December 2001 - Nr. 13

Christmas Markets in Ontario

Christmas Markets are an old European tradition and in Germany they bring not just the locals out, but attract thousands of tourists from all over the world. No wonder then that those German communities have been creating such markets for a long time in Canada, so they would not have to do without their customs.

After WWII it was the newly formed Business and Professional Association that started up the early version in Toronto. This was a fast growing proposition due to so many fresh immigrants from German speaking countries. In 1955 more than 6 thousand people were counted to have attended the Christmas Market. It became necessary to move the venue from the Harmonie Club to a bigger place. Since Christmas is pretty universal Casa Loma was chosen. This was a unique opportunity to introduce the general Canadian public to such a charming custom. Opening day alone in 1960 saw 5 thousand people attending, as the major media reported.

Now we have another Christmas Market right in the heart of the city and it must be noted that things have changed considerably. 

A young man, Sascha Lutz, and his company, the Canadian Tour and Event Company, together with the German Canadian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, organised it already last year. 

The weather was especially and unusually cold and inclement then, so attendance was not what one would have hoped for. Local support among the ethnic community was as good as could be expected and everyone had high hopes that the Provincial Ministry of Tourism was not the only entity that saw merit in this venture. 

Almost all overseas and local vendors came back this year, plus a few new ones. The layout unfortunately had to change, so instead of the feeling of huddling huts we have a long open avenue of huts, which is not as conducive to a n intimate atmosphere, at least not during the day. At night it does not matter much because anything that is not lit is swallowed by the night and so the atmosphere is great.

All this was not apparent yet at noon of the opening day, the same day that the Cavalcade of Lights was to kick off at Nathan Phillips Square with the big Disney sponsor dictating that nothing else existed, or was allowed to exist. We guess that is the reason why the Mayor never said a word at night about the Christmas Market; reportedly he never came even by to have a look up to now. But to add to the injury the major press, which was invited more than once never turned up at the press conference or at any other time. And they were informed we were told, not once but often.

Organisers say that this year is better than last year in attendance, but still far from ideal. It is a growing proposition everyone hopes.

At the press conference in a barren council chamber, badly chosen at a time when people usually have lunch, the necessary introductions were made and the magic cheque from the Ministry of Tourism was handed over. This year there was a slightly larger number on it, but not as large as was hoped for. 

The only really friendly moment was the introduction of mechanical singing minstrels by Sascha Lutz. Outside it was raining and so the tour, as well as a promised cup of coffee, fell into the water, as the German saying goes. 

Nevertheless a new and very dedicated German Consul General, Dr. Ulrich Hochschild, was seen trudging through the rain with this reporter to discover the Toronto Christmas Market. He even returned at least once at another time.

As reported earlier, that night the mayor opened the Cavalcade of Lights and talked up a storm about this great city and all the wonderful events we have here. "We have it all", he was heard saying, but he forgot the Christmas Market. And it appears that when Mel forgets so does everyone else. Otherwise there is only one other explanation: the media is blind.

Politeness demands that one does not say anything; one takes one’s lumps and hopes for better times. Or should one take it to the man himself? 

He is a reasonable fellow and he does like to help and when he thinks it could be good for Toronto, he will help.

So what has changed between 1960 and now? Why was a Christmas Market in 1960 a mega success and one today only moderately so? Perhaps it is that policies and media have changed. There is so much information and a European Christmas Market does not get high marks, unless the sponsorship is more visible, louder!

The Christkindl Market in Kitchener was this year bigger and better than ever before. But then the organisers have the full support of City Hall and the major local media. 

Mayor Zehr was seen chatting and enjoying some red mulled wine among his people. There were more vendors than ever before and the choices were great. The only thing not "belonging" there were a couple of smoked meat displays. 

Otherwise there was not a thing missing among the lovely offerings. Even a company from Germany that was displaying on Nathan Phillip Square had a booth there. Business was brisk and the vendors are all happy. 

There was only one thing we could not find: the display of promised nativity scenes from Quebec. Everyone we asked did not have a clue what we were talking about. Maybe next year!

So what is different between those two markets? As already pointed out the support from the city and local business in Kitchener is much better. 

The market also has a variety of volunteers to help with all sorts of things. The Canadian media is playing along and so is the population. The big city has none of that build in. It needs to be created and that takes time, time not everyone is willing to make for it, which is too bad. It is such a lovely venue and people that went would love to see it grow.

When the Forget-Me-Not Family sang Canadians of all descriptions stopped and their jaws dropped. "Who ARE these people?" was the going question. "What are they singing?"- "Wonderful!"- "Marvellous!"- "Enchanting!" Such were the comments. In the dark with all the myriad of tiny lights the vendor’s stalls looked magically transformed. (See our front page)

The mulled wine or hot chocolate tasted especially good and a roasted sausage just hit the spot while listening to the performances of the singers and instrumentalists.

So what is needed? Firstly we need to go down there and bring our friends. Tell them that the market is there until the 16^th of December! Mild temperatures and may be just a touch of snow sometimes work wonders too. Take your wallet, decide to have a good time and go. If you skate, take your skates. For kids there is even a carousel and the Starlight Foundation is also waiting for a donation from you. Wonderful prizes can be won in that lottery. So enter and make a kid happy. Make yourself happy. Support your local Christmas Market. If we won’t who will? - SFR.

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