Tomah Kriskindlmarkt
Sparta and Tomah Chambers of Commerce Announce Collaborative Kriskindlmarkt Coming to Downtown Tomah
PRESS RELEASE - TOMAH, WI — August 19, 2026 — The Sparta Chamber of Commerce and the Tomah Chamber Foundation are excited to announce a new collaborative effort to bring a traditional Kriskindlmarkt to downtown Tomah this holiday season.
The event will celebrate the spirit of the Christmas season while highlighting local businesses, artisans, food vendors, and community organizations. Inspired by traditional German Christmas markets, the Kriskindlmarkt will create a festive downtown experience where residents and visitors alike can shop and dine.
“The Sparta Chamber reached out to us this summer with an exciting opportunity for our two organizations to work together to create something special for the region,” said Tina Thompson, President/CEO of the Tomah Chamber and Visitors Center. “A Kriskindlmarkt is about more than shopping—it’s about supporting small businesses, bringing people into Tomah, and creating traditions that make our communities special. Sparta has provided us with information and resources to get this event off the ground in Tomah.”
The collaboration between the Sparta and Tomah Chambers reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the regional economy. By sharing resources, ideas, and community connections, the two organizations hope to establish the Kriskindlmarkt as a regional tradition.
“This collaboration demonstrates what can happen when neighboring communities come together,” said Lance Houser, Executive Director of the Sparta Chamber of Commerce. “We are excited to collaborate with Tomah watch their market grow. We wish them the best of luck.”
The initial site for the Kriskindlmarkt in Tomah will be 1013 Superior Avenue. More information about the Tomah Kriskindlmarkt, including vendor and sponsorship opportunities, will be released in the coming weeks.
Local businesses are encouraged to stay open during market hours and provide themed product.
About the Tomah Chamber Foundation
The Tomah Chamber Foundation Inc is the 501(c)(3) charitable organization of the Greater Tomah Chamber of Commerce dedicated to enhancing the Tomah community by supporting local economic reinvestment and growth and beautifying shared spaces—empowering people to thrive where they live and work.
Tomah Kriskindlmarkt FAQ
Why is the Tomah Chamber Foundation doing a Kriskindlmarkt?
We have had people ask us to start this event for many years. This year, Lance Houser from the Sparta Chamber of Commerce, along with Reinhard Mueller from the Sparta Shovelmen, approached the City of Tomah and the Tomah Chamber with the idea of helping Tomah build up an event similar in nature to the event that Sparta hosts. They have provided hut building plans, connections to specialty wines and beers, vendor contract information, ideas, time, and spirit.
Does the Sparta Chamber know that the Tomah Chamber is doing a similar event to their Kriskindlmarkt?
Yes, we have their full support, in fact, it was their idea!
What is the difference between the Tomah Chamber and the Tomah Chamber Foundation?
The Tomah Chamber is a 501 c 6 membership organization. The Tomah Chamber Foundation is a separate organization set up as a 501 c 3 charitable organization. The Foundation is eligible to sell raffle tickets, apply for different grants, and accept tax free donations.
Where will this be located?
1013 Superior Avenue, the former Peking location.
Why was this location selected?
When the City of Tomah and the Tomah Chamber were approached with this idea, the City of Tomah was already in the works of purchasing the property at 1013 Superior Avenue. The City of Tomah proposed doing the market at this location as a way to increase foot traffic into downtown. Tomah’s city council later agreed to enter into a land lease agreement with the Chamber Foundation.
What if the City of Tomah sells this land to a developer?
That is a very real option. The huts are designed to be moved and not affixed to the land. We hope that a developer does come in and build something new for Tomah. Part of our goal is to get developers looking at Tomah through a fresh and creative lens. We believe Tomah is ready to grow, and we have been working very closely with city staff on several projects to position Tomah for development. This is one of them.
What are the dates and times of the Tomah Kriskindlmarkt?
The Tomah Kriskindlmarkt will match the dates and times of the Sparta Kriskindlmarkt. Dates for 2026 are Friday, November 27th, Saturday, November 28th, Friday, December 4th, Saturday, December 5th, Friday, December 11th, Saturday, December 12th, Friday December 18th, and Saturday, December 19th. The huts will be open from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Fridays and 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Saturdays.
Is the Tomah Chamber working with local companies to build the huts?
Yes, we have been working closely with both Tomah Lumber and All American Do-it Center! We were also approached by the Friends of Tomah Parks to help build the huts!
Will Tomah’s Kriskindlmarkt be as big as Sparta’s event?
Not yet! Sparta has spent years perfecting their event and has a significant following. Tomah’s event is brand new and frankly, very late to the game. We will look to build it up in future years though! We ask for your patience as we begin to get established this year.
What will pricing be to become a vendor at the Tomah Kriskindlmarkt?
We are matching Sparta’s pricing schedule of $70.00 for a Friday and $140 for a Saturday.
What is the process for applying to be a vendor at the Tomah KKM?
Reach out to the Chamber for an application and return it by the due date. Payment is due within 15 days of notification that you’ve been selected as a vendor. Failure to pay in full may result in hut forfeiture.
What is the vendor selection process?
The Tomah Chamber and Visitors Center will review all vendor applications submitted by the deadline and will use a jurying process to make vendor selections. A jurying process is a curated evaluation method where an independent panel or committee reviews applicant submissions. Instead of accepting everyone on a first-come, first-served basis, the jury scores and filters candidates against strict quality, style, and originality benchmarks to maintain a high standard.
Preference will be given to vendors who will sell items in line with the theme of the event: a traditional German holiday market. (Woodworking, pottery and ceramics, candles and home fragrance, glass art, textiles and fiber art, fine art, jewelry, leather goods, clothing, bakery, confections, pantry staples, beverage kits, pet treats, winter greenery, paper goods, holiday décor, bath and body, wellness, and metalwork are some examples.)
No MLM or resale is allowed.
Chamber membership is not required.
Will you have the collectors’ mugs?
Not this year, but we’re working on it for next year!
Will you have the gluhwein and German beer?
It has been ordered!
How many huts will be built?
We’re starting with 10 and may build up to 18 the first year.
Will the huts have access to electricity?
Yes!
Who is funding this project?
The Tomah Chamber Foundation is funding this project through donations, fundraising, and sponsorships. Sponsorship opportunities will be available soon. No Tomah Chamber investment dollars are funding this project.
Interested In Becoming a Vendor?
Download the appropriate vendor application below for Vendor or Food Vendor (Coming soon!). Send completed application, along with additional requirements listed in the application, to Berta Downs at bdowns@tomahwisconsin.com. Feel free to email any questions or call the Tomah Chamber office at 608-372-2166.
Media Contact
Tina Thompson, President/CEO
Email: tthompson@tomahwisconsin.com
Phone: 608-372-2166