2024 Guide to Wisconsin’s Best Christmas Markets and Holiday Events

Wisconsin is known for its snowy winters and festive holiday celebrations, making it the perfect place to experience the magic of Christmas. From charming holiday markets to spectacular light displays, Wisconsin offers a variety of holiday events for locals and visitors alike. Here’s a list of the top Christmas events and markets happening across the state in 2024 – perfect for celebrating the season in the Badger State!

1. Milwaukee Christkindlmarket

Milwaukee’s Christkindlmarket brings traditional German holiday charm to Wisconsin with its open-air market, featuring holiday treats, handcrafted gifts, and festive decor. Enjoy bratwurst, glühwein, and more while browsing unique gifts in a festive atmosphere.

• Dates: November 15 – December 24, 2024
• Location: Fiserv Forum Plaza, Milwaukee
• Website: christkindlmarket.com

2. Holiday Fantasy in Lights at Olin Park

Drive through a magical display of lights at Olin Park in Madison. Holiday Fantasy in Lights is a free event featuring elaborate light displays and seasonal music, making it a favorite holiday tradition for families.

• Dates: November 17, 2024 – January 1, 2025
• Location: Olin Park, Madison
• Website: fantasyinlights.com

3. A Christmas Carol at Milwaukee Repertory Theater

Experience a heartwarming performance of Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol, at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater. This beloved holiday tradition brings the story of Ebenezer Scrooge to life with beautiful staging and talented performers.

• Dates: November 26 – December 24, 2024
• Location: Pabst Theater, Milwaukee
• Website: milwaukeerep.com

4. Green Bay Botanical Garden’s WPS Garden of Lights

The Green Bay Botanical Garden transforms into a winter wonderland with over 300,000 lights creating stunning displays. Walk through the illuminated gardens, warm up by the fire pits, and enjoy holiday treats and beverages.

• Dates: November 29, 2024 – December 30, 2024
• Location: Green Bay Botanical Garden, Green Bay
• Website: gbbg.org

5. Country Christmas at the Ingleside Hotel

Country Christmas is Wisconsin’s largest outdoor drive-through holiday light display, featuring over a million lights spread across a mile-long trail. Afterward, visit Christmas Village for even more festive decor, treats, and holiday activities.

• Dates: November 24, 2024 – January 1, 2025
• Location: Ingleside Hotel, Pewaukee
• Website: theinglesidehotel.com

6. Old World Christmas Market in Elkhart Lake

Modeled after traditional European Christmas markets, the Old World Christmas Market at the Osthoff Resort features artisan gifts, holiday decor, and authentic German food. Stroll through this charming market for unique gifts and holiday cheer.

• Dates: December 6 – December 15, 2024
• Location: Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake
• Website: osthoff.com

7. Downtown Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival

Milwaukee’s downtown lights up for the holiday season with beautiful light displays, festive decorations, and holiday activities. Enjoy a stroll through Cathedral Square Park, where the park is transformed into a holiday wonderland with lights and seasonal displays.

• Dates: November 16, 2024 – January 1, 2025
• Location: Downtown Milwaukee
• Website: milwaukeedowntown.com

8. Jingle Bell Run and Walk in Madison

Join a festive run or walk in Madison’s annual Jingle Bell Run, a family-friendly event where participants dress up in holiday costumes and jingle all the way through the course. Proceeds support the Arthritis Foundation, adding a charitable twist to holiday fun.

• Date: December 7, 2024
• Location: Goodman Community Center, Madison
• Website: arthritis.org

9. Rotary Holiday Lights in La Crosse

La Crosse’s Riverside Park becomes a winter wonderland with Rotary Holiday Lights, featuring more than 3 million lights, animated displays, and a dazzling holiday light tunnel. This free, walk-through event also includes visits with Santa on select nights.

• Dates: November 22, 2024 – December 31, 2024
• Location: Riverside Park, La Crosse
• Website: rotarylights.org

10. EAA’s Christmas in the Air in Oshkosh

EAA’s Christmas in the Air at the Aviation Museum is a unique holiday event with live holiday music, Santa’s arrival by helicopter, and festive activities. Visitors can enjoy free museum admission, holiday decor, and seasonal cheer in a one-of-a-kind aviation setting.

• Date: December 2, 2024
• Location: EAA Aviation Museum, Oshkosh
• Website: eaa.org