December 2000 - Nr. 13

German Christmas Markets Takeover

Much of the scenery around the City Halls of Kitchener and Toronto is dominated these days by something that is very commonplace in German cities, the Christmas Market. The Kitchener Christkindl Market is already calling itself the "original" one, and it is so in more ways than one. Firstly it is the first outdoor Christmas Market adopted by a city in Ontario, perhaps in Canada, and it already won an award as a community originated activity. Even the Toronto Mayors Street Fests, which are so much bigger, were not considered competition by the powers that were assigning such praise in Ottawa. After 3 years this original market is now ready to expand. Plans are already being made.

Traditionally the Kitchener Christkindl Market starts out with a procession of lights moving from Victoria Park to City Hall. Many Families with their children walk the dark streets and bringing the symbolic warmth and shine of light to a world in darkness. They are lead by Joseph and his family in search of shelter, thus re-enacting the old biblical story. Upon arrival at City hall they and the 2 live donkeys find shelter in a specially created manger with a cradle. This nativity scene is an absolute favourite with everyone. All around are the wooden booths decorated with bows and evergreens and filled with Christmas treasure of all descriptions, illuminated by a huge many story tall Christmas tree. No matter how bitter cold it is despite the installed heaters, these booths are manned with smiling faces, offering a familiar treat like hot red mulled wine, a sausage or a piece of delicious cake and hot coffee. We also find the German Canadian Congress housed with the German Canadian Business Association, a good partnership indeed. These two organisations often support the same cause. Across from them smoked meat specialties are offered. Nearby the bandstand is ready to accommodate a band or choir to present Christmas carols. Every day the program presents a variety of singers and bands, not all of German-Canadian origin.

Between all the people we can get a peek at Knecht Ruprecht; but if you were not the best you could be, he might not be nice to you and instead of carrying the promise of a gift you might be punished. If you think this is not just, we recommend you call the angels to help you arbitrate a truth; they walk around in beautiful golden costumes. If you cannot find them go inside. In the great rotunda many exhibitors offer everything your heart could desire for Christmas on two levels. Every space is utilised and packed with handmade toys and pottery, hand blown tree ornaments, dolls and teddies, jewellery and more decorations of every description. Specialty foods are of course also to be had here.

For half a week the City of Kitchener is in the thrall of a German Christmas Market, which is enhanced a bit down the street by an artisan market. What a beautiful idea!

Every year this market has been attracting more and more people not just from near surroundings, no, now whole busloads arrive from far away.

Toronto is experiencing its first German Christmas Market. Sascha Lutz, the entrepreneurial spirit behind this marvellous idea, is a brave man indeed to shoulder this venture with the help of the German Canadian Chamber of Commerce and some help from the Ministry of Tourism. At the opening press conference, catered by Mövenpick in their warm tent, the concept of German Christmas markets was explained, gifts exchanged and the Minister handed over a cheque for 10 thousand dollars to Mr. Lutz. Everyone expressed the hope that this market would the first in a long row of tradition forming events.

Outside the wooden booths were beautifully decorated with greenery and red bows, beautifully handcrafted items mainly from Germany invited visitors to take a closer look. Hot red mulled wine in commemorative mugs keep everyone warm. The Bratwurst is delicious and has to be tried. Above all these different smells rises yet another fragrance, that of freshly roasted nuts and almonds.

On the first weekend this charming addition to Toronto’s events calendar did very well, but then it simmered down. I am sure that no one counted on the cold weather, which is very unusual for Toronto in early December. There is little respite from the icy wind at Nathan Phillip Square. All exhibits are outdoors, as is usual in Germany. But in Germany there are few areas that can get as cold as Toronto in winter. In Kitchener the rotunda offers a way to escape the cold and still enjoy the Christmas Market. In Toronto there is only the Mövenpick tent to escape to for warmth. Nevertheless, there were always people to be seen braving the cold and showing great interest in the many different offerings. At every time we were there German voices could be heard, mixed with other languages.

This is a very fine first effort and any kinks can surely be worked out to make the Christmas Market of Toronto as successful as the Kitchener version.

It is actually astounding that it took so long for this idea to arrive in Toronto. We hope that it will be a growing proposition gaining much more support next year. In the meantime we hope that the weather changes for the better for the rest of the market, which is to continue until December 17. 

SFR.

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