Experience Downtown Blog

Shopping Local for the Holidays

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Small Business Saturday returns this year on Nov. 30. This more recent national shopping holiday is a great time to support the talented entrepreneurs and artisans living in our very own city. Check out these holiday markets to find the perfect holiday gifts for colleagues, friends and family while supporting small businesses in the Milwaukee area!

CirculateMKE Creative Entrepreneur Market
Friday, Nov. 29 | 11 AM – 5 PM
The Avenue – 161 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Returning to The Avenue in the former “Linens ‘n Things” location, the CirculateMKE Black Friday Market offers free admission to this family-friendly event. Now in its 5th year, the market is a unique way to support community makers and local vendors outside of traditional retail shopping during the holidays. Click here for more info.

Milwaukee Makers Market
Saturday, Nov. 30 | 10 AM – 4 PM
Discovery World – 500 N. Harbor Drive
Stop by Milwaukee’s largest and longest-running shop small market for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts. Milwaukee’s Makers Market offers free admission and features more than 35 Milwaukee-based jewelry makers, designers, artists and other skilled artisans. Click here for more info.

Hover Craft
Sunday, Dec. 1 | 12 PM – 6 PM
Pritzlaff Building – 333 N. Plankinton Avenue
The annual holiday shopping extravaganza Hover Craft returns to the Pritzlaff Building for its 10th year. Attendees of this event have the opportunity to meet and build relationships with more than 100 local artists, crafters, makers, designers and more! Skip the line with your purchase of a $5 ticket – the first 200 shoppers through the door also receive a limited-edition Hover Craft tote bag. Click here for more info.

Pfister Holiday Marketplace
Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 14 &  Dec. 15 | 10 AM – 5 PM
The Pfister Hotel – 424 E. Wisconsin Avenue
Venture down to the historic Pfister Hotel this holiday season for the 5th annual Pfister Holiday Marketplace, featuring more than 60 local vendors on the mezzanine level. Be sure to attend both days of this spectacular free event, as 20 new vendors will set up shop in the hallway each day. While visiting the Pfister, check out the festive Lobby Lounge, and enjoy the fireplace and the giant holiday tree. Click here for more info.

Holiday Lights Festival Ornaments
Still looking for the perfect gift for the Milwaukee-lover in your life? Look no further than the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival ornament! This year’s ornament depicts the Marcus Performing Arts Center, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and is available both online at shop.milwaukeedowntown.com and at the following retailers:

• Milwaukee Downtown (301 W. Wisconsin Ave.)
• Kloiber Jewelers (777 E. Wisconsin Ave.)
• Urban Milwaukee (755 N. Milwaukee St.)