By Olivia Mizelle | Photo courtesy Fair Trade Holiday Festival
Gift giving can be one of the more stressful parts of the holiday season, but these Madison-area holiday markets are here to make it a bit easier. Shop local art, food products, jewelry and more while getting in the spirit of giving (and maybe getting something for yourself, too).
Downtown Madison Holiday Open House, Nov. 24-26
State Street and Capitol Square, Madison
Explore downtown Madison and its shops right after Thanksgiving. Hop on the Holiday Trolley (Nov. 24 & 26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.), listen to carolers and partake in specials from businesses.
visitdowntownmadison.com/events/holiday-open-house
Holiday Craftacular, Nov. 26
Garver Feed Mill, 3241 Garver Green, Madison
Shop candles, artwork, jewelry, home goods and more at this fun holiday market, hosted by Glitter Workshop.
facebook.com/garvercraftacular
Handmade Holiday Gift Market, Dec. 1-2
1031 North Edge Trail, Verona
Hosted by Crimson Artist Collective, a Verona gallery and art studio specializing in ceramic art, this market has a varied selection of pottery, handmade soap and other work by local artists.
crimsonartistcollective.com/events
New Glarus Christkindli Market, Dec. 1-3
Downtown New Glarus
The locally-made and festive gifts are not the only attraction this market has to offer — take a sleigh ride, meet Santa and listen to carolers at this third annual event. New Glarus is charming any time of year, but it’s especially festive during the holidays. swisstown.com/events-ng
Fair Trade Holiday Festival, Dec. 2
Monona Terrace, 1 John Nolen Dr., Madison
Celebrate the 27th year of this beloved Madison tradition, which offers internationally sourced, ethically-made goods from jewelry to chocolate. fairtrademadison.org
Holiday Art Market at Food Concepts, Inc., Dec. 2-3
2551 Parmenter St., Middleton
More than 50 artists will sell handmade pottery, jewelry, paintings, home goods and more at this festive market to kick off the holidays. And, in the spirit of the season, at least 20% of every vendor’s sales will be donated to the event’s host, WayForward Resources, a Middleton nonprofit that works with families on food security and housing accessibility. wayforwardresources.org/events
Holiday Dane County Farmers’ Market, Dec. 2, Dec. 9 & Dec. 16
Monona Terrace, 1 John Nolen Dr., Madison
One of Madison’s favorite traditions gets a holiday boost! On three upcoming Saturdays, shop local produce and handmade goods with a bit of festive flair. dcfm.org/markets/holiday-market
Four Winds Farm Winter Night Market, Dec. 8
5725 Adams Rd., Fitchburg
For a warm, rustic holiday shopping experience, peruse this market at Four Winds Farm. Shop art, baked goods and even dog treats while enjoying a local farm!
business.fitchburgchamber.com/events
The Very Merry Holiday Fair, Dec. 8-9
323 Water St., Baraboo
This market has 60 artisans that craft everything from quilts to wicker baskets. On Dec. 8, the first 50 customers will receive a $5 Very Merry Moolah Gift Certificate. On Dec. 9, wear plaid to show support for small businesses. theverymerryholidayfair.com
