Circular logo with a yellow background and brown border. Inside, there is a brown heart shape with a line crossing through the top. Surrounding the heart are the words 'EVERYTHING IS BETTER AT KRISKNIDLMARKT' in brown uppercase letters, with small snowflake icons between the words.

CONTINUED GROWTH (2018-2020)

2018

An eighth permanent hut in Mueller Square was constructed, as well as five collapsible huts to be placed on the Water Street Bridge.

2019

No significant changes were made.

2020

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the event, but due to the increased interest in outdoor activities, it drew the largest attendance to date. The market continued to grow with the formation of Creekside Commons including an information kiosk as well as three more permanent huts. The newly reconstructed Love Lock Bridge over Beaver Creek provided a picturesque backdrop for Creekside.

An elderly man is painting a small wooden playhouse outside. In the photos, he is applying white paint to the roof and parts of the structure. The playhouse has a bright yellow exterior, and the man appears focused on his work.

2024 - CURRENT STATE

As of 2025, the Sparta Kriskindlmarkt offers a variety of food and beverage options, as well as unique shopping opportunities. It features 11 permanent huts, 22 collapsible huts, and 9 food and beverage outlets. In total, over 40 huts will serve the public in Downtown Sparta for its tenth anniversary. This year’s market will open for the season at 2 p.m. on Nov. 28

It was all

a dream.

The traditional European-style outdoor market, known as Sparta Kriskindlmarkt, has grown significantly since its inception in 2015. Here’s a look at its evolution:

EARLY YEARS (2015-2017)

2015

The seven-hut market began as a two-weekend event held in a vacant lot on North Water Street.

2016

The market expanded to three weekends and saw improvements to the original stage, including the addition of a rigid back wall and decorative eyebrow roof.

2017

The site on North Water Street was affectionately named Mueller Square. The stage area underwent more improvements, with the newest addition being a roof and awning structure.

Night view of a small town holiday market with decorated stalls and string lights, seen from above, with people walking, and cars parked on the street.

RECENT YEARS (2021-2024)

2021

The Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce took over the event and expanded it to four weekends. Creekside Commons received decorative pavers, and six new collapsible huts were added.

2022

The Sausage Hut, a hexagonal structure, made its debut.

2023

The Sausage Hut was renamed the Wurst Hausl, and the neighboring Bier Hausl was constructed. The Bier Hausl was the grandest temporary structure to date due to its bell tower and elaborate lighting. The Love Lock Bridge grew in importance as it became an important connecter to the new Love Lock Village which consisted of five collapsible huts as well as the addition of a beloved Build-Your-Own-S’mores station in the Beaver Creek Meadow, a crowd favorite with the children.

2024

The tenth year of the market marks its largest yet with the expansion of the Love Lock Village, including six more collapsible huts, a new stage, a food booth, and a paved stage area in the Beaver Creek Meadow. The Mueller Square stage was also raised, and the roof was extended, transforming the area into a new concessions area for festive food and drink.

People shopping at a festive outdoor Christmas market at night with snow falling, wooden stalls decorated with greenery and string lights, and various winter clothing.