SPARTA, Wis. — Western Wisconsin once again gets a taste of Europe each winter as the Sparta Kriskindlmarkt returns with its festive outdoor Christmas market. Modeled after traditional German holiday villages, the market brings warm lights, wooden vendor huts, handmade gifts and seasonal foods to the heart of downtown Sparta.
The Kriskindlmarkt draws visitors from across the region, including La Crosse, Onalaska and Holmen, all looking for something special to kick off the holidays. Vendors include local artisans, bakers, woodworkers and specialty food makers offering ornaments, winter décor, gifts, bratwurst, pretzels, roasted nuts and hot drinks.
This year’s 2025 Sparta Kriskindlmarkt runs every Friday and Saturday from Thanksgiving to Christmas, giving families and couples plenty of time to plan a holiday outing. The official 2025 dates are:
• Friday, November 28, 2025
• Saturday, November 29, 2025
• Friday, December 5, 2025
• Saturday, December 6, 2025
• Friday, December 12, 2025
• Saturday, December 13, 2025
• Friday, December 19, 2025
• Saturday, December 20, 2025
The market’s layout encourages slow browsing, warm drinks and easy conversations, making it a welcoming stop for December date nights. Live music, maker demonstrations and festive decorations add to the atmosphere. Full vendor lists and event details can be found at the official website, kkmsparta.com.
For readers looking to build a full day trip, nearby downtown Sparta offers additional shops, dining and holiday photo spots. The drive from La Crosse is short and scenic, making the Kriskindlmarkt a simple seasonal getaway.
As holiday markets grow in popularity across the Midwest, the Sparta Kriskindlmarkt remains one of the most authentic and community-centered options in the region. Whether you’re shopping for handmade gifts or just taking in the lights, it delivers one of western Wisconsin’s most charming holiday traditions.
