Cincinnati Has Its Very Own German Christmas Market And You’ll Want To Visit
By Andrea Limke|Published November 14, 2018
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Andrea Limke
Author
A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
Cincinnati residents can trace their lineage back to countless areas of our world, but German roots seem to run especially deep in the Queen City. From family traditions to popular annual festivals, Cincinnati is a great place to live if you want to celebrate your German heritage. One of the most festive ways to do so is at Cincinnati’s very own German Christmas Market — Christkindlmarkt. This unique and authentic holiday event takes place this weekend and it’s an annual tradition you’ll want to visit with your entire family.
This year, the Germania Society of Cincinnati will celebrate their 21st annual Christkindlmarkt, an authentic German Christmas market right here in Cincinnati. Held at Germania Park on W. Kemper, this family-friendly event takes place the weekend before Thanksgiving each year and is a popular way for many to kick off the holiday season.
The market is held under heated tents, as well as throughout the park. It begins on Friday, November 16th from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and continues on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
Admission is only $3 for those over 12 years old and parking is free. The market is well stocked with imported German items that make excellent gifts and collectibles. You'll find steins, nutcrackers, ornaments, linens, and much more.
The food at Christkindlmarkt is also a favorite feature and includes many German specialties. The Dill Pickle Soup is legendary, as well as the baked potato bar, German bratwurst and other authentic dishes, and several desserts such as creme puffs. You will not go hungry with a visit to this Christmas market.
The entertainment is lively and festive and perfect for the whole family. There is live music, as well as performances that take place all weekend on a stage within the heated tent.
And one of the magical highlights of the event is the Lantern Parade. This German tradition honors Sankt Martin (St. Martin) and families may participate by bringing their own lantern or purchasing one at the event. It begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday and you can learn more about this lovely tradition here.
Christkindlmarkt also includes visits from Saint Nicholas, as well as Santa and Mrs. Claus, and others. The entire gathering is a wonderful way to celebrate these festive German traditions and the heritage of so many Cincinnati residents.
Christkindlmarkt has long been a tradition for many Cincinnatians and if you have yet to experience it for yourself, try to make it to the celebration this weekend. Experience the German roots of Cincinnati at this authentic Christmas market that's a one-of-a-kind holiday experience in the Queen City.
Put on by the Germania Society of Cincinnati, Christkindlmarkt is a festive annual event that everyone will enjoy and should add to their holiday calendar. Is this a tradition for your family each year? What German traditions do you carry out? Let us know in the comments!
Christkindlmarkt is held at Germania Park at 3529 W. Kemper Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45251. For more information, visit its website here.
And if you want some true holiday nostalgia, check out these vintage photos in Cincinnati, featured in our previous article here.
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