Missouri’s Very Own Christkindl Markt Is One Of The Best Christmas Markets In The Country

Journey all the way to the heart of Germany, without stepping on a plane, when you visit Rolla Christkindl Market this holiday season. The sister city of Sondershausen, Germany, Rolla celebrates the magic of an authentic German Christmas every December with its annual Christkindl Market in Missouri. The two-day holiday market, in fact, has earned recognition as one of the best Christmas markets in the country.

Circle this weekend on your calendar: Dec. 1-2, 2023, when downtown Rolla turns into a fun-filled, authentic German Christkindl Markt in Rolla.

In its 11th year, Christkindl Market celebrates and supports Rolla’s Sister city relationship with Sondershausen, Germany (pictured), and is inspired by traditional German Christmas markets.

It's the most fantastic Christmas market near me.

The weekend’s festivities kick off on Friday evening with the magical Lichternacht Festivities from 5:30–10:00 p.m.

The downtown lighting ceremony of Rolla’s Official Christmas tree takes place at 7:15 p.m. in the Library Plaza. And Saturday’s also jam-packed with activities, including the amazing market.

You'll love the live performances and presentations provided by area

musicians, actors, and storytellers at this Christmas market in Missouri.

Put on your special shoes to dance the night away with some authentic German music.

Learn about the story of St. Nicholaus from some excellent actors.

One of the best Missouri Christmas markets also brings food and the addition of the fantastic Christkindl market.

Those folks who like German cuisine are in for a real treat during the weekend’s festivities with a full menu of German goodies. What’s your favorite — the Apfelstrudel, the Stollen, or the Zimtsterne (German cinnamon star cookies)? We like the smell and lovely taste of the chewy, warm, soft pretzels.

If you're not hungry when you arrive, you will be as the aroma from the authentic German dishes hits you right in the stomach with Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes) and bratwurst.

What would a Christmas market be without the vendors? Bring your shopping list along, so you can find unique gifts for everyone on your list.

For more information about the lovely Christkindl market in Missouri, visit the Christkindl Markt Rolla website. And if you've already been to this exciting holiday event, please share your experience in the comments below. Are you still planning your activities for the holiday season? Don’t forget to add one or all of these 11 Christmas light displays in Missouri that deserve a visit. And while you're traveling, reserve a cozy place to rest.