Christkindl Market brings the magic of the season to Kitchener

As the holiday season arrives in Kitchener, the city comes to life with twinkling lights, the sweet sound of carolers, and the heartwarming sight of handcrafted treasures as the annual Christkindl Market transforms Downtown Kitchener into a magical winter wonderland filled with cherished traditions and festive joy. The City of Kitchener is excited to celebrate the season with visitors from near and far, sharing our beloved holiday traditions and enjoying new activities that will make this year’s festival bigger and brighter than ever.

Christkindl Market returns to Kitchener City Hall, Carl Zehr Square and King St. from Thursday, Dec. 5 to Sunday, Dec. 8. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of a classic European market while enjoying holiday goodies, taking a lap on the outdoor skating rink, tapping your toes to live entertainment, and creating holiday memories with KidsKindl activities for the whole family.

Under the twinkling lights lining King St., explore a winter wonderland. Sample festive flavours at the Essenshalle (that means dining hall in German!), grab a warm cup of hot chocolate or a spiced gluhwein, and browse local vendors all along King St. on your way to the Christkindl stage. Stop and see live fire performances, a blacksmithing demonstration, enjoy maple taffy made on snow with real maple syrup, and cheer on local sculptors at our ice sculpture contest. As you reach the Christkindl stage, relax in a Muskoka chair and warm up by a heater as you watch live entertainment by local performers, including The Tom Nagy Christmas Experience, The Golden Keys, Amanda & James, Classic Crooners Christmas Show, Charlie Brown Christmas favourites performed by the Jason White Trio, and a whole host of local choirs, dancers and more.

Inside Kitchener City Hall, two floors will be transformed into a bustling European Christmas market with over 90 vendors combining new local businesses and some who have returned to the market for over 20 years. Browse a variety of arts, crafts and toys, Christmas and home decorations, clothing, jewellery, accessories, health and body products, food and more. You’ll be sure to find something for everybody on your list – and maybe a treat for yourself too!

Christkindl Market is a perfect way to spend a day out with the entire family this season. On Saturday and Sunday, bundle up and experience the bigger-than-ever KidsKindl zone at King and Ontario Streets. Take a ride on ferris wheel, decorate Christmas cookies, visit the petting zoo, meet Santa and more. As you travel back to City Hall, don’t forget to take a lap on the outdoor ice rink then head indoors to visit the model train display inside City Hall and drop a letter to Santa in our special mailbox.

The Christkindl Market is sponsored by Heffner Lexus Toyota and 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 full Christkindl schedule and more, visit www.christkindl.ca.