Without knowing what to expect except for the fact that this has been a popular, big event in Chicago, hubby and I went to Fiserv Forum Plaza to check out the Christkindlmarket Milwaukee on their first Sunday. We picked the evening to go hoping to see the beautiful yellow lights (and I recommend you to go in the evening too - same food same drinks same shops but the view is more beautiful). The ornaments and lights indeed made it festive, but there were surprisingly not many tents and people. And there was no music. The market felt kind of tiny, empty and quiet on the huge, open Fiserv Forum Plaza ground. Maybe as the holiday season approaches, the vibe will get better. Here are the things that we did and enjoyed: 1. Got the warm, creamy, rich Belgian hot chocolate in the super cute Milwaukee souvenir mug. It's $11 with the mug which is pricey for such a small size of drink. But I liked the mug a lot and thought sharing a mug of hot chocolate with someone you love on a cold winter evening is kind of sweet. 2. Different handmade crafts from Germany, blankets from Peru, outwear, tea, coffee cakes, chocolates, pies, candies, cookies, cream cheese, soap... We walked around the outdoor area to check out all the vendors. It took us less than 30 mins but it was fun. 3. Checked out the indoor Christmas décor and gift shop before getting food. The staff were super nice. 4. Got the Raclette cheese sandwiches! Watching the melty raclette got scraped into the bread was delightful. With $1 extra, you could add a brat to the sandwich with a similar amount of cheese (we thought, as I got one with just raclette and hubby got one with a brat). * My suggestions are: 1) eat the sandwich as soon as possible when it is still warm and moist. Don't spend too much time looking for seats or taking photos lol. 2) Your hands may smell stinky later if you touch the cheese, which is highly likely to happen as there is so much cheese! 5. Found the warming house and sat down and enjoyed some simple, traditional live Christmas music performed by a band. read more

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Absolutely a fan of Christkindlmarket Milwaukee or CK/MKE, and have many thoughts after having lived in Chicago for 20 years, with their market being one of my absolute favorite things about the Holidays in Chicago. A Christkindlmarket is a traditional European or German "Christ Child Market". Say "Kindle Fire". Now say "Krist Novoselic of Nirvana." Now say "Krist Novoselic has a Kindle." Then say "Krist Kindle Market". You've got the pronunciation! Love: - Gluwein in the heart-shaped souvenir mug! So tasty and festive! - Pierogi, sausages, sauerkraut - Raclette is so hot right now, and they've got it! (Tastes better than it smells, trust me.) - Hot chocolate in a souvenir mug - The warming house is huge, and sometimes has carolers - Bathrooms are the indoor kind by the Fiserv Beer Garden - It's.not.that.crowded (Seriously, just walk slowly, wait your turn at the stands, and practice patience). - Especially not crowded on a weeknight - Handmade crafts from Germany, and small businesses like Taylor Street Soaps from Little Italy in Chicago - Kaethe Wohlfahrt ornament and handcrafted nativities - Fiserv Forum Plaza/Herb Kohl Way makes a perfect location Improve: - More, more, more, make it bigger! - More crafts from Germany, please. Like those wooden handcrafted moose, dragons, animals, and those goofy toys like the squirrel whistles - More local businesses, and perhaps add Makers (from Milwaukee) that do Holiday signs 'n' stuff. This doesn't have to be just like Chicago's. - Add some high tops outside so people can post up to eat/drink - Can we get some Kinder Uberraschungs up in here? We won't choke on the prize, promise! - Commemorative art print really needs improving. Big missed opportunity to make a good art print into $ for charity, including cards, magnets, and an annual ornament. A good first year for Christkindlmarket Milwaukee! read more

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I went to the Christkindlmarket last year in Chicago and was so charmed by the experience, I decided to make it an annual tradition. What a delight to find that the trek to Chicago wouldn't be necessary as the same group that does that market, expanded to Milwaukee. Huzzah! My family was visiting for the holidays so I was excited to bring them here. What I love: +The collectible mugs. Make this your first stop. Get yours filled with cocoa or warm, mulled wine and then wander around and enjoy the market as you sip. Then, of course, you have a cute little mug to bring out every year at the holidays +The vendors are amazing. Beautiful, classic ornaments, German chocolate (Milka? Amazing!), and gifts--in addition to all the food. +Like Chicago, it can get pretty busy on the weekends and in the evenings. I was lucky enough to be able to go on a weekday morning and it was delightfully quiet. We had no problem getting a table to dine at and weren't bothered with any lines for merchandise or food. +The location. Right outside the Fiserv Forum. Perfect! The parking is a pain, but that's kind of what one would expect. Definitely making it an annual tradition. Get to it! (You know, in December) read more

Christkindlmarket Milwaukee - Public Markets Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

You're not going to dissuade me from going to a Christkindlmarkt, ever, no matter how good or bad it may be..... I'm happy to report that the new Milwaukee Christkindlmarkt is good. Run by the same group that organizes the one in Chicago's Daley Plaza, our CKM is located at the Fiserv Forum Plaza, technically called Herb Kohl Way. It is a bit smaller than Chicago's, but just as nice. We didn't stay as long as we would have liked due to being a little underdressed for the weather, but we liked what we saw. Kathe Wohlfahrt ornaments, smokers, and nutcrackers were there, as were the candy tent and Gluhwein and beer tents (tents are heated and have doors). Hot chocolate is available as well. Many vendors were selling outerwear, German handicrafts and various other knick knacks and gift items. Opening night was busy, but not super crowded; however, we went early in the evening, so that may change. We found free street parking, but there is a parking garage nearby. Please come out and support this awesome "fest", we want it to stick around! Milwaukee got it's biergartens back, and having this market feels like getting the last missing piece to make our city's German heritage REALLY stand out once again! 48/2018 read more

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Things to keep in mind: 1.)I've never been to the Chicago Christkindlmarket market so I have nothing to compare this to. 2.)Despite being from Wisconsin, I'm really not enamored with the weather this time of year. Like specifically not enamored with standing around outside shopping like its not #$*÷ing freezing. **All that being said***... I kind of enjoyed this market for what it is! There's not a ton of vendors but theres enough...knick knacks and clothing and Christmas decor and food gifts to buy, as well as food and bevys to buy (hot cider and hot chocolate - and a sandwich called the raclette that looked delicious. Besides the outdoor booths, theres an indoor tent with tables in it that I **think** you can eat and drink in. You can also walk through a couple indoor shopping tents...one that had all sorts of items I remember from my grandmas China cabinet growing up. The market is right out front on the plaza in front of the forum and is open most days up til the new year. How crowded it is I've found greatly depends on the weather and date and time you go. With a week to go to Christmas, if you've still got people on your list to buy for, I'd head over here asap - its great for unique gifts. Wear your warm coat and hat and get some hot chocolate while youre there! read more

Christkindlmarket Milwaukee - Public Markets Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Always a fan of Christkindlmarket and am a sucker for their mugs :-) Why not get a drink and a souvenir at the same time! The hot red wine is winner for me. I don't normally drink wine hot, but when it's freezing out, it's definitely wise to do so, and it's actually good, tastes sweeter when heated up. However, Christkindlmarket Milwaukee compared to the Chicago one is not as atmospheric. It lacks that village cozy magical feel. Sorry, MKE~ I am bias! But I really enjoyed MKE! read more

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If you are in the area, I highly recommend stopping at this market. You get all of the atmosphere (and food!) of the Chicago locations without the insane crowds. We went during one of the unseasonably warm days we had in December, and yes, it was crowded but we could still walk/talk and we got to try all of the foods that we wanted read more

Christkindlmarket Milwaukee - Wine in a boot - Public Markets Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Being the first year for this event, I wasn't expecting it to be München nor even (shudder) Chicago but I wanted to visit so I will always be able to say I was at the first one. It is a touch on the small side but the vendors that are here make up for the ones that aren't. It's also dredged up Frau Moore's high school German lessons (with a little help from a translation app.) You'll find German ornaments, clocks, nutcrackers and such, more than enough hot chocolate and cider to help warm you up, lots of German candies and chocolates, Alpaca knits, jewelry and semi-precious stones, a double booth selling warm, wonderful goods from Peru, and der Bürgermeister of State Center, Iowa, selling delicious coffee ca...er...kaffee kuchen. As you might expect, some of the products are terribly overpriced, however, many are not. In fact, many pieces are downright reasonably priced. I picked up a beautiful, Peruvian, Cashmere blend scarf for only twenty five bucks. It's soft, cuddly, and should look pretty good under several of my favorite Winter coats. I was afraid I might run out of cash, but not to worry. Unlike the vendors of the Kristkindlmarkt in medieval Munich, today's vendors accept plastic money, processed through cellular transmissions. I had receipts emailed to me before I had my purchases wrapped up! All in all, I'd say the first Kristkindlmarkt (auf Englisch: Christkindlmarket) is a success! read more

People, don't believe the photos that look like this is an inside venue. It is fittingly outside so you can feel the "warmth" of the holiday spirit...aka...dress accordingly unlike my dumb @$#. It is a very quaint event with everything European with quaint Cedarburg overtones. Warm up with some Gluhwein and keep the cute heart shaped mug that you need to purchase to have a drink. The tent was jamming on a Wednesday afternoon so I can't imagine the scene on a weekend. The tent is warm and worthy of your attention. There aren't a ton of vendors so I hope next year they come back again and get a few more. The food is outstanding with traditional German and Polish foods. I had the Polish bite plate and the spinach pierogi was my absolute favorite. Did I mention they also have pretzels for your noshing abilities? It is a family event so be prepared to bring your earplugs and patience. 2019 I hope for a bigger event! read more

Quaint, charming and great concept but this could be coordinated in a much better way. I've never been to the Chicago market, but I have ventured up to the market each season at the Osthoff in Elkhart Lake. So what is it about the Milwaukee venue that just doesn't do it for me. The little craft stands are nicely designed. The crafts are pricey, but one can expect that. The $7 for a small glass of hot chocolate also a touch on the pricey side for what you get. The Fiserv Forum square is quite large. They could easily erect 1-2 circus sized tents, enclose the sides and pump in some heat. It's winter, if you want people to truly enjoy the atmosphere and stay to spend some money, create a little warmth. If not the tents how about a few fire rings or large patio heaters spread about the grounds. This is where the Osthoff gets it right with one large heated tent. I'm still "outside", but not freezing my tail off from booth to booth. Great Holiday concept Milwaukee, my opinion is we just need to do a little tweaking to warm the heart. read more

I am so thrilled that Milwaukee finally has an authentic German Christkindlmarkt! I want this event to succeed so much that I've been three times now. While it is smaller than the Chicago version, it is just as wonderful. On my visits to the event it has been busy with many people enjoying the shops, as well as the many food and drink options. Things not to miss: - The Sweet Castle. So many delectable sweet treats and eats. -Gluhwein in the collectable mug -Tea -Belgian hot chocolate -Peirogi -Raclette cheese sandwiches I really want this event to come back year after year. I hope folks in the metro area can make this a tradition for their families. Note: I think they made it smaller because they didn't know what to expect. And I've glossed over some of the talking points to make this a better event, more vendors, local vendors, a bit more space for eating, drinking, vendors, etc. But with those small modifications the event would be top notch for many years to come. Especially since it was so well received in its first year. read more

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I decided to check this out with a friend because it was the first year that it was in Milwaukee. It officially started on 11/17/18 but was open on 11/16/18. I'm glad we decided to go on 11/16 because there weren't many people there It is definitely smaller than the one in Chicago but there are still some cute stands with handmade crafts. There was a sweets tents - was nice to wander around and look at all the candy. There was also a tent with various handmade items - very cool to look at. I didn't buy anything though It's definitely worth a look - hopefully they are able to turn it into something bigger if it is successful in Milwaukee read more

Christkindlmarket Milwaukee - Public Markets Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

It's small but the potential is there to Outshine Chicago's market. Everything you need is here: food, beer, ornament tent, candy tent, gluhwein, cocoa and vendors selling wares. For those who have visited the Christkindlmarket in Chicago, this is roughly 1/3rd the size. I really like the location outside the Fiserv Forum. Fiserv is such an amazing and beautiful backdrop. There is plenty of room for milling around and, hopefully, for more vendors in the future! I haven't seen any of the performances but there are plenty scheduled throughout the run of the market. I like that there are indoor restrooms nearby, no frozen port-o-toilet. They're in a building just to the East, past the giant decorated Christmas tree. Street parking is hit or miss right near the market, but there is a structure nearby and in this chilly weather, walking a couple blocks seems to go quickly. Besides, you can always warm up in the beer tent! The only real complaint I have is that the market closes at 8 on weeknights. I kind of wish they could extend that to 9. read more

Fun, fun, fun, yes to more German events in Milwaukee! 2018 was the MKE Christkindlmarkt's first year and it was a little on the smaller side. However, that doesn't mean it wasn't awesome! Good food, live music, cute crafts and of course glühwein, what more could one want? I hope the event continues to expand and I look forward to next year. read more

With German heritage and hearing this was going to be in Milwaukee, versus Chicago, I wanted to check it out. For me, it was like a block party, but with several blocks of people attending. Waiting in line to look at things or food. It was pet-friendly. But again, only a bock in length. It had classic looking booths, as it was outside. The decorations were nice. Even the restrooms were indoors, not the standard porta potty you see with an outdoor festival. May want to try during the week, when it may be less crowded. If they do it again next year, more booths and spread out more to allow for better flow of people. read more

Christkindlmarket Milwaukee - Public Markets Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This was alot smaller than I thought it would be, but despite that it was still a fun experience. There were alot of things to see and try here. A nice selection of handcrafted ornaments to German candy to polish perogies. There's something for everyone. As someone who loves dumplings, the perogies provided by a Chicago restaurant, Tatas, was super delicious. I'll have to go down just to get some. I really hope they come back next year. read more

Christkindlmarket Milwaukee - Public Markets Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

For whatever reason, this was the first thing that got me to visit the FISERV Forum Deer District (or Cheer District as it's aptly named for the holidays.) We ended up having to park like four blocks or so away, but worth it not to have to pay for parking. Once we arrived, we came upon the drinks tent and immediately got in line. Part of the market's draw was my husbands hankering for some Gluwein (warm mulled wine). As we waited in line we scanned the tables. It looks like you can rent a table and have a dining experience of sorts there. I didn't love that you have to get the collectible mug. At the risk of sounding like a Grinch, there is such a thing as having too many collectible mugs/glasses and it seems to be a very popular thing among many events/breweries etc. But to be fair, it's a cute little boot and it kept our wine warm as we (quickly) walked around the various stalls. The wind was kicked up a fair amount while we were there and since the sun had already set, it was quite chilly. So make sure you dress accordingly. I thought I had, with my hat/gloves/scarf, but it wasn't quite enough to comfortable stand around as others were doing. It's a very cute little market, lots of little decor/ornaments. Hats off to the vendors, freezing it out for some sales and still being cheery! Definitely worth stopping by for some holiday fun, even if only for a half hour. read more

Awesome cute little outdoor winter shops. They have outdoor seating areas and indoor if you require warmth. Some shops sold hats, others jewelry, food and more. Looking forward for their return in 2019 read more

This year was a bit disappointing. It seems they've expanded the number of booths, but somehow cut down on the variety of vendors. Now it's mostly beer/wine ($10 for a beer, $15 in a collecitble boot) booths interspersed with some woolen goods, two ornament shops, a new age shop, and a tea shop. There's still the huge Wolfhart tent that you can queue up to get inside of and a few food vendors as well as the expected hot cocoa vendors. But it just seemed less interesting than last year. I also noted 5 ATM's so they've got that covered. read more

After a couple of years of taking the train down and being packed in like a sardine at the Chicago market, we stopped going. It was just too much in too small a space and no longer enjoyable. So when I heard the same folks were bringing the market to Milwaukee, I couldn't be more excited. We went on a Tuesday night and it was pretty dead, so I'm happy to hear that at other times it was more hoppin'! It was everything that I wanted out of the Chicago market without all the crowds. I sincerely hope they bring it back in the future and start to make the market a bit unique to Milwaukee. Most everything can stay the same, but the market will be improved when they understand what makes the two cities (and their citizens) different and make some adjustments. read more

Originally, being from Chicago, I have attended the market there for years and still often make the 3 hour drive down as it has become a family tradition, although we dont make it down every year. So needless to say, I was very excited to hear that the same promoters that run the Chicago market were bringing it Milwaukee. Being its first year, it certainly doesn't draw as many vendors as the Chicago one, but I was still pleasantly surprised by the vendors they had, many of which are in Chicago also. While this one wont replace the Chicago market for us, I do hope they have a successful first year as I would love for it to come back year after year, for those years we can't make down to Chicago. But even on years we do make it down to Chicago I can still see us attending this one also if for no other reason than the Glugwein! read more

Christkindlmarket Milwaukee - Enjoying yet another Glugwein - Public Markets Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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I've never been to the Chicago market but really enjoyed the Milwaukee one. We really overpaid for parking though. The sign said $6.00 and it really was $11.00 right across from the venue. There were a number of different of handcrafted ornaments from around the world and a few tents where you could go in and purchase German sweets and knick knacks. There was no set way to go in and people were going backwards and forwards in the tents which made it congested. We did get some candy and chocolates. They also had candied nuts. Ornaments were cute but overpriced at $20.00 and up. They also had hot chocolate and German beeeer with a German beer hall to boot. read more

This market has really grown since last year! I attended with my family the Saturday before Christmas so of course it was packed. It was a little hard to brows the booths given the crowd and there was about a 15 person long line to get into the Christmas ornament tent. Parking was hard to find and expensive (there is street parking and parking structures) because we went before a bucks game (definitely check the sports schedule before you go!). I ate a wonderful German bratwurst and purchased a hand carved wooden ornament. read more

Christkindlmarket Milwaukee - Brat - Public Markets Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Not being from Germany or Chicago (lately), We didn't know what to expect of this place. So we didn't have high expectations. Which, as it turns out, was probably a good thing. Finding parking was a pain -- especially if you have problems walking a long way. Once found, it was too expensive. Bus access wasn't great, either. Oh, sure, it was fun watching small children tottering around with heart-shaped souvenir mugs filled with hot beverages. But as the high point of the experience, it was a bit of a letdown nonetheless. The line into the tent selling ornaments -- at least we assumed that's what was in that big tent -- was so long on a Sunday morning that we didn't bother. Did we miss anything good? The only things we ended up buying were a pretzel (okay), and a Raclette cheese sandwich. The Raclette people were especially unpleasant. The cashier made us feel stupid for asking if we could have the brat on the side. And the guy making the sandwich was bitching to another customer about how he wouldn't get a meal break, and was "stuck" there until 8pm. Ho f*cking ho. read more

This was really cute! I only got to stop by once, toward the end of their operations, after Christmas. Since things were winding down by then, we got a free parking spot directly in front of the market square. The food and drink selection looked particularly promising, and I would very much like to come back next year. I loved that they had restrooms and indoor options for people to get warm as well as all the outdoor stalls. This looked well-organized and like it was run by people who know what they are doing! I can totally see myself making this a charming holiday tradition with family and friends. read more

Smaller version of the Chicago Market but still well worth the time to stop down, get a Gluhwein, a bite to eat and so some holiday shopping. Several food items and many items from around the world to buy. Lasts til the end of the year. read more

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I've always gone to the market in Chicago. I'm glad Milwaukee has decided to start a market of their own, and I'm sure it will get better each year. However, I thought it was pretty unimpressive this year. I didn't like the "indoor" portion, because I felt like it was pretty off-brand. I am excited to see it next year to see more people attending and it improving overall. *I did buy my dog some dog treats here and he LOVED them. So I will definitely be back next year to get him some more for Christmas. read more

I absolutely loved the Christkindlmarket! I went to the Chicago one, and I felt that they were about the same size, maybe with different vendors and space set up. What a fun way to get Christmas presents, enjoy some authentic food, and enjoy the city! read more

Very much scaled down from the markets in Chicago. Same but fewer vendors, same good eats, same (but also one unique Milwaukee mug!) Much easier to find parking and way fewer crowds. They do have the ornament house that the Wrigleyville location is missing. read more

Yay so happy to have a Chriskindlmarket in Milwaukee! Normally go down to Chicago. They were serving hot mulled wine and hot chocolate. We got the collectible mug. Lots of venders & it's right by the new stadium. However, we went during the week it opened, so it was pretty busy. Lines were too long for us to go to the Christmas store. I imagine it is less busy now :) read more

This cute little Christmas market is a nice way to get into the Christmas spirit. The chalets were more spread out this year, which I really liked. Eating stations were added, which is also a plus. My suggestion for next year would be to add a Weihnachtspyramide (Christmas Pyramid). I saw one at the Munich Christkindlmarket last year and it was huge. This would be a great attraction for families and really everyone! read more

Fun and well laid out. Parking and places for a bite or drink are far better here than the select in Chicago. Try the cheese sandwich shop. read more

Give me a break. I have been to the Christkindlmart in Chicago. Milwaukee's is a joke. A fraction of the venders in Chicago, and not Bolivian or Ecuadorian venders - German! Christkindlmart is a German tradition, with many more than a dozen ethnic (German) vendors. Don't waste your time. Go to Kenosha, take Metra to Chicago and see what a real one is like. read more

Great time! I've always loved the Christkindl in Chicago from the day's I lived there and always wondered if Milwaukee, the most German of cities, would ever get their own version. I'm so happy we finally have it. Due to this being their first year it is a little small, I can't wait for it to expand and the arena area takes off. The food options are pretty good and gluewhein is always a must. My one gripe: how on earth did none of the vendors sell glass pickle ornaments!? Better luck next year! Enjoy! read more

A fantastic addition to the Milwaukee holidays! I've been to the Chicago version with friends in past years and glad there is our own version in the plaza near our new arena. While small in size (very understandable for it's first year) it's the perfect size to get some gluehwein and browse for ornaments or scarves. Bring a friend, stop after work or heck, go a couple of times during the season read more

Very good for the first year of the event. I went on the second night, so things were still a little slow. But, There is a lot of room to grow. Hope to see it back next year! read more

So tiny. If you are looking for Chicago-ish Christkindlmarket, this one is no where near that size. It was so jammed packed, you could not even get up to the booths. read more

Does not live up to all the hype. Typical vendor items you can find at any state fair. No diversity at this event - a sad statement for a Milwaukee event ( yes I know it's a German thing but still.....). No big loss if it doesn't return next year. read more