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Kitchener Christkindl Market: A Christmas Shopping Event with German Flair

Kitchener is a getaway destination in Southern Ontario only 55 miles west of Toronto. It has many modern attractions, restaurants, and entertainment venues while holding onto a tight knit sense of community. This city has something for everyone from its ample opportunities for outdoor recreation to family-centric events and festivals.

 

The Kitchener Christkindl Market is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The market is one of Ontario's top holiday-themed events, and over 40,000 people are expected to attend. It’s centered around creating a holiday shopping experience with a traditional German Christmas flair, and it’s great for all ages. A Bavarian theme is present throughout the event from the live entertainment to the food. During the opening day, attendees can participate in a Christmas-themed candlelight walk through downtown Kitchener and watch as the community Christmas tree is lit in the town square. Over 90 vendors will be on hand selling a variety of gift items, and 24 food vendors will be selling German-inspired foods and more. The market is not only a great holiday experience, but also supports a good cause (Children's Wish Foundation). We got the chance to interview Monica Reid, representative for the event, to talk about this shopping spectacular.

 

RAL: How long has the event been running?

MR: This will be the 20th annual Christkindl Market, and it runs from Dec 1-4, 2016!

 

RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?  

MR: Around 40,000 people will be in attendance during the four-day event.  

 

RAL: What is the typical demographic makeup of the event? Children? Families? Couples?  

MR: Often we see three generations of families visiting. Many out-of-town guests plan their gatherings and vacations around our event. We do see many children, but that number depends on the entertainment and time of day.  

 

RAL: What makes this event unique?  

MR: It's a holiday festival with everything that smells, tastes, looks, feels, and sounds like a German Christmas. 

 

RAL: What activities can attendees expect at the event?

MR: We have a selection of 90 vendors located indoors at booths and outdoors in huts. They will be selling a variety of unique items; we have something for everyone. Also, we will feature choirs, bands, dance groups, and more.

 

RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?

MR: Yes, we have folkloric characters, Christkindl and her two angels (Knecht Ruprecht and Organgrinder) and a live nativity scene. Plus the original Haribo Gummy Bear will be handing out treats for kids.

 

RAL: Will there be any dining options?  

MR: There will be over 24 food vendors selling a variety of German-inspired holiday treats, meals, and more.

 

RAL: Is there maybe one place in particular that guests have been flocking to since the event started?  

MR: The opening ceremony and lighting of the tree attract hundreds of people. People love to participate in the candlelight procession that follows a path from Victoria Park to City Hall, lead by Mary, Joseph, and the donkeys.

 

RAL: Does the event drive business to your local economy?

MR: The event brings many people into the community, from the thousands of individuals attending to the many out-of-town vendors. Nearly 75% of visitors surveyed spent between $25 to $250 total in the community.  

 

RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community?

MR: Yes, over the past 19 years visitors have donated $75,000 to the Children's Wish Foundation and $500 a year for Saturday morning German Language School.

 

For more information about the Kitchener Christkindl Market, please visit their website.