A Christmas market, also known as Christkindlmarkt, Christkindlesmarkt, Christkindlmarket, and Weihnachtsmarkt, is a street market associated with the celebration of Christmas. My husband and is German and we enjoy attending these markets as part of our annual Christmas celebrations. In fact, these events have been part of Christmas celebrations for centuries. The oldest recorded market dates to 1310 in Munich, Germany.
Kitchener, Ontario, is the location of Canada's original Christkindl Market. Kitchener was founded by German-speaking Mennonites who emigrated from Pennsylvania to to farm what is now Waterloo Region.
We enjoyed Gluhwein (warmed red wine spiced with cinnamon, cloves, sugar and the zing of an orange) while we listened to Bavarian music and watched traditional dancing. We shopped for lovely Christmas decorations and enjoyed exploring the offerings of several artisans. Bakeshops offered special treats – Linzer Torte, Plum Cake and Stollen (fruit cake with marzipan).
In 1996, Christkindl Market was brought to City Hall by founder Tony Bergmeier and today, over 35,000 visitors from across North America come to experience this award-winning event. The crowds were light when we arrived but the number increasing by lunchtime.
Although there was plenty to buy, the Market provided many free options as well. There was a skating rink available, two adorable donkeys, an organ grinder and a very entertaining G-scale model railway.
Lunch was Schnitzel on a Bun, Sausages and warm pretzels! Delicious!
If there’s a Christmas market in your town, I highly recommend attending. If you’re thinking of attending next year’s Christkindl Market in Kitchener, check out their website for more information.
Pam
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