Back to SearchNothing says Christmas in Kitchener quite like the popular Christkindl Market, and this year it’s bigger and brighter than ever! The City of Kitchener is excited to welcome visitors from near and far to a celebration that will kick off the holiday season. This year’s Christkindl takes over City Hall, Carl Zehr Square and all along King St. from Thursday, Dec. 7 to Sunday, Dec. 10. Christkindl will bring all your favourite sights, sounds, and smells of a classic European market, coupled with holiday goodies, outdoor skating, live entertainment on the outdoor Christkindl Stage, and Kidskindl activities for the whole family.
Downtown Kitchener will be transformed into a winter wonderland with bright lights and decorations on King St., Gaukel St., and in Carl Zehr Square. Enjoy the festive displays while sipping on a hot chocolate or spiced Gluhwein, sampling a treat from one of the local food vendors, or taking a lap on the free outdoor ice rink. Visitors of all ages can explore holiday scenes brought to life along King St. with the virtual scavenger hunt, join in on all new Kidskindl activities, or hop aboard the Holiday Express train to the whimsical Candyland experience. All weekend long, the festivities will be accompanied by performances on the bigger-than-ever outdoor stage, with daily shows from a range of local performers. Catch The Golden Keys on Thursday, The Mantini Sisters on Friday, The Tom Nagy Christmas Show on Saturday and dozens of other performances. With something for everyone to enjoy, bundle up and take in all the holiday fun outdoors this year!
A trip to Christkindl isn’t complete without a browse through the one-of-a-kind gifts, food, and artisan items from the vendors at the Christkindl Market! Shop over 80 vendors offering everything from art and crafts, clothing, and jewelry, to bakery and food items, health and beauty creations, and more. With a mix of new local businesses and beloved vendors who have returned to the market for over 20 years, you’ll be sure to find something for everyone on your wish list.
"The Christkindl Market is a holiday tradition for so many, and I'm excited for residents and visitors alike to see everything we have in store for this year,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “Seeing everyone come together to support our vendors, take in local entertainment, and celebrate the season with their friends and neighbours is always a special experience and something I look forward to every year."
Christkindl builds on the tradition of German Christmas festivals dating back 700 years, but in Kitchener, it has become a uniquely local event that residents and businesses can call their own.
The Christkindl Market is sponsored by Heffner Lexus Toyota and runs in partnership with the Downtown Kitchener BIA. Thanks to these partnerships, Christkindl is set to be bigger and brighter than ever and is sure to be an unforgettable holiday experience you won't want to miss.
Experience the magic of the season and delight the senses with the sights, sounds, and smells of the Christkindl Market. Admission is free and all are welcome. For more details on performances, vendors, the virtual scavenger hunt and more visit www.christkindl.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Shawn Falcao
Manager, Corporate Communications
City of Kitchener
shawn.falcao@kitchener.ca
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