Opening Night
Join us for an Enchanting Evening filled with Festive Cheer at the Christkindl Market!
From 4:00 to 6:00 PM, enjoy Merry Melodies with Mrs. Claus. At 5:45 PM, we’ll kick off with a welcome, a look at the Sankt Martin tradition, and a performance of a traditional German lantern song by the Twin Cities German Immersion School.
We have Official Lighting of the Market and the Giant Herrnhuter Star. The Christkindl will lead a magical lantern procession around the Market, open to all families. After the procession, Christkindl will return to share gifts with children, with music and crafts continuing through the evening.
Don’t miss this magical holiday celebration!
Don’t forget to grab a lantern from the German Specialty Imports kiosk to join in the fun!
Christkindl
The Christkindl, a fairy-like figure adorned in gold and white robes with a crown on her golden hair, serves as the namesake for the Christkindlmarket. Originating in the 1500s, Christkindl folklore ties to holiday traditions, where parades were led by a “grand” angel, the Christkindl. Today, she remains a cherished figure in German-speaking countries, acting as the gift-bearer for children similar to Santa Claus in the U.S. On December 24th, the Christkindl delivers gifts, leaving them under the Christmas tree and vanishing before children can see her, maintaining the magic of her presence.
Twin Cities German Immersion School
Twin Cities German Immersion School is a (free) K-8 public charter school. We are the largest German immersion school in North America, and are open to all Minnesota families. Students meet their learning targets using German, learning language through the content. Additional support is provided for students who don’t speak German yet, as well as English-language support for students who speak a language other than English at home.
Lantern parade on Sankt Martin’s Day
The story of Sankt Martin recounts a soldier who shared his red cloak with a beggar during a snowstorm, showing compassion and kindness when no one else would. Following his heart, Martin left the army and became a bishop. To honor his selflessness, children in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands celebrate by crafting paper and candle-lit lanterns in school. They participate in evening processions through towns and cities and keep the spirit of Sankt Martin’s kindness alive.