Milwaukee area arts and crafts shows offer creative gift options while at the same time supporting small business crafters and, in some cases, benefiting charities. Shows boast a variety of items, including jewelry, holiday décor, glass art and more.
Some of these craft fairs are part of a larger holiday event, while others have Instagram-worthy photo opportunities, a visit from Santa and live music. Some have admission costs while others are free.
Here are several arts and crafts fairs that are coming up around the Milwaukee area. Be sure to check out each fair’s website for detailed schedules.
Perfectly Imperfect Holiday Maker’s Market in Brookfield
At Perfectly Imperfect Holiday Maker’s Market in Brookfield, there will be more than 100 crafters, makers and artists. Admission is $2 a person.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24
Location: Brookfield Conference Center, 325 South Moorland Road, Brookfield
For more information: Visit www.perfectlyimperfect4you.com
Holiday Art Fair in Cedarburg
At this art and craft show in downtown Cedarburg, there will be original, handmade arts and craft items including jewelry, fiber and wearable art, weaving, photography, ceramics, birdhouses and drawings.
Date and time: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10.
Location: Cedarburg Community Gym, W63 N641 Washington Ave., Cedarburg
For more information: Visit business.cedarburg.org/events
Christmas Market at First Immanuel Lutheran School in Cedarburg
At this Christmas market, there will be arts and crafts vendors, hot cocoa, face painting, a bake sale and Christmas mini-photo sessions.
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2
Where: First Immanuel Lutheran School, W67 N622 Evergreen Blvd., Cedarburg
For more information: Visit www.filministries.org and select “calendar”
Santa’s Workshop & Market in Franklin
At Santa’s Workshop & Market in Franklin, there will be European pastries, holiday cookies, home décor and seasonal items. This is part of a bigger citywide event, Home for the Holidays, which consists of a 5K run/walk, a holiday show and a tree-lighting ceremony.
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25
Where: In front of Franklin City Hall, 9229 W. Loomis Road
For more information: Visit www.franklinwi.gov/About-Franklin/Annual-City-Events/Home-for-the-Holidays.htm
Christkindl Market in Menomonee Falls
At Christkindl Market in Menomonee Falls, there will be German cuisine from bratwursts to desserts, German music, carriage rides through Main Street in downtown Menomonee Falls with a vendor market and downtown businesses selling crafts and artisanal creations.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
Where: Centennial Plaza, N88W16688 Main St., Menomonee Falls
For more information:www.christmasinthefalls.com/christkindl-market
Mequon Winter Market
At this inaugural event, there will be food, artists, boutiques and crafts. While shopping at this craft fair, visitors can also visit the permanent vendors at the Mequon Public Market.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2
Where: Mequon Public Market, Spur 16, 6300 W. Mequon Road
For more information: Visit www.mequonpublicmarket.com
Hover Craft: Milwaukee’s Favorite Handmade Holiday Shopping Extravaganza in Milwaukee
In its 14th year, this craft fair is slated to have more than 100 artists, crafters, makers, designers and creative art. Admission is $5 a person; kids are admitted free.
When: noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3
Location: The Pritzlaff building, 325 N. Plankinton Ave., Milwaukee
For more information: www.hovercraftmke.com
HYFIN Blackity Black Holiday Market in Milwaukee
On Small Business Saturday, there will be more than 40 vendors, performances from the Youth of Our City, a visit from Santa Claus, a letter-writing station and food for purchase.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25
Where: Turner Hall, 1034 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave., Milwaukee
For more information: Visit hyfin.org/hyfin-event/hyfin-blackity-black-holiday-market-2023
Marketplace/Craft Fair in Mukwonago
The Marketplace/Craft Fair in Mukwonago is scheduled to have more than 100 crafters with raffles, concessions and live music. It is a part of a larger village event, Midnight Magic. At Midnight Magic, scheduled are fireworks, a dog sled pull, pictures with reindeer and carriage rides.
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Live music is scheduled at the art and craft fair from 1 to 4 p.m. Midnight Magic is from 9 a.m. until midnight on Dec. 2.
Location: Mukwonago High School, 605 W. Veterans Way
Admission: $3 for ages 12 and older (for the craft fair)
For more information and a complete schedule of Midnight Magic, visit: www.mukwonagochamber.org/midnightmagic
Vending for Mending Holiday Vendor Fair & Soup Cook-Off in Muskego
At the third annual Vending for Mending Holiday Vendor Fair & Soup Cook-Off, there will be local vendors, baked goods and a Soup Cook-Off. There also will be a raffle with the proceeds donated to a local family experiencing a medical crisis.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2
Where: Lakepoint Church, S63 W13694 West Janesville Road, Muskego
For more information: Visit lakepointmuskego.org/events/vendingformending
German Christmas Market of Oconomowoc
At the annual German Christmas Market of Oconomowoc, there will be an entertainment tent, vendors, a Christmas market, food, hot chocolate and a heated tent to take photos with Santa. There will be a free shuttle service on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The shuttle will drop off in front of Etcetera, 118 E. Wisconsin Ave. and pick up at Nature Hill Intermediate School, 850 Lake Drive, Oconomowoc. The shuttle will run every hour. The cost for the event is a $3 donation.
When: 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22 (entertainment tent with live music); 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26.
Location: Village Green, corner of Main Street and Wisconsin Avenue in Oconomowoc
For more information: For a complete schedule, visit germanchristmasmarket.org/.
The Holiday Craft Fair and Fundraiser at Agility Possibilities in Oak Creek
This holiday craft fair in Oak Creek is a chance to do holiday shopping and raise funds for Roxz’s Resources & Awareness, Inc. — a nonprofit that has animal resources and free and low-cost vaccines — and Lost Dogs of Wisconsin. There will be craft vendors and donation bins for pet supplies, pet food, beds, coats and new toys.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26
Where: Agility Possibilities, 446 W. Rawson Ave., Oak Creek
For more information: Visit www.facebook.com/AgilityPossibilities/events
Mistletoe Market Craft & Art Fair in Waukesha
The Mistletoe Market Craft & Art Fair is set to have 100 handmade craft booths including gifts, holiday decor, florals, bath and body products and jewelry. Youth under 16 get in free if accompanied by a paying adult. Admission is $5 a person and the early bird price is $3 online through Nov. 30. Parking is free.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1-2
Location: Waukesha County Expo Center, 1000 Northview Road, Waukesha
For more information or to buy a ticket online: Visit www.craftproductionsinc.com/mistletoe-market.html
Holiday Market in Wauwatosa
This multi-day European Market & Holiday Festival will have handmade artisan goods, hot chocolate and mulled wine, sausages and other kinds of German food, live musical holiday entertainment and dance performances. There will be an Irish Christmas Cottage where there will be Santa Claus.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 6, to Sunday, Dec. 17; 3 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday
Where: West State Street, Wauwatosa
For more information: Visit www.wauwatosavillage.org/holidays-in-the-village
A Christmas Fair to Remember in West Bend
At A Christmas Fair to Remember, there will be more than 200 craft vendors and the Washington County 4-H will be selling concessions. Admission is $3.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
Location: Washington County Fair Park & Conference Center, 3000 Highway PV, West Bend
For more information:www.afairtoremember.com
Cathy Kozlowicz can be reached at 262-361-9132 or cathy.kozlowicz@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @kozlowicz_cathy.
More:Where you can see holiday lights and other displays in the Milwaukee area in 2023
More:Here’s where you can find winter farmers markets in Milwaukee and the suburbs
