In case you missed the exciting news a few months back, Milwaukee is finally getting a Christkindlmarket. The market has long been a draw for folks to shop in Chicago, but now you can shop at one right here at Fiserv Forum.
The free event begins on Saturday, Nov. 17 and runs through Monday, Dec. 31, celebrating German culture and the holiday season with festive shopping, delicious European delicacies, hot spiced wine, German beer, hand-crafted ornaments, entertainment, family fun and more.
Modeled after the holiday festivities in Nuremberg, Germany, the free outdoor Christmas market – organized by German American Events, LLC, the same group behind the Chicago event – will feature approximately 30 vendors showcasing and selling hand-crafted ornaments, toys and gifts, as well as tasty holiday treats and drinks to help keep warm in the Wisconsin winter chill.
This year's mug design is inspired by gingerbread hearts available for sale at traditional German fairs and the holiday market's theme, "Ich liebe Christkindlmarket," that translates to "I love Christkindlmarket." And the set of mugs includes one for Milwaukee that features our bright new Fiserv Forum (home for the market) with a light blue background.
The market scene aspect of the design is inspired by the gingerbread hearts commonly given as gifts at traditional German fairs. You can purchase the limited edition three-pack for $20 at all market locations, including Daley Plaza in Chicago, Naperville and Milwaukee. The individual mugs are only available at each of their respective locations as long as supplies last.
In keeping with holiday tradition, there will be something special for the kids this year: the Kinder Club Snowman Mugs featuring "Oma" (Grandma) snowman – available at all markets. Kinder Club mugs from previous years can also be purchased online.
Each mug comes with either gluehwein, a hot spiced wine or nonalcoholic options.
The hours for Christkindlmarket Milwaukee are Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Thanksgiving (Nov. 23), Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) and New Year's Eve (Dec. 31) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Christmas Day (Dec. 25), the event is closed.
Carolynn Buser is one of Milwaukee's loudest and most adamant cheerleaders (don't dare try to disagree). She's the primary voice behind much of OnMilwaukee's social media and content direction, and apologizes in advance if she can be too sarcastic at times.
What else? She's a wine lover, closet trashy novel reader, beauty supplies addict and devourer of cheese (shocker for a Wisconsin born and bred girl, right?). She's also a bit of a foodie, which is a word most of you hate, we know. She works as hard as she plays - and that includes in the gym! So, you've probably seen her at one of the area's newest restaurant openings (and yes, she will share her opinions good or bad) or enjoying a cold one at a local pub.
All in all, Carolynn's a believer in positive thinking and will do her best to smack down your negative ones while writing about her city, her loves, quests and more.
