Like a scene out of a storybook, the village of Sister Bay turns into the most magical place during Christmastime. Imagine lighted decorations, twinking under a fresh snowfall, and the warm glow of restaurants promising hot toddies and cocoa inside. In more recent years, the Christmas charm has been elevated with three weekends of the Sister Bay Christkindlmarkt. For the past three years, we have made the old world Christmas market one of our holiday traditions.
Old World Charm
The market is located on the outskirts of the village at the Sister Bay Historical Society that includes 16 historic buildings. We parked ($10) at our favorite wine bar, Twelve Eleven, and walked the pathway to the market. The walk has been muddy at times, so be sure to wear the proper footwear! Shuttle buses are also available from different locations.
The wooden huts and barns are all decorated for the holidays and filled with foods and gifts. You can wander past booths selling everything from handwoven baskets and furry Nordic hats, to one-of-a-kind ornaments, and artisan fudge. Something for everyone on your list! Inside the “chicken coop” you can take a holiday photo of your family. Don’t forget the dogs!
Christmas cheer in a cup
Traditionally, our first stop is the drinks hut. Hot cocoa or cider for the kids. And Glühwein for the grownups. The warm mulled wine is a staple at European Christmas markets. It warms you up on a cold Wisconsin day, and it smells so good. Recipes vary, but the one in Sister Bay is made with cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange peel. For a little extra, you can get it in a collectible souvenir mug.
We ventured over to a live demonstration of glass blowing, where folks gathered in a semi-circle, mesmerized as they watched a glass snowman being twisted and pulled into shape. Inside the nearby shack, you could buy glass Christmas trees and other figurines.
We loved seeing the cute kids all bundled up in their hats and mittens. The dogs in their warm sweaters. The alpaca grazing on hay. Inside we picked up a winter headband made with alpaca fibers. A perfect secret santa gift! We also took home a a local screen-printed tshirt and a framed print from one of our favorite local artists. Souvenirs from this year’s Sister Bay Christkindlmarkt.
Fuel up in the food barn
If the Wisconsin weather gets a little too much, there are opportunities to escape the cold. Inside the large food barn, several local restaurants serve up some Northern European dishes. Using giant pans, Culinaria offers dishes such as Kartoffelsuppe (German Potato Soup) and a Kielbasa and Potato Sausage Plate with Butter Cabbage and Spaetzle. Nearby, Thyme Restaurant served Schweinebraten, a roasted pork sandwich with bacon onion jam and Dijon. For dessert, pick up some German chocolate cake and enjoy it by the big fire pit.
Unique gifts under the tent
If you’re looking to stay warm while you shop, dozens of vendors have booths set up inside the giant heated tent. Looking for a handmade cribbage board set, warm woolen mittens, or moccasins for someone on your list? You’ll find it it here. We wandered past nuts and soaps and candles and gifts for dogs. We found some butterfly earrings, cleverly made of wood, for somone’s stocking this year.
A visit with Santa
We missed the scheduled live music events, but we did get to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus who are inside the Anderson House on Saturdays.
Later in the day, the market took on a magical glow. After about an hour at the market, our daughter declared she was “full of Christmas cheer!”
The Sister Bay Christkindlmarkt is just the beginning of the magic of the holidays in Door County. From holiday shopping in Fish Creek to the natural Christmas event at the Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor, there’s something for everyone. And at the end of the hustle and bustle, it’s also the perfect time to get away and enjoy the “quiet season.” You’ll find your peaceful getaway at any one of our Northern Door Vacations properties. Book your stay today!
