Christkindl Market celebrates the magic of the season in Kitchener
Downtown Kitchener is set to sparkle with holiday magic as the Christkindl Market makes its highly anticipated return this week. This beloved European-style holiday market brings festive sights and sounds to our community each year along with holiday shopping, live entertainment and free activities for all ages.
“Christkindl embodies the spirit of community and togetherness that makes the holidays so special and I can’t wait to celebrate it with our residents and visitors” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “Each year, I’m amazed by the talent and creativity displayed by the many local artisans, performers and entrepreneurs who help bring this festival to life. Not only do they showcase the vibrancy of our city for residents and visitors alike, but they give us all the opportunity to support local talent and contribute to a strong, connected Kitchener."
Join us from Thursday, December 4 to Sunday, December 7 at Kitchener City Hall, in Carl Zehr Square and along King Street to celebrate the season and experience everything Christkindl has in store:
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Over 90 local artisans selling handmade gifts for everyone on your list.
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New this year, our heated Musik Haus tent offering four days of free live entertainment – music, dancing and holiday favourites – along with a Saturday night Christkindl Holiday Hoedown featuring Urban Cowboy Line Dancing and a live country show by The Bucking Broncos starring Conor Gains
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Outdoor food market and Das Wirtshaus bar area serving local, seasonal flavours perfect for a snack, a meal or your holiday table.
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KidsKindl Kids’ Zone with two days of free family-friendly activities including midway rides, a petting zoo, fire trucks, photos with Santa and more.
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Ice sculpture contest showcasing the talent of five skilled Canadian artists as they carve ice sculptures and battle for the top prize.
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Christkindl Opening Ceremony: a festive candlelit kickoff with the KWS Brass Quintet, the KW Philharmonic Choir and the official lighting of the Christmas Tree on Carl Zehr Square
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Free skating every day on the outdoor rink in Carl Zehr Square, featuring a skate with Kitchener Fire on Thursday and Friday from 12 - 2 p.m.
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Blacksmithing demonstrations, free maple taffy, roaming fire performances, Christmas Carollers and more all along King Street.
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Support local food banks while enjoying a delicious meal from renowned chef Dwight Smith with CBC’s Make the Season Kind food truck.
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Special Christkindl activities like cookie decorating, sip and shop days, floral workshops and more in businesses throughout downtown Kitchener, hosted by the Downtown Kitchener BIA.
Immerse yourself in the magic of the 2026 Christkindl Market. With unique shopping, lively entertainment, and seasonal delights around every corner, this is one event you won’t want to miss.
Explore it all at Christkindl.ca.
For more information:
Krystin Scheels
Communications and Marketing Associate
City of Kitchener
media@kitchener.ca
Contact Us
City of Kitchener
200 King Street West,
Kitchener, Ontario
Telephone: 519-741-2345,
TTY: 1-866-969-9994
mailto:info@kitchener.ca