Life in the Midwest: German-style Christmas Markets in America

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Germans-styled Christmas Markets is an old world holiday tradition. But the joyful spirit where vendors decorate brightly colored stalls, selling one-of-a-kind goods, gifts, and treats, has immigrated to the New World. Wooden stalls of hand-blown glass, pegged handmade toys, ornate hand-dipped candles, and gingerbread made from age-old recipes, tempt shoppers young and old. I am so happy Christmas Markets are springing up all over America.

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• Christmas Markets in America
• 1. Denver Christkindl Market
• 2. Chicago Christkindlmarket
• 3. Baltimore Christmas Village
• 4. Bethlehem Christkindlmarkt
• 5. Arlington Christkindl Market
• 6. Canandaigua Christkindl Market (New York)
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Christmas Markets in America

Christkindl Market or Christkindlmarkt 

I know it’s not even Thanksgiving yet. But if the stores can blind us with lights, Silent Night blares from loudspeakers from Cali to the Big Apple and parking lots are being cleared to sell trees– I can talk about my favorite holiday activity too.

Christmas Markets in America have modeled themselves on their German counterparts across the pond. The appeal of holiday shopping at one of the fun outdoor markets that pop up before Christmas is clear. You can sip on hot mulled wine called gluhwein as you stroll the illuminated streets filled with festive Christmas decor and holiday music. They say imitation is the highest form of flattery. And in the case of Christmas Markets, I couldn’t agree more. Here are a few you should check out this season.

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1. Denver Christkindl Market

Nestled in the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado, Denver had a strong holiday atmosphere. The city introduced its Christkindl Market almost two decades ago. Now, it channels the Old World at Skyline Park, where glowing stalls sells schnitzel and strudel. Ride an old-fashioned carousel or enjoy a day of ice skating. More than 175,000 people shop the Christkindl Market at Skyline Park every day.

2. Chicago Christkindlmarket

Since 1996, Christkind, the blond-haired, elaborately costumed mythical figure has greeted visitors to the Chicago Christkindlmarket. Along with traditional German food, the market also sells gluhwein in collectible souvenir mugs. Other popular items include hand-blown glass ornaments and homemade baked goods from a French monastery nearby. But for many who have visited, sausages are one of the main reasons go. And you won’t be alone, more than one million people visit the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza every day.

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3. Baltimore Christmas Village

Baltimore has its own Christmas Village at the city’s Inner Harbor since 2013. The village has traditional German-style wooden stalls, heated tents and tons of holiday tradition. The highlight of the Christmas Village is a giant Christmas Tree, Bavarian folk dancers, and wine tastings. The official Christkind from Nuremberg Germany opens the ceremony on Saturday, November 24th.

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4. Bethlehem Christkindlmarkt

Known as “Christmas City USA” by virtue of its name, Bethlehem celebrates all things Christmas Markets in America. Enjoy live music, ice carving, and glass-blowing demonstrations. Held over five weeks and featuring over 125 artisanal stall holders, Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem oozes old-world charm. Visitors can expect to find beautiful glass art, handmade jewelry, wheel-thrown pottery, gourmet foods, and hand-crafted candles, to name just a few goodies.

5. Arlington Christkindl Market

The Arlington Christmas Market is inside Enchant, featuring one of the world’s largest light mazes and ice rink. It features exclusive Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas Decorations, a German holiday tradition. As well as designs from the renowned Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Village in Germany. Enjoy the Warming Haus and live entertainment. Kids can catch a glimpse of the Christkindl Angel and take their photo with Santa. More than 21 food trucks and vendors sell delicious foods and crafts.

6. Canandaigua Christkindl Market (New York)

The Christkindl Market is located southeast of Rochester in the small town of Canandaigua, New York. Thankfully, for the last decade, the market has been held under several heated tents on the lawn of the majestic Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum. Over 130 regional artisans and food vendors attend the annual holiday tradition. Younger visitors are able to meet the Christkindl Angel as well as Santa and Mrs. Claus who wait to greet them in Santa’s House.

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