Shop small at these 9 holiday markets & craft fairs across Wisconsin
Get creative with your holiday shopping and find one-of-a-kind gifts this season with these 9 holiday markets & craft fairs across Wisconsin.
Who is ready to kick off a holly jolly holiday season by shopping with local, Wisconsin-owned businesses and artisans? The Saturday after Thanksgiving is officially known as Small Business Saturday, but we found plenty of holiday markets and craft fairs across Wisconsin to fill every weekend from then until nearly the end of the year!
In times like these, it’s even more important to support our community. A few of the events on the list support local causes near and dear to our hearts, like libraries, choirs, and more. Shopping at small businesses means finding one-of-a-kind gifts and cheering on business owners in a tangible way. So go ahead—get some (or all) of your holiday shopping done when you visit these 9 holiday markets and craft fairs!
1. Hillsboro Holiday Market
Where: 206 East Madison Street, Hillsboro
When: Saturday, Nov. 29, from 10 am to 3 pm
Admission: Free
This is the 5th annual Hillsboro Holiday Market held at Hillsboro Brewing Company. While you’re at the brewery, shop with over 20 local craft vendors and enjoy special holiday drinks. If you have little ones who are excited to meet Santa, they’ll also find him here and can take a photo (with a food donation). The market hosts a food drive at this event and appreciates any pantry-stable donations.
2. Handmade Holiday Market
Where: The Lismore Hotel (333 Gibson St., Eau Claire)
When: Saturday, Nov. 29, from 10 am to 3 pm
Admission: Free
Stop by the Lismore Hotel for the Handmade Holiday Market in Eau Claire. This handmade market features local crafters and artisans—the perfect place to shop for seasonal decor and holiday gifts for one day only, while supporting small businesses.
3. Door County Christkindlmarkt Market
Where: 10310 Fieldcrest Road, Sister Bay
When: Three weekends (Nov. 28-30, Dec. 5-7, and Dec. 12-14; from 11 am to 7 pm Friday-Saturday and 11 am to 3 pm on Sundays, last weekend 11 am to 6 pm Friday and Saturday)
Admission: Free
You can shop small for three weekends at Door County’s Christkindlmarkt Market beginning November 28. This European-style market in Sister Bay features local artists, German delights like Glühwein (spiced wine), sausage, and even live music. This event will surely get you in the holiday spirit!
4. Oconomowoc Christmas Market
Where: 100 East Wisconsin Avenue, Oconomowoc
When: Thanksgiving weekend (Nov. 26, from 5 pm to 10 pm, Nov. 28-29, from 10 am to 10 pm, Nov. 30, from 10 am to 4 pm)
Admission: $3
Oconomowoc German Christmas Market is hosting their 14th annual market, which will include live polka music (an honored Wisconsin classic), European-inspired food, and one-of-a-kind, handcrafted goods. This market isn’t just a great way to support Wisconsin small businesses—it’s a wholly unique experience. Did you know this celebration honors Oconomowoc’s sister city in Germany, Dietzenbach?
5. DePere Holiday Craft Faire
Where: De Pere High School (1700 Chicago Street, De Pere)
When: Saturday, Nov. 29, from 9 am to 3 pm
Admission: $4 (suggested donation)
For over 40 years, DePere has celebrated Small Business Saturday with the DePere Holiday Craft Faire. Over 200 booths showcase Wisconsin small businesses with handcrafted goods from garden designs to handmade mittens. The craft faire supports student events and efforts at DePere.
6. Kenosha Public Holiday Market
Where: Kemper Center (6501 3rd Avenue, Kenosha)
When: Dec. 6-7, from 10 am to 4 pm
Admission: Free
This year, the Kenosha Public Market is presenting the Merry & Bright Holiday Market as a special holiday twist. For the kiddos, there are pictures with Santa and s’mores kits, and for holiday shoppers, a chance to pick up a unique gift from over 50 different local vendors.
7. Dancing Dragonfly Holiday Boutique
Where: Dancing Dragonfly Winery (2013 120th Avenue, Saint Croix Falls)
When: Saturday, Nov. 29, Dec. 6, and Dec. 13, from 11 am to 4 pm
Admission: Free
The Dancing Dragonfly isn’t only an incredible winery, but for three Saturdays this season, it’s home to the Dancing Dragonfly Holiday Boutique. Each weekend will showcase different small business owners and their goods, along with hourly door prizes and, of course, wine in the tasting room!
8. Cedarburg Holiday Art Fair
Where: W63 N641 Washington Avenue, Cedarburg
When: December 5 (10 am to 8 pm), December 6 (10 am to 5 pm), and December 7 (10 am to 3 pm)
Admission: Free
Cedarburg’s Holiday Art Fair runs December 5, 6, and 7, and beginning at 10 am each day, you can find unique handmade works of art. A wide variety of gifts and artwork will be available, from jewelry and woodwork to sculptures and photography.
9. Dane County Holiday Market
Where: Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center (1 John Nolen Drive)
When: Saturdays, Nov. 22, Dec. 6, Dec. 13, and Dec. 20, from 7:30 am to 12 pm
Admission: Free ($5 for parking)
This market only sells goods related to Wisconsin agriculture, not crafts, but the Dane County Holiday Market should still be a stop on your small business list! The market hosts over 60 vendors that can help put together your holiday meals in one trip.
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