Christkindlmarkt 2011/
Christmas Market 2011!

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...

This years Christkindlmarkt will be on November, 25, 26, and 27, 2011.

Due to renovations the new location is St. Joseph’s Hall, 515 College Avenue, Winnipeg

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 Christmas 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 printed 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

Note performance schedules are not finalized till a few weeks before Christkindlmarkt. The schedule is based on last years, but will likely be very similar.

25th Christkindlmarkt

The twenty-fifth Christkindlmarkt held in November was a wonderful success. Over forty local crafters filled the mall with various holiday wares. Aside from the traditional Christmas ornaments and arrangements, a wide range of handmade gifts, many unique and one-of-a-kind items, made shopping for family and friends a delightful venture. Shoppers could browse through items from jewelry, beauty and honey products, pottery, candles, cards, toys, books, wood carvings, favour cakes, baby and crochet clothing, to list a few. Naturally there were traditional German sweets such chocolates, Stollen, Lebkuchen, Pfeffernüsse imported from Germany, as well as locally baked breads, buns, cakes and cookies, tempting shoppers to carry some home. Hourly the mall literally rang with music from various school, church, community choirs (including Hutterite & Mennonite communities), bands, and vocalists. (See our program for a complete list of entertainers.) St. Nikolaus also visited with children from the South Winnipeg Kinderschule and Winnipeg Children’s Choir, giving parents a unique photo opportunity.

To commemorate the 25th Christkindlmarkt a specially arranged Anniversary Celebration Mass Choir sang many traditional Weihnachtslieder Friday evening. Representatives from the German Society Choir, McDermot Baptist Avenue Mission Church Choir, Male Voices Choir, Netley Colony Choir and the Church of God Choir formed the Mass Choir. This part of the program was recorded on DVD. Contact us for details.

Shoppers looking for a break to rest their weary feet and refresh themselves found the welcoming Kaffeestube a refuge from the lively sights and sounds of a busy mall. Here in the Kaffeestube families and friends gathered for Kaffee und Kuchen or a glass of traditional Glühwein and a pretzel.

As usual in the Kinderecke (Children’s Corner) parents could also have their children engaged in creative artistry. Activities were professionally directed and carefully supervised.

Another highlight of the 25th Christkindlmarkt was a raffle ticket fundraising event. A locally made Hänsel und Gretel Haus, a 100 pound gingerbread house, was on display at The Forks one week prior to being raffled off on November 28. One lucky Winnipegger took home this Grimm Brothers’ icon.

Two other local shoppers won draws for gift baskets filled with holiday treats.;