Given Milwaukee’s German heritage, it should come as no surprise that the city offers numerous Christmas market options perfect for celebrating the holiday season. Any great Christmas Market offers a family-friendly environment with plenty of vendors selling all sorts of holiday-themed gift options, delicious food, and beverage options, and provide various forms of entertainment.
Some even have a Santa on site making it a perfect destination for the kids. If stopping through Milwaukee during the holidays, check out any of these Milwaukee Christmas markets.
1. Christkindlmarket Milwaukee
Entering its second year, the Christkindlmarket Milwaukee has quickly become Milwaukee’s premier holiday destination. Located in the center of downtown in the entertainment plaza across from Fiserv Forum, the Christkindlmarket has plenty of excellent food options, festive warm drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), various forms of live entertainment, and several tents filled with great Christmas gift ideas.
Especially if visiting Fiserv Forum for a concert or for a Milwaukee Bucks game, be sure to head over early to check out this awesome Christmas market. The festival has free admission and is definitely kid-friendly, and given the abundant hours, there are plenty of times to stop through for some holiday magic. Make sure to read our Fiserv Forum parking guide before heading downtown.
- No Admission Fee
- 2019 Christmas Market Dates: November 15 – December 24
- Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday | 11 am-8 pm
- Friday – Saturday | 11 am-9 pm
- Thanksgiving Day (November 28) | 11 am-4 pm
- Christmas Eve (December 24) | 11 am-4 pm
- Closed Christmas Day
- Address: 1111 Vel R. Phillips Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203
2. Christmas in the Ward
Christmas in the Ward is a one-night event definitely worth penciling into your calendar. The festival takes over most of the Historic Third Ward neighborhood. Beyond the many stores and restaurants open for business, the fest also includes plenty of vendors selling drinks and various gift items.
The roast chestnuts are perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. Kids are definitely welcome and can enjoy meeting a live reindeer, getting a reindeer sled ride, and can even meet Santa. Stick around for the end of the festival for live entertainment and a great wintertime firework show.
- No Admission Fee
- Dates: December 6
- Hours: 5:30 pm-8:30 pm
- Address: Historic Third Ward
3. Milwaukee Winter Farmers Market
While not a traditional Christmas market, the Milwaukee Winter Farmers Market is a must-visit. Located at the Mitchell Park Domes, this winter market brings together over fifty food vendors offering everything from fresh produce to fantastic already prepared foods like empanadas and spring rolls.
There are also vendors that sell a variety of artisanal products perfect for holiday gift shopping. Make it a one-stop adventure by checking out the rest of the Domes while also shopping for dinner.
- No Admission Fee
- Dates: November 2 – March 28
- Hours: Every Saturday | 9 am-1 pm, Closed November 30
- Address: Mitchell Park Domes Greenhouse Annex, 524 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53215
4. German Christmas Market of Oconomowoc
Located a bit outside of Milwaukee is the German Christmas Market of Oconomowoc. Inspired by the famous Christmas markets of Germany, this festival offers a great time for kids and adults.
During the day, head on over to visit Santa, do some holiday gift shopping, and to grab some delicious comfort food. Stick around for an evening of entertainment with live bands and other forms of entertainment. If you are willing to travel outside of Milwaukee, it’s pretty hard to beat the holiday cheer at the German Christmas Market in Oconomowoc.
- No Admission Fee. $1 for Wintergarten Tent.
- Dates: November 29 – December 1
- Hours:
- Friday | 10am-10pm
- Saturday | 10am-11pm
- Sunday | 10am-4pm
- Santa’s Hours:
- Friday and Saturday | Noon-5pm
- Sunday | 11am-4pm
- Address: 100 E. Wisconsin Ave., Oconomowoc, WI 53066