Christkindlmarkt 2010/
Christmas Market 2010!

An old German tradition guaranteed to delight your senses and warm your soul this holiday season. Local crafters, German imports, Bakery, Entertainment and much more...

81 Fort Garry Place Mall

Friday, Nov 26th 9:30 am - 9:00 pm
Saturday, Nov 27th 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday, Nov 28th 11:30 am - 5:00 pm

History of Germany's Legendary Christkindlmarkt

Since the 15th century, German tons have celebrated the holidays with one of Europe's most endearing traditions, the Christkindlmarkt, or Christmas Market. Originally begun in the city of Nürmberg, the tradition continues to this day. Visitors become enchanted with the old world charm of the ornate vendor stalls festooned with fragrant pine branches displaying the cherished craftsmanship of local artisans. The Germans take their Christams celebrations very, very seriously, just as Canadians do.

While North Americans tend to focus on Christmas as a time of major economic activity (and therefore have commercialized the holiday extensively), the Germans have kept their celebrations closer to the religious roots. Consequently, the focus of their celebrations is community-building, centered normally around the church. The Christmas markets are known by two names — weihnachtsmarkt, literally "Christmas Market", or Christkindlmarkt, or "Christchild Market". although the former term was more commonly used in protestant-dominated areas, and the latter in the Catholic areas, especially Bavaria.

The Markets are just that — markets. They specialize in the holiday gifts and wares such as wreaths, trees, decorations, and knick knacks. Traditional German festival food — like Bratworsts, Crepes, and Roasted Almonds are sold, along with regional holiday specialties. The most common drink sold is mulled sweetened wine called Glühwein, or "Glowing Wine," served warm. Often, the wine is served in ceramic mugs that have the town's name printe on them. Some people buy the mugs as a souvenir, Each town and city had one, although the size of the city determined how long it was held. Larger cities will hold it throughout all fo advent. Smaller cities may only open the market on the weekends. Towns and boroughs will typically only host the markets on one or two weekends in advent, establishing a rotation with other neighboring towns.

Christkindlmarkt in Winnipeg

the traditional German "Christkindlmarkt" was first introduced to Winnipeg by the German-Canadian Congress (MB) Inc. in 1985, making the event the first of its kind, not only in Winnipeg, but in Canada as well.

To make a German Christmas Star (Fröbel Stern) This link has excellent instructions as to how to make one.
www.craftideas.info/html/german_star_instructions.html