Getting visions of Lebkuchen and holiday excitement dancing in your head? Us, too! Here in Arlington, that means the Texas Christkindl Market, is about to open for business. Inspired by the cherished German tradition and the city’s strong ties to our German sister city, Bad Konigshofen, this family-friendly market features a unique shopping experience for holiday gifts, decorations, and unique one-of-a-kind finds. Here’s your guide to make the Texas Christkindl Market part of your 2021 holiday:
ONE: Join us for the Opening Ceremonies on November 20th
Kicking off the 2021 Market, the community is invited to the grand opening of the Texas Christkindl Market and Elf on the Shelf’s Magical Holiday Journey at Choctaw Stadium (formerly Globe Life Park). The beautiful Christkindl Angel will open the market with an official lighting.
TWO: Admission to the Texas Christkindl Market is FREE
That’s right! Admission to the Texas Christkindl Market is free. Come stroll around the market, enjoy the atmosphere, and get into the holiday spirit! Have a great time spending and shopping the market, visiting other Arlington attractions and staying in one of our awesome hotels. The Market is free, but parking fees may apply.
THREE: Purchase gifts at Texas Christkindl that you can’t get anywhere else
The cornerstone of the Texas Christkindl Market is its vendors. Offering a unique holiday shopping experience, guests can select handmade goods, décor and ornaments that cannot be found anywhere else besides the market including the only place to purchase exclusive Käthe Wohlfahrt merchandise and designs from the iconic Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Village in the Southwest. See a full list of vendors here.
FOUR: The notion of a Christkindl Market goes back a long way
Today, the market is one of the most favorite and beloved things to do in Arlington during the holidays. But the concept of Christkindl Markets is nothing new in Europe, especially German-speaking Europe, where the practice of having an outdoor market and street festival during the Advent season dates back to the Middle Ages.
FIVE: The Texas-German connection has history too
The Texas-German connection goes all the way back to the 19th century, in fact, when a wave of German immigrants came to what later became known as the Texas Hill Country to take advantage of land grants, great weather, low taxes, and abundant hunting and fishing. Until a generation or two ago, it wasn’t too difficult to find “Texas Germans” speaking both English and German with their own special dialect – and today, more than two million Texans still claim at least a partial German heritage.
SIX: Arlington has a German connection, too – and it’s a really cool story
In 1951, Arlington became a “sister city” to Bad Königshofen (bat Koenig-zo-fin), a small town near what used to be the border of East and West Germany. The city’s post-war struggles inspired the generosity of Arlington residents, who donated and shipped thousands of pounds of basic necessities to Königshofen residents many times during the 1950s. Interaction and friendship between the two cities continues to this day.
SEVEN: FOOD!
One of the most anticipated features at the Texas Christkindl Market is the German cuisine. Strolling around the market, you’ll get a whiffs of roasting nuts, sizzling brats, and freshly made funnel cakes. Enjoy authentic flavors of a Christkindl market and even get an inside look at how vendors preparing their food. Be sure to save room for dessert and the traditional German spiced wine, called gluhwein.
EIGHT: The Elf on the Shelf’s Magical Holiday Journey
This year The Elf of the Shelf’s Magical Holiday Journey is making their Texas debut at Choctaw Stadium, next to the Texas Christkindl Market. Shrink down to elf size and join the Santa’s elves on a journey for Christmas Spirit and help save Christmas! The Elf on the Shelf’s Magical Holiday Journey will be open from November 18, 2021 – January 2, 2022. You can find more information and purchase tickets here.
Texas Christkindl Market Hours:
Tuesday - Friday from 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Saturday - Sunday from 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Texas Christkindl Market Location:
Choctaw Stadium (formerly Globe Life Park) Concourse
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