Welcome to Door County’s First Christkindlmarkt

Though German food may be becoming increasingly popular on the peninsula, most people don’t think “German” when they think of Door County. That being said, the county does lend itself well to a few German traditions. 

The beer scene means Oktoberfest is bound to be a hit, and when the snow falls, it’s easy to imagine any of our charming towns as the setting for a great Christmas postcard. It makes sense then, to hold a traditional Christmas market.

This year – with help from a Joint Effort Marketing Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism – the Sister Bay Historical Society will welcome Advent with Door County’s first Christkindlmarkt.

The event will be held at Corner of the Past Museum, 10310 Fieldcrest Road in Sister Bay, as a re-creation of a pioneer homestead during the late 19th century. Vendors will include weavers, knitters, potters, photographers, jewelers, painters, woodworkers, glass blowers, and makers of maps, clothing, furniture, candles, leather goods, puzzles, health products and more. A wide range of Door County food vendors will also occupy the “food court” inside the property’s large Koessl Barn. 

Christkindlmarkt events always feature Glühwein – a spiced, hot red wine – and the historical society will serve the popular drink in a special drink booth along with hot chocolate, hot apple cider, coffee and Kinderpunsch: the hot, mulled, nonalcoholic cider that’s a regular fixture at Christkindlmarkt events throughout the world.

“Our goal is to help bring new visitors to northern Door County during a time of year that has traditionally been rather quiet, despite the abundant natural beauty at that time of year,” said Fred Johnson, president of the Sister Bay Historical Society. “We hope to impact early-winter tourism while benefiting our local artisans and hospitality businesses for many years to come.”

The market will be held over three weekends: Nov. 26-28, Dec. 3-5 and Dec. 10-12. On Fridays, the event hours are 11 am – 9 pm, and the shuttle hours are 10 am – 10 pm. On Saturdays, the event runs 11 am – 10 pm, and the shuttle runs 10 am – 11 pm. Attend the event on Sundays 11 am – 3 pm, when the shuttle runs 10 am – 4 pm.

Visit doorcountychristmasmarket.com to find out more.