You can take a magical trip overseas this winter without needing a passport – all you need to do is visit a little town in Monroe County. The charming town of Sparta hosts one of the prettiest holiday markets in Wisconsin. It’s called Kriskindlmarkt, and if you love classic Christmas beauty, it’s a place you’ll want to visit this holiday season. Here’s why.

Sparta, pop. 10,000, is the county seat of Monroe County. It’s located in far western Wisconsin – it’s the county seat of Monroe County and it’s an easy getaway from places like Madison, Eau Claire, and Minneapolis.
Facebook / Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce
Sparta is a town that’s drawn visitors for over 150 years. In the 1860s, it was promoted as a health resort after it drilled artesian wells for mineral water. In more recent years, it’s drawn large numbers of bikers – it’s home to the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, which is considered the nation’s first rail trail.
Facebook / Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce
In the winter, you see fewer bikers around, but the town draws visitors for other reasons – it’s absolutely gorgeous during the holidays. If you love classic Christmas shopping experiences, this is the place.
Facebook / Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce

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On weekends, the town holds a Kriskindlmarkt that feels just like a European holiday market. In Europe, markets like this have been held for hundreds of years – the original Dresden Striezelmarkt was first held in 1434.
Facebook / Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce
Sparta’s market isn’t quite that old, but it feels like it’s been around for a very long time. The market has 22 little wooden stalls that are grouped into two clusters – one around an outdoor fireplace area, the others are strung along a riverbank.
Facebook / Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce
Shoppers will find plenty of unique finds and there’s plenty to eat and drink as well. Vendors sell roasted nuts, Glühwein und Bier, brats, and pretzels. Stake out a place by the fire and take in the magic of this special market!
Facebook / Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce

The Kriskindlmarkt takes place on Fridays and Saturdays during the holiday season. See dates and hours on the Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce website. If you love beautiful holiday experiences, there’s a lot to enjoy in Wisconsin. Here are some of the state’s best holiday light displays.

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Sparta, WI 54656, USA