Last year, Milwaukee lost the Christkindlmarket that for several years set up shop(s) right outside Fiserv Forum. While arguably the most visible of the German-themed holiday commerce opportunities in the area, it certainly wasn’t the only one. West Allis had its turn last weekend, Menomonee Falls is up this Saturday, and one of the season’s biggest starts this Wednesday and runs through Dec. 17.
That last one belongs to the Wauwatosa Holiday Market, which is not skimping on authenticity for its 12-day experience. The event will feature custom-built chalets from Germany, along with food-and-drink options befitting the theme: sausages, pretzels, beer and mulled wine, to name a few.
Much of the entertainment wouldn’t be out of place in the Alpine region, either, with accordions and large brass instruments playing a significant role. Various polka-forward groups will perform under the heated festival tent, along with the occasional appearance by other Milwaukee-area favorites like The Love Monkeys.
The vendor side of things runs the gamut from candles to caramels and honey to headware, with shopping hours running from 3 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. Parking and admissions are both free for the market, which is set up in the Harts Mills Lot at 7735 Harwood Ave. in Wauwatosa.
You can find the entertainment lineup below and more information, including a list of vendors, on the Wauwatosa Holiday Market website.
Wauwatosa Holiday Market entertainment schedule
Wednesday, Dec. 6
- 3-5 p.m. — Mike Schneider Band
- 5:30-9 p.m. — Twin Lakes Trio
Thursday, Dec. 7
- 6-9 p.m. — The Love Monkeys
Friday, Dec. 8
- 3:30-6:30 p.m. — Erich Von Klassen
- 7-10 p.m. — Alpine Blast
Saturday, Dec. 9
- 11 a.m.-3 p.m. — Kenny Brandt Duo
- 3:30-6:30 p.m. — Arilya
- 7-10 p.m. — Copper Box
Sunday, Dec. 10
- 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. — Alte Kameraden
- 3-6 p.m. — Brett Gaertner
Monday, Dec. 11
- 5-8 p.m. — Twin Lakes Duo
Tuesday, Dec. 12
- 5-8 p.m. — Erich Von Klassen
Wednesday, Dec. 13
- 5-8 p.m. — The Biermen
Thursday, Dec. 14
- 5-8 p.m. — Mike Schneider Band
Friday, Dec. 15
- 7-10 p.m. — The Polkaholics
Saturday, Dec. 16
- 11 a.m.-3 p.m. — Kenny Brandt Duo
- 3:30-6:30 p.m. — Alpine Blast Duo
- 7-10 p.m. — Blaskapelle Milwaukee
Sunday, Dec. 17
- 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. — The Squeezettes
