The German Christmas Market Of Oconomowoc

Great concept, mediocre execution.
I love the fact that German Christmas markets are enjoying a resurgence. Milwaukee now has one and this one in Oconomowoc has been here for a few years. For a region know for its German heritage, there isn’t a whole lot of actual German activities around anymore. While this one has more tradional German goods to shop for than the one in Milwaukee, the layout at this one does not encourage me to want to hang out. You enter at one end of the shopping shacks and get flushed out the other end in just a matter of minutes. There just isn’t adiquate space here. Sure, the Weissgerber Oktoberfest tent is really great, everyone needs to pay to get in! It’s only a buck, but WTF? Not cool bro. I want this to be great, but there just isn’t space here to grow. But their are ample Port-​a-​jons. So there’s that.

So bummed that I missed it this year! I will write a review based on past experiences if it’s ok…
Compared to other German Markets it is still quite small but it was packed and I heard good things about it this year too. It’s a great boost to the economy of such a pretty little town. Much of what you will find are jewelry, trinkets, handmade goods and soaps. But if you don’t like what the Christmas market has to offer then feel free to visit the shops around town. Many of the shops ans bars actually had pop-​ups in the upper floors that were selling goods too. Don’t be afraid to ask or explore if you see other people milling around near stairwells.
What made this one stand out, and wanting to come back, was the beer hall. Music, food, drinks, tons of strangers. It’s not my normal cup of tea but it was definitely a reason to stay and warm up a bit. And once you’ve had enough of that, go outside, buy a cup of cocoa and sit by the fire or walk around town to take in the sites. It’s really pretty at night. And, buy a giant pretzel when you go. And don’t share it unless you have to. So good!
Parking was the only issue I’ve had here. We ended up parking down near the courthouse I think, but be prepared to drive in a few circles looking for spots to open up. The walk is never too far but it can be a bit agonizing finding the perfect fit if you are awful at parallel parking like I am.
From my experience prices are fair but look around at everything first unless there is a one of a kind item you must buy. Just like anywhere else, there are some multiples, so you can find a similar or same item for less at another booth — depending on how competitive the vendors are with pricing.

Let’s get into the Christmas spirit! I have been to the market in Chicago, and if I could, I would give it a negative 1. So imagine my surprise when I came here in 2014! A friendly town, some of the stores open, friendly vendors, friendly people… Note the word «friendly». Around the holidays many store employees act like they are doing you a favor by helping you. This town almost throws its arms around you and smiles!!! Many vendors had one of a kind items. We stopped at a restaurant and they were, yes you guessed. FRIENDLY! I will certainly come back this year for the music, gifts and the food. Look at the ad on you-​tube. The guy in the snow covered forest in a recliner cracks me up. THAT made me want to come.

I’d love to give the German Christmas Market a full 5 stars, but since I can’t give half (really a 4.5 rating for me), I’ll have to bump it up to 5 to give it the benefit of the doubt. That, and since this takes place in my hometown and I hold a special place in my heart for Oconomowoc. To fully understand the magnitude of this Christmas Market, please realize the Village Green area was completely under-​utilized for the past 30 years or so. With the recent surge in farmers markets, it’s definitely been a undertaking to transform this little triangle of land into what it is now.
This is the second year for the Christmas Market, and they have improved quite a bit over last years inaugural season. As legend goes, the Christmas Market was formed after a visit to Oconomowoc’s sister city in Dietzenbach, Germany.
The current location is where the Boelter’s Shoes building used to stand. The city of Oconomowoc is in the process of trying to expand upon the Village Green (with the exception of Fongs Garden). Why not hold a German Christmas Market here during the winter months? Everyone wins!
Sure, there are a few things to work on and expand upon. Compared with last year’s market, this year’s was a vast improvement. The wares for sale are not necessarily German — for example, a vendor selling stones for your garden who is local, a vendor selling goat-​milk soap, etc. One gets the feeling it’s a little bit of both mixed in — local artisans mixed in with a few German knick knacks. Last year’s vendors were more interesting since there were actual vendors from the sister city. And — beer. And, of course, a Bier Tent.
This has now turned into an annual event for my family, and I’m excited to see what the German Christmas Market will do in the future. Next year, I’m going plan to stay longer, and bring more cash. Keep up the good improvements, GCM!

Cute little market in the middle of downtown Oconomowoc.
I’m not sure if this is the first year for this event, but it’s certainly the first year I’ve been aware of it. It’s fairly small — about 15 or so booths. Be aware that most of the booths here are selling craft items — things like scarves, jewelry, etc and not much is really Christmas themed. There were two booths selling traditional ornaments (from the Czech Republic, not Germany), but that’s kind of it. Not terribly impressed on the merchandise front.
On the plus side, there is a nice Wintergarten (a heated biergarten) where you can drink Hofbrau and eat sausages, pretzels and spanferkel. There was a nice band playing when we visited and people seemed to be having a good time. It’s free, there’s lots of street parking and mulled wine if you get chilled.
I’d like this market better if it was called «Winter Craft Fair» because thats really what it is. If you’re hankering for a really traditional German Christmas Market, the Christkindlmarkt in Chicago is worth the drive.