A weekly column written by the staff of Discover Wisconsin highlights things to do and see throughout the State of Wisconsin, and is made available for publication to members of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association. The column is accompanied by photos for use in print and online. The Discover Wisconsin logo can be downloaded here.
It’s about time to start loading up your sleigh for the holiday season! This special holiday feature includes a list of Wisconsin’s must-visit markets and fan-favorite gifts for your friends and family. Embark on your seasonal shopping spree at community markets around the state, and pick up a few of every Wisconsinite’s favorite gifts–spirits, brews, and tasty cheeses!
Must-Visit Markets
Wisconsin knows just how to get into the spirit of the season with its many markets! Kohler’s annual Holiday Market is a long-lived tradition for shopping, especially if you’re looking for unique gifts. Local vendors across Wisconsin and the Midwest region offer hand-made items, including holiday decorations, clothing, toys, and even sweets.
The Osthoff Resort, in Elkhart Lake, puts on the Old World Christmas Market, a one-of-a-kind venue that keeps the past alive and as magical as ever. Stroll the endless isles of specialty items from around the globe from Czech blown-glass ornaments to German hand-carved nutcrackers. And while you’re there, try specialty German cuisine at the food court for festive flavor!
Yet another special holiday fair is Lake Geneva’s very own Annual Arts and Crafts Fair! At Hawk’s View Golf Club, visit local vendors as they display their wide variety of arts and crafts that make for the perfect gift for your loved ones. You will even get the chance to meet the artists and hear the amazing stories behind their creations.
The community in Cedarburg also knows how to put on quite a fair for the holidays. Visit the Holiday Art Fair to find hand-crafted gifts for your friends and family. Items include jewelry, paintings, ceramics, birdhouses and so much more! Add it to your list of must-visits.
Fan-Favorite Gifts
One of the many beloved gifts by Wisconsinites is hand-crafted spirits and brews from local distilleries and breweries. J. Henry & Sons, out of Dane, Wisconsin, is famous for its aged-to-perfection bourbon selections. Add on exclusive cocktail additions or make it a gift set. You can’t go wrong with this iconic Wisconsin gift.
Jacob Leinenkugel’s Brewing Company, in the heart of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, brews some of the most spectacular concoctions, perfect as a gift for your special someone. They have year-round brews like the Leinenkugel’s Original, seasonal brews you won’t want to miss, such as Toasted Bock, and variety packs to fit the season.
Say cheese! Nothing is more Wisconsin than our local cheese. Out of Chilton, Wisconsin, Vern’s Cheese has endless flavors, from originals to special occasions. Shop online or visit the retail store for more cheeses, meats, specialty items, and gift boxes–specially made for this giving season!
Straight from one of Wisconsin’s top dairy farms, Pagels Ponderosa, Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese is freshly made for you! Choose from cheese spreads, specialty cheeses, and dessert cheeses! Make it simple and get it all in one, hand-made gift box.
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Time to pack up your sleigh, stopping at Wisconsin’s must-visit markets and loading up with all the fan-favorite gifts. Your holiday shopping spree awaits! Travel across the state to festive community events and stock up on the tastiest treats–all made in Wisconsin. Happy shopping!
Hailey Rose, third-generation and granddaughter of Dick Rose, writes for the nation’s longest-running tourism TV show, Discover Wisconsin. Watch the show Saturdays at 10 a.m. on Bally Sports Wisconsin or online at DiscoverWisconsin.com. Follow Discover Wisconsin on Facebook (facebook.com/discoverwisconsin), Instagram (instagram.com/discoverwisconsin), and TikTok (tiktok.com/discoverwisconsin).
