(A huge thanks to the Texas ChristKindl Market for hosting the complimentary event I’ll be attending for bloggers this weekend)
I have quite a few things on my “bucket list”, many of which would involve me traveling overseas once again, the thought of which is thrilling.
If you asked me 20 years ago, “Where in the world do you most want to travel to?”, I would have answered without hesitation – Germany. For so many reasons. It’s in my blood – yes, I’m part German. My grandfather was a Prisoner-of-War captured by the Nazis during World War II. I recall the falling of the Berlin Wall vividly during my college years. I have a niece living in a beautiful little town in Germany right this very second.
Though all these reasons are enough of a pull to Germany, I have to admit the holidays in Germany always beckon me to visit. I have often heard of the Christmas Markets in Europe – the food, the shopping, the atmosphere – there’s nothing like it.
I haven’t made it to Germany (YET), but thanks to the Texas ChristKindl Market opening in Arlington, Texas this weekend, I’m going to get my first taste of a Christmas Market. I cannot wait!
In its fifth year, the Texas Christkindl Market is one of the largest open-air holiday markets in the Southwest.
Inspired by a cherished German tradition, this event is FREE to the public!
You’ll experience a unique shopping experience for holiday gifts and decorations from Germany in addition to what I’m looking forward to most – authentic German treats!
OPENING CEREMONIES: While opening ceremonies were supposed to kick off Nov 27th, the heavy rain we experienced moved it to this weekend – opening December 4th! You’ll meet the Christkindl Angel, the namesake of the event, who will share German holiday traditions and stories.
Other Special Events include:
Texas Christkindl Market 5K/10K/15K Volksmarch
Dec. 5, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Led by the Tarrant County Walkers, the Texas Christkindl Market 5K/10K/15K Volksmarch is designed after the long-standing European tradition of non-competitive fitness walking (a Volkssport or “people’s sports” activity.) Participants walk 5 kilometers (3.1 mi), 10 kilometers (6.2mi) or 15 kilometers (9.3 mi along a beautiful outdoor path adjacent to Globe Life Park. Registration is available at the event.
Children’s Lantern Parade
Wednesday, Dec. 2, Dec. 9 and Dec. 16 at 7:30 pm
One of the event’s most cherished activities is the Children’s Lantern Parade. According to the legend, the parade recognizes the generosity of St. Martin, a 4th century Roman soldier who one late, freezing cold evening was approached by a poor, scantily clothed beggar. Martin, who had nothing to give to the man, tore his military cloak in half to share with the man to shield him from the cold. Paying homage to his pure act of selflessness and work on the behalf of the poor, children light lanterns in the late evenings in search of St. Martin and a chance to catch a glimpse of the giving man.
Kinder Market – Open Friday, Saturday and Sundays
- Storytelling
- Riding Carousel Horses
- Pony Rides
- Snow Playground & Snow Throw ($8 for 25-minutes at Snow Playground and $5 for 5-balls at Snow Throw)
- Design Gingerbread House (Cost: $30 for Gingerbread House, decorating supplies, and carrying case) All houses baked from scratch, are totally edible, and come pre-assembled, ready to decorate.
- North Pole Texas Marionette Show (Show times are Fridays: 5 pm & 7 pm, Saturdays: 11 am , 1pm, 3 pm, 5 pm & 7 pm and Sundays: 1pm, 3 pm & 5 pm.
// Cost: $10 for all ages, general admission and $12reserved seating) - Visit to Saint Nicholas (Sankt Nikolaus or der Heilige Nikolaus)
- Warming Hut
- Scheduled Entertainment
A walk through the market will feel just like a shopping experience from the original Christkindl Market in Nuremberg, Germany – and I cannot wait!
You might just find me by the huts serving roasted nuts, potato pancakes or shopping for nutcrackers!
Texas Christkindl Market
Dec. 4 – Dec. 23, 2015
Opening Day, Dec. 4: 5 pm – 9 pm
Sunday-Friday: Noon – 9 pm
Saturday: 10 am – 10 pm
Adjacent to Globe Life Park in Arlington, Road to Six Flags & Nolan Ryan Expressway
Free admission and free parking
Visit TXChristKindlMarket.com for more info!
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It sounds like good entertainment for the whole family.