COUNTRY’S #1 HOLIDAY MARKET – OLD WORLD CHRISTMAS MARKET AT WISCONSIN’S OSTHOFF RESORT – RETURNS FOR 22^nd YEAR

The annual Old World Christmas Market at Wisconsin’s Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake, set for Dec. 6-15 this year, is the essence of holiday spirit. There are fragrant pine trees aglow with lights, timber booths overflowing with gifts from international artisans, a German food court with comfort foods and tempting treats, horse-drawn wagon rides, and appearances by St. Nicholas and real reindeer. Most importantly, though, it’s the small-town warmth and friendliness that draws thousands to the market each December, with 2019 marking the 22^nd year for the event. And surely it’s that same charm that contributed to the Old World Christmas Market being voted the Best Holiday Market in the U.S. in last year’s USA Today’s Readers’ Choice 10Best poll. Market hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $7 per adult, with children 14 and under complimentary with an adult ticketholder. Discounted ticket prices for groups of 20 or more are available. Parking is free. For more details on the market plus special holiday packages, log on to www.ChristmasMarketAtOsthoff.com or call 844.566.4392.

For serious shoppers and those who cherish every minute of the holiday season, there is an overnight package during the run of the show that includes a one-night stay and two admission tickets to the Old World Christmas Market. Pricing is from $175 plus tax for stays Sunday-Thursday, Dec. 8-12, and from $195 plus tax for stays Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6-7 and 13-14.

Imagine the delight of the Osthoff Resort staff last year upon learning they topped holiday markets in cities famous for their Christmas spirit, including Philadelphia, Denver, New York City and Chicago, to earn the #1 spot on the USA Today 10Best list. They’ve just learned the resort’s Old World Christmas Market has once again been nominated for the 2019 10Best Readers’ Choice award for Best Holiday Market. Voting is now open and runs through Monday, Dec. 2; a person can vote once a day for the run of the contest . Winners will be announced Friday, Dec. 13 and the Osthoff is hoping that will be their lucky day. Another win this year would pair as nicely as say Christmas cookies and milk with the resort’s #5 ranking in this year’s Condé Nast Traveler Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards in the category of Top Resorts in the Midwest.

Other Holiday Happenings to Warm Your Heart

Activities for children fill the calendar too, making the season bright for the young and young at heart.

• Children’s Holiday Workshops: Dec. 7, 14 and 21, with cookie decorating and ornament-making with Santa’s elves for children ages 4-10.
• Holiday Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides: Dec. 7, 14 and 21, includes Christmas carols and hot chocolate.
• Breakfast with Santa Claus: Dec. 7, 14 and 21, this festive knee-high breakfast buffet includes a special gift from Santa.
• Brunch with St. Nicholas and His Reindeer: Dec. 8 and 15, this is the time to bring along your last-minute wish list and enjoy a visit with St. Nicholas and one of his trusty reindeer.

The Osthoff Resort loves to play the role of holiday host, especially to families who’ve made a visit an annual tradition. The season kicks off in the lead-up to Thanksgiving and runs through New Year’s Day. There are overnight package specials from mid-November through Jan. 2, 2019. For details on all, visit their website.