Shopping is one of those activities that, unfortunately, have become a more solitary endeavor. Being able to get everything you need online scores major points for convenience and a negative-billion points for connection.
This, by the way, is coming from a person who used to HATE in-person shopping. The driving. The parking. The crowds. The “how do they have this in every size but mine???” phenomenon.
The silver lining of the online shopping takeover is that several of those factors aren’t nearly as annoying because there aren’t nearly as many people out and about. So, during this time of year when commerce is king, doing things the “old fashioned” way doesn’t look quite so bad — especially when you take into account the rise of holiday markets.
The benefits of these experiences are legion. They’re vibrant. They’re diverse. They’re local, both in geography and in the type of vendors on hand. The stuff you can buy isn’t more of the same old, same old. Best of all, you’re more likely to end up with something that isn’t going to break next week.
For all of those reasons and more, a lot of holiday markets spring up around the Milwaukee area this time of year. Here are just a few you should visit over the next couple weeks as you cross names off your “nice” list (or just want to buy something nice for yourself).
Milwaukee-area holiday markets
Blackity Black Holiday Market
Saturday, Nov. 30 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Turner Hall
There isn’t a better place to start on Small Business Saturday than HYFIN’s Blackity Black Holiday Market. Launched as part of HYFIN’s commitment to amplifying Black businesses and culture, this annual event has emerged as a transformative force in Milwaukee’s entrepreneurial landscape. Attendees browsed 60 local Black-owned businesses in 2023, and we invite you to join us for another incredible experience this year.
Anodyne’s Merry & Bright Holiday Market
Station 1846 Holiday Market
Sunday, Dec. 8 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Anodyne | 224 W. Bruce St.
Tis the season to celebrate the fourth annual Annual Merry & Bright Market at Anodyne’s Walker's Point location. There will be over 20 vendors selling curated and handmade goods for all your holiday needs, coffee and other beverages, snacks from Tots on the Street, and — new this year — an outdoor market courtesy of Station 1846..
Brady Street Holiday Market
Saturday, Dec. 7 | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Brady Street
This fun event boasts a wide variety of local Milwaukee artists and artisans, live music and entertainment, photos with Santa courtesy of GEM Photo, and a wreath-making workshop with Katie Schwarz. The market is free to attend, but you must register for the wreath-making workshop in advance.
Falls Christkindl Market
Saturday, Dec. 14 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Centennial Plaza | N88W16688 Main St., Menomonee Falls
The third annual European-inspired Christkindl Market in Menomonee Falls features downtown shops and eateries decked out for the holidays, horse-drawn carriage rides through the historic district, live reindeer and pictures inside Santa’s Workshop. You’ll also find indoor and outdoor holiday vendors, the best German bands in Wisconsin, German cuisine like brats and stolen, and Gluhwein available in a 2024 commemorative mug.
Hover Craft
Sunday, Dec. 1 | Noon to 6 p.m.
Pritzlaff Building | 143 W. St. Paul Ave., Milwaukee
Now in its 15th year, Hover Craft will welcome more than 120 artists, crafters, makers, designers and creatives of all sorts to create a truly one-of-a-kind shopping destination with perfectly unique and handmade gifts for everyone on your list. Colectivo Coffee will have an assortment of coffee and teas, while Pritzlaff Events will have their full bar open for sodas, bloody marys and more. Due to the popularity of Hover Craft, organizers ask that you purchase a ticket in advance, although there will be a very small number available at the door.
MIAD Holiday Sale
Thursday, Dec. 5 | 6 to 9 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 6 | 5 to 9 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 7 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design | 273 E. Erie St., Milwaukee
A holiday tradition held every year during the first weekend of December, the MIAD Holiday Sale is your opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind art and design works created by MIAD students and alumni, and meet the artists and designers behind the amazing creations. Gifts range from sculptures, paintings and photographs to jewelry, stickers, greeting cards and more. Seventy percent of sale proceeds support the participating student artists and designers, and 30% benefit MIAD student scholarships.
Milwaukee Krampusnacht
Sunday, Dec. 1 | 3 to 10 p.m.
The Brewery District, Milwaukee
Milwaukee Krampusnacht returns to the Brewery District with more than 50 vendors, live music, comedy, karaoke, games, food and drink, a new scavenger hunt, Kid's Krampus Hour and other family-friendly activities, and of course the Krampus Parade. For the full schedule and a list of vendors, visit the Milwaukee Krampusnacht website.
Milwaukee Makers Market Holiday Events
Saturday, Nov. 30 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 15 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Discovery World Pavilion | 500 N. Harbor Dr.
Milwaukee Makers Market encourages you to shop small, local businesses this holiday season with two events coming up at Discovery World. On Nov. 30, the market will feature more than 50 local businesses, including art, jewelry, soaps, clothing, candles, unique gifts, Milwaukee themed accessories and more. Two weeks later, the Holiday Pop-Up will take over the pavilion with another great collection of hand-picked vendors.
Saint Kate Holiday Marketplace
Saturday, Nov. 30 | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 1 | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel | 139 E. Kilbourn Ave., Milwaukee
Experience and enjoy the holiday ambiance of Saint Kate's ARC Theatre while interacting and connecting with over 60 local artists and vendors. This holiday showcase is the ideal place to find perfect gifts for friends and family, all while taking in the sights and sounds of local music and art!
Sauced Very Merry Night Market
Dec. 6-7 | 5 to 10 p.m.
Pilot Project Brewing | 1128 N. 9th St., Milwaukee
Sauced returns to Pilot Project Brewing, giving you the chance to check all the names off your holiday list with gifts from over 40 local vendors, including Plume, Sam Thompson Ceramics, Lydia Andersen Studio and Canni Hemp Co., as well as new vendors CTOAN Co., Sugar Studio, Cozy-hearted and Sylvia Bee. Shop for small-batch hot sauce and handmade ceramics, cozy throw blankets and one-of-a-kind art. This market will also feature treats from Sugar Studio, as well as festive sips from Drink Wisconsinbly and tunes from DJ DRiPSweat. The night market is free, but organizers ask that you RSVP in advance.
Tosa Christkindl Markt
Dec. 4-22
Harts Mills Lots | 7735 Harwood Ave., Wauwatosa
This event offers authentic traditional food, mirroring what you would have in Europe. Come hungry and enjoy hot pretzels and grilled sausages with ice cold beer, hot mulled wine or hot chocolate. You’ll enjoy a unique shopping experience, family-friendly events and live entertainment from Copper Box, The Squeezettes, The Love Monkeys, The Polkaholics and Alpine Blast in the Wintergarten. Visit the event webpage for hours, the full entertainment lineup and more information.
Tosa Locally Made Holiday Pop-Up
Saturday, Dec. 7 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Landing at Hoyt Park
Mark your calendars and plan for a holiday shopping extravaganza of epic proportions, with art, crafts, home goods, clothing and accessories, home decor, baked goods and more. Get your holiday shopping done while having a fun and relaxing time. The beer garden will be open, and K&L's BBQ food truck will serve throughout the event. Admission is free, parking is free, there’s a playground close by for the kids, plus fire pits and festive drinks to help you stay warm.
West Allis Christkindlmarkt
Friday, Dec. 6 | Noon to 9 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 7 | Noon to 4 p.m.
West Allis Farmers Market | 6501 W. National Ave.
Sponsored by the City of West Allis, WI Government and Eat West Allis, the Christkindlmarkt brings more than 70 specialty Wisconsin food retailers, product vendors and artisan crafters to the beautiful open-air West Allis Farmers Market for an unforgettable night of outdoor holiday shopping. Enjoy live music, great shopping, wine from Corvina Wine Company and brews from Westallion Brewing Company in a festive holiday atmosphere.
