Opening Night
Join us for an Enchanting Evening filled with Festive Cheer at the Christkindl Market!
Join us this Friday, November 21st, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM to officially kick off the holiday season!
Throughout the evening enjoy festive music by Merry Melodies with Mrs. Claus and fun holiday crafts.
The Official Kick-Off Ceremony will be begin at 5:45 pm. We’ll begin with a welcome and an exploration of the beautiful Sankt Martin tradition and the Official Lighting of the Market and the Giant Herrnhuter Star, followed by a performance of a traditional German lantern song. Then Christkindl will lead a magical lantern procession around the Market, open to all families to join. After the procession, Christkindl will return to share gifts with children.
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 Community
The traditional German lantern song celebrates kindness and community through lantern processions. The handcrafted lanterns, originally lit with candles, symbolize St. Martin’s light and holiness in the darkness of late autumn, representing hope. Join in with families from the Twin Cities German Immersion School as we kick off this holiday season.
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.