We’ve all been there. It’s well into December, our shopping list is still way too long, and we turn to some massive online retailer who honestly couldn’t care less if we throw our money onto their pile.
Friends, we’re here to tell you there is another way. As we began compiling this list, we’re not even two weeks into November, which means there’s plenty of time to do something more thoughtful with your consumer power while you make the task of shopping actually enjoyable.
Below, you’ll find a collection of Milwaukee holiday markets that bring together talented community members offering truly memorable gifts for the special people on your list. Best of all, your patronage will be met with some very real gratitude that will warm your heart this holiday season.
So peruse the details below, find at least one event to attend in the weeks to come, and happy shopping.
Milwaukee holiday markets
Holiday Folk Fair international
Expo Center at State Fair Park
Nov. 21-23
This multicultural festival and program from the International Institute of Wisconsin celebrates the heritage of the people living in southeastern Wisconsin. The theme of this year’s market is “Celebrate the Culture of Traditional Music,” highlighting the melodies, lyrics and instruments used to tell stories of people around the world and music’s role in preserving cultural identity, celebrating life’s moments and educating others.
The 82nd annual event features an international bazaar, coffee house, world cafe, children’s area, chef’s stage, heritage lane, All Nations Theater and more.
Deer District Holiday Market
Fiserv Forum
Nov. 21-30 (closed on Thanksgiving)
At this inaugural event organized by Deer District BID #53, attendees will find a curated lineup of local vendors offering crafted apparel, food, beauty products, home furnishings and more. Plus, there will be holiday-themed photo opps, as well as seasonal food and drink specials from the various businesses that call the Deer District home.
Each day also will feature seasonal entertainment, including the city tree-lighting ceremony Nov. 21, appearances by Santa Claus, performances from the cast of The Grinch and The Pigeon Gets a Bigtime Holiday Extravaganza.
Walker’s Point Makers Market & Bar Hop
Walker’s Point
Nov. 22
Right here in Radio Milwaukee’s neighborhood is one of the most unique shopping experiences of the holiday season that takes a lineup of 70+ makers and spreads them across some truly festive locations in Walker’s Point. You’ll find vendors at five different locations:
- Broken Bat Brewing Co. at 135 E. Pittsburgh Ave.
- Indeed Brewing Co. at 530 S. 2nd St.
- Station 1846 at 215 W. Bruce St.
- MobCraft Beer at 505 S. 5th St.
- Great Lakes Distillery at 616 W. Virginia St.
With a variety of goods (jewelry, decor, metalworking, etc.) and beverages (beer, seltzer, spirits, etc.) on hand, please remember to shop and drink responsibly.
Milwaukee Makers Market
Discovery World
Nov. 29 and Dec. 21
The Milwaukee Makers Market should be familiar to anyone connected with the local maker community, with events that run all year long at locations across the area. They have two big events scheduled for Discovery World during the holiday shopping season, starting with Shop Small Saturday on Nov. 29 and continuing with the Holiday Showcase on Dec. 21. If you can’t make it on either of those dates, they also have the Milwaukee Makers Marketplace located inside Hide House Creative at 2625 S. Greeley St., Suite 135.
West Allis Christkindlmarkt
West Allis Farmers Market
Dec. 5-6
This traditional outdoor Christmas market returns for the eighth time, bringing more than 50 vendors to the farmers market located at 6501 W. National Ave. Attendees can expect to find specialty food retailers, artisan craft vendors, live music, food trucks, beer from local breweries and more.
SAUCED Night Market
Pilot Project Brewing
Dec. 5-6
The market will feature the finest holiday goods from more than 40 local vendors, including returnees like Love U Candle, Bold Blossom Shop, Souvenir Regrets and Lydia Andersen Studio, plus newcomers like Wood Candle Co., Gilded & Grace, NomiWare and Vardeaux. Visitors can grab the perfect edible gift from Soothsayer Hot Sauce or Heady Cup Coffee Roasters while enjoying Pilot Project's full lineup of beer, seltzer and canned cocktails, as well as tunes from DJ Dudley Noon.
Santa’s Holiday Gift Market
Brady Street
Dec. 6
It’s a festive day of community spirit, as the Brady Street Business Improvement District brings together local makers, artisans and small businesses for indoor and outdoor shopping. In addition to the handmade goods and treats, Santa will be at the market all day long, and there will be a hoodie collection for Cass Street School to help keep students warm throughout the winter. Make sure to keep an eye out for the Milwaukee Santa Cycle Rampage bike ride, which will bring a fleet of Kris Kringles, elves and other holiday characters rolling through the area.
Hover Craft Holiday Market
The Pritzlaff Building
Dec. 7
Coming up on its 16th year, this market has grown into one of the area’s most beloved (and warmest, if you prefer to do your shopping indoors). More than 120 artists, designers and makers will be under the roof of the Pritzlaff Building at 143 W. St. Paul Ave. to support the local folks who are part of our community year-round. Ceramicists, printmakers, woodworkers, jewelers and more will be on hand to share their work and help you cross a few names off your holiday shopping list.
