Christmas Markets

Christkindl Market Kitchener

There are all sorts of ways we celebrate Christmas and get ready for it, going to parties and gatherings or to a Christmas Market are just two things we can do. The idea of Christmas markets is certainly a European one, if not only a German tradition. We have carried it with us to this country and made it popular here, as the Christkindl Market in Kitchener can attest to. For 15 years now this annual event has attracted large crowds to the charming town of Kitchener.

Meeting friends
	Sybille meets up with Armin & Marianne Hellmann
Herwig Wandschneider & Ursel (l) with friends	Lots of visitors at the German Language School Concordia
A visit at the Blaue Seiten	Still busy at the Christmas Fair: Alpine Sound's Siggi & wife

As of last year the city and officialdom has had a bigger hand in the event. Unfortunately it does not express itself in the most popular way. We understand that someone originated the idea that it was a bit crowded at times and thus the fire marshal was alerted. Immediately the game changed and many vendors could not come anymore, giving the inside of Kitchener City Hall an empty feeling. We estimate that a good one third, if not more, of vendors have disappeared.

It looks a lot like Christmas

Part of the charm of the Christkindl Market was that it was crowded, as this is modeled on German markets, were people jostle each other to get to everything. We are used to be in a crowded market, it is what we expect. In Canada an overprotective attitude prevents the feeling that there is pleasure in numbers. Without that feeling that only being surrounded by a lot of people can bring, this feeling of togetherness, it is just half as pleasant.

Choirs, Carolling if at day or night
A live nativity scene

Otherwise the format of the market has not changed. Why change something that is successful and has won many awards, we ask.

Trains: an attraction to young and young at heart

Outside there are still the many different food vendors that bring those treats to the market that can inspire and soften even the most hardened Christmas deniers: Gluehwein and apple fritters and…well…You know!  

Booths for food and drink

There is still entertainment, choirs, lots of music…and this year there were dancers, something new if strange…The angels walked about and so did Knecht Ruprecht, handing out lollipops to the good kids. A perennial treat is the model train display inside, and more often than not one can see big kid “dad” hanging around.

Klaus Wehrenberg, the organ grinder, meets Sybille

If all those sights and sounds and smells of Christmas cannot get someone in the mood for Christmas, then no one and nothing can! Besides, it is also a great place to visit with members of the community!