Christkindlmarket opening weekend: they ran out of Oktoberfest beer, collectible mugs going fast
One measure of how things went for the first weekend of Christkindlmarket Milwaukee: organizers ran out of Oktoberfest beer.
Yes, that means it was a successful start for the holiday market, staged on the plaza in front of Fiserv Forum, the new home of the Milwaukee Bucks.
The market is operated by German American Events, LLC, the same organization that stages Christkindlmarkets in Chicago and Naperville.
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An estimated 35,000 people attended the opening weekend of Christkindlmarket Milwaukee, said Kate Bleeker, director of expansion and market development for the market organizer.
"We could not have asked for a warmer welcome from the people of Milwaukee," she said. "It was very busy but so much fun and we are just thrilled to have the opportunity to share the traditions and market with everyone."
Sales of the Christkindlmarket Milwaukee mug were especially strong. The market creates a new collectable mug each year.
The Milwaukee mugs "will not last until the end of the market, so if people want to make sure they get their first annual Christkindlmarket mug, they should come soon," Bleeker said.
Some of the two dozen vendors have placed orders for additional merchandise to refresh their supplies, she said.
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The Christmas market is the first major event to be staged on the Fiserv Forum plaza. Admission is free.
Christkindlmarket will run through Dec. 31.
The market is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.