The Christkindlmarket Christmas market originated in Chicago, the Christkindlmarket first arrived in Milwaukee in 2018.
Now in its second year, the Christkindlmarket is Milwaukee’s premier German-style winter holiday market. Located right downtown, the market takes over the entire entertainment plaza located directly outside of the Fiserv Forum, home of the Milwaukee Bucks, Marquette Golden Eagles, and plenty of top-notch concerts.
Sprawling over the equivalent of about two city blocks, the Christkindlmarket Milwaukee is an awesome destination for kids and adults with tons of great food, drink, and shopping options. The festival can be enjoyed as a stand-alone destination or can be coupled with an event at Fiserv Forum or along with a stop at one of the new restaurants, micro-brews, or bars in the Deer District.
Read below to learn more about Christkindlmarket Milwaukee.
Visiting the Christkindlmarket Milwaukee
FAQ Christkindlmarket Milwaukee
When in Christkindlmarket Milwaukee 2019?
- 2019 Christkindlmarket Milwaukee Dates: November 15 – December 24, 2019
What are the Christkindlemarket Milwaukee hours?
- Hours:
- Open daily, Sunday – Thursday | 11 am – 8 pm
- Friday – Saturday | 11 am – 9 pm
- Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve | 11 am – 4 pm
- Closed Christmas Day
Is there an admission fee for Christkindlmarket Milwaukee?
- There is no admission fee, the Christkindlmarket Milwaukee is free for all.
Where is Christkindlmarket Milwaukee?
Christkindlmarket Milwaukee is held at the entertainment plaza in front of Fiserv Forum, the address is: 1111 Vel R. Phillips Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203
Christkindlmarket Milwaukee Shopping
Like any good Christmas market, Christkindlmarket offers plenty of shopping opportunities perfect for holiday gift buying. The best shopping options are within a few deluxe sized heated tents that offer a variety of neat products like Christmas ornaments, European chocolates, nutcrackers, and other holiday-themed gift items.
There are plenty of other vendors scattered throughout the market space that sell other quality gift ideas like stuffed animals, various embroidered items, and other assorted crafts. Especially if looking for unique and in many cases locally made gift items, Christkindlmarket is a perfect destination.
We suggest having both cash and credit cards with you to make purchases. There are several ATM machines available to withdraw cash if needed.
Related Article: 4 Milwaukee Christmas Markets NOT to Miss
Holiday Food at Christkindlmarket Milwaukee
Be sure to time your visit to the Christkindlmarket around either lunch or dinner since the market excels at offering delicious food items. From awesome snacks like freshly made pretzels, French bakery items, and assorted sweets, to more substantial meal options like polish classics, including some really awesome pierogis that can be eaten there or taken home frozen, in addition to German classics and even Swiss-style baked cheese spread onto a sandwich. There are heated tents with communal-style tables so don’t worry about having to eat out in the cold.
Drinks at Christkindlmarket Milwaukee
Christkindlmarket offers an array of beverages certain to please either the kids or the adults. From some of the best hot chocolate around to various adult beverages, like warm mulled wine and plenty of tasty German beers, Christkindlmarket has something for everyone.
If buying the mulled wine, visitors have the option of paying a bit extra for a take-home holiday-themed mug that can make for a nice souvenir.
Parking at Christkindlmarket Milwaukee
There are numerous options for parking near the Christkindlmarket. The easiest is the Fiserv Forum parking structure, though you will have to pay (sometimes as high as $15 or $20). There are also street parking options on the surrounding streets, though these often fill up pretty quick. For other free parking options, you may have to head a bit south or north of Fiserv Forum for free street parking, though be prepared to walk about ten minutes or so.
Make sure to read our Fiserv Forum parking guide that goes in-depth over the parking options and our hotels near the Fiserv Forum guide if you plan on spending the night.