunteers usually help out, which takes some pressure off parents. Most of these craft stations are indoors, so you don’t have to worry about the cold.
Craft supplies are either included with admission or available for a small fee. Families can visit these spots during regular market hours.
Big markets often switch up the crafts every day, so if you come back, you’ll probably find something new. Safety is always a priority at these craft areas.
Adults can hang out nearby and lend a hand if their kids need help. Some markets also offer hands-on activities and workshops that focus on creative skills.
Oconomowoc’s German Christmas Market and others around Wisconsin make these craft experiences a big part of their family programming.
| Dates | Times | Location/address | Cost | Where to stay nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 5-14, 2025 | 10 AM–5 PM | Osthoff Resort, 101 Osthoff Ave, Elkhart Lake, WI | $7 adults, kids 14 and under free | Nearby hotels | Old World Christmas Market |
48) Holiday storytime sessions
Several Christmas markets in Wisconsin host holiday storytime sessions. Local storytellers, librarians, or performers read classic Christmas tales to kids and families.
They usually hold these sessions in heated tents or inside, which is a relief when it’s freezing outside. Sessions run several times a day, especially on weekends, so you can pick a time that fits your schedule.
Most are free with market entry, but sometimes there’s a small donation box. Storytellers often share favorites like “The Night Before Christmas” or fun holiday folktales.
Sometimes kids get to meet the storyteller in costume or snap a photo after the reading. Christmas markets usually post their storytime schedules online.
The Old World Christmas Market in Elkhart Lake, for example, sometimes includes story hours in its December programming.
Here’s a table with sample info for a holiday storytime session at Wisconsin markets:
| Date | Time | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 5-14, 2025 | 11am, 2pm | 101 Osthoff Ave, Elkhart Lake, WI | $7 adults | The Osthoff Resort on booking.com | https://osthoff.com/old-world-christmas-market/ |
| Dec 3-21, 2025 | 12pm, 3pm | 7735 Harwood Ave, Wauwatosa, WI | Free | Holiday Inn Express Milwaukee-Wauwatosa | https://tosaholidaymarket.com/ |
49) Live brass bands performing carols
At Wisconsin Christmas markets, you’ll hear the bold, bright sound of live brass bands. These groups play classic Christmas carols all around the market.
Trumpets, trombones, and tubas fill the air with music that just feels like the holidays. Brass bands bring a lively, joyful energy that’s hard to ignore.
They usually set up in the main square or near the busiest stalls. You can stop and listen for a while, or just enjoy the music as you stroll by.
Local church or community bands often perform, and in bigger cities like Milwaukee, sometimes you’ll get professional ensembles playing holiday classics. Schedules usually show up on brochures or signs at the entrance.
Crowds gather around brass bands for evening carols. Most performances are outdoors, but some churches and halls host indoor concerts during December.
Here’s what to expect at a few Wisconsin Christmas markets with live brass performances:
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2025 weekends | Early evening | Downtown Milwaukee | Free | Hampton Inn & Suites Milwaukee Downtown | https://www.milwaukeedowntown.com/bid-events/holiday-music |
| Dec 2025 | Afternoon/Evening | Churches & Markets Oconomowoc | Free | Staybridge Suites Oconomowoc | https://www.facebook.com/groups/377802510617538/posts/1098591671871948/ |
50) Holiday-themed photo booths
Holiday-themed photo booths pop up all over Wisconsin Christmas markets. You’ll spot booths decked out with festive backdrops—think Christmas trees, oversized ornaments, or those classic wintery scenes.
Some markets even set up spots for photos with Santa. It’s a bit of a tradition at this point.
You and your family can snap pictures to remember the day. Most booths offer props—Santa hats, reindeer antlers, maybe even some goofy glasses.
Bigger markets sometimes hand out instant photo prints for a small fee. Not a bad souvenir, honestly.
These photo booths seem to draw the biggest crowds at family-friendly events. Kids can join holiday activities and hop into a photo with Santa at several of the larger markets.
Central locations and clear signs make these booths easy to find. No need to wander around aimlessly.
The Kohler Holiday Market and Dodgeville Holiday Wonderland Market both lean into that festive vibe, with plenty of photo spots. You usually don’t have to book a time slot in advance.
Here’s a quick table with some info about a few Wisconsin Christmas markets where you’ll probably find photo booths.
| Market Name | Dates | Times | Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kohler Holiday Market | Nov 17–19, 2025 | Not listed | 419 Highland Drive, Kohler, WI | Entry: Free | The American Club (via booking.com) | https://findthemarkets.com/christmas/kohler-christmas-markets/ |
| Madison Christmas Market | Dec 1–23, 2025 | Fri–Sun 11AM–8PM | Central Park, Madison, WI | Entry: Free | The Madison Concourse Hotel (via booking.com) | https://findthemarkets.com/christmas/madison-christmas-markets/ |
| Dodgeville Holiday Wonderland Market | Not listed | Not listed | Dodgeville, WI | Entry: Free | Don Q Inn (via booking.com) | https://christmasmarketusa.com/christmas-markets-wisconsin-2025/16/ |
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.
