I have a confession to make: I’ve felt a bit like the Grinch Who Stole Christmas lately when it comes to the holidays. I still spend time with family and friends but I haven’t decorated in a long while. It all seems like a lot of work to be enjoyed for such a short time. Recently, I was saved from my Grinch-y self by an invitation to visit the Osthoff Resort on Elkhart Lake in Wisconsin.
I’d never heard of Elkhart Lake but a quick Google search revealed that it was the perfect place to find some Christmas spirit.
Elkhart Lake is a charming town in Wisconsin that transforms into a winter wonderland during the holidays. Nestled around its namesake spring-fed lake, it captures the essence of small town America with its glowing street lights, and festive decorations.
Elkhart Lake is home to the luxurious Osthoff Resort, which hosts one of the Midwest’s premier European-style Christmas markets. Beyond the holidays, Elkhart Lake offers a peaceful retreat and serves as a gateway to experiencing authentic Wisconsin hospitality.
If you have ever wanted to visit a European Christmas market but don’t want to fly 5,000 miles, at Osthoff Resort’s Old World Market, European traditions and the spirit of Christmas come alive. Vendors from Germany as well as other international and local vendors, return year after year for this market.
These Santa Claus figures were actually paper mache’! How could you chose just one?
A top 10 Christmas in the USA
As I stepped inside the market tent at the Ostoff, the sights, sounds, and smells of Christmas greeted me: pine trees and pastries, friends and family mingling and greeting each other over a cup of cocoa; the cold wind howling outside; lights and garland decked the halls. I felt as though I’d been transported across the ocean. Bonus: if you’re in the USA you won’t have suffer from travel stress or jet lag traveling to this market.
Gerhard Lipman, he’s a regular at the market with his wonderful nutcrackers.
Buy handmade gifts
Forget going to Europe for nutcrackers or other traditional German Christmas gifts…you only need to travel to Wisconsin. No passport required.
I discovered birdhouses and wonderful arrangements made from local birch wood; hand-blown glass ornaments; sturdy knives carved from antlers that were works of art; tapestries and scarves from India; carved Santa Claus figures, even treats for your favorite pet.
Old Saint Nick strolled the market lending his jolly laugh to the atmosphere. And there was a beautiful setting among the Christmas trees for taking photos with the kiddos.
We ate regional desserts, pastries, and other tasty treats, like Gluhwein and schnitzel, served with red cabbage and spaetzle. Local cheeses were featured because, Wisconsin and no Christmas market in Wisconsin would be complete without at least some cheese curds.
I loved these birch candle holders. Birch trees are native to Wisconsin.
There were about 100 vendors at the market which is a good size market. I spent four hours there but I could have spent more because the heated tent housing the market is the size of a football field.
As I wandered the market eating German food, talking to vendors and stuffing my bag with beautiful gifts, I felt my Grinch-y-ness evaporating. I may even put up a tree this year. The spirit of Christmas found me at the Osthoff’s Old World Christmas Market in Wisconsin.
This booth was called The German Gift Store. These guys were having a great timing chatting with customers who come to visit them at the market every year, not only to buy their cool German Christmas decor, but to chat in German.
Would I go back? You bet I would. Europe’s got nothing on Wisconsin. Have you been? Where is your favorite Christmas market?
Go and Stay
The closest airport is Milwaukee. From there, drive approximately one hour north to Elkhart Lake.
Book your room at the Ostoff Resort direct and check rates on Hotels.com
Of course I had to tell St. Nick what I wanted for Christmas.
This delightful visit to the Osthoff Resort Christmas Market was sponsored by Osthoff Resort.
8 comments
Interesting! We may have to check this out! Wisconsin is the only state we haven’t been to!
Good on you. Wish I could say the same.
I really enjoyed learning about this market! I would love to go!
Thanks Susan! I plan to be a regular. I’ve never experienced anything like it – haven’t been to the markets in Europe either.
Great article Penny! It brought back great memories. Osthoff Old World Christmas Market next year? Yes, for me!
I think it’s going to be a tradition now.
My first step was about two years ago. I used to buy a fresh green tree. Then the next year I bought an excellent fake tree. This year it did not get taken out of the box. Sort of sad that the kids are grown up and have moved out of California.
Marcy, I understand. Seriously, is there a market nearby you can visit?