Texas Christkindl Market Creates Month-Long Holiday Experience
Nov. 27 – Dec. 23, 2015 near Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas
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 free, family-friendly market features a unique shopping experience for holiday gifts, decorations, and unique one-of-a-kind finds. Guests can shop for traditional handcrafted gifts and collectibles straight from Germany including exclusive Käthe Wohlfahrt merchandise and designs from the iconic Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Village. Indulging in German treats while enjoying festive music and entertainment throughout the market is always a crowd pleaser. Several new features including a Kinder Market have been added this year to make it a destination that guests can continue to enjoy, Nov. 27 – Dec. 23, 2015.
Kicking off the market, the community is invited to welcome the beautiful Christkindl Angel at the Opening Ceremonies, Nov. 27. The angelic namesake of the event, the Christkind, opens the market, sharing German holiday traditions and stories. Specials guests join the Angel as she lights up the Christmas tree and opens the market for a successful 26 days.
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. On Dec. 5, participants will walk along a beautiful outdoor path adjacent to Globe Life Park. One of the event’s most cherished activities is the Children’s Lantern Parade. Celebrating the selflessness of St. Martin, children have three opportunities to participate in the Children’s Lantern Parade, Wednesday, Dec. 2, Dec. 9 and Dec. 16; however, reservations are required.
Several new elements have been added to this year’s Texas Christkindl Market to make it an even more memorable experience – especially for the kids. Whether it’s listening to a holiday adventure during Storytelling, riding the Carousel horses or choosing to take the reins on the real thing at the Pony Rides, the new Kinder Market gives families an opportunity to enjoy the holidays together and build traditions to last a lifetime. Children (and parents) can indulge in a winter wonderland experience by playing in the Snow Playground and Snow Throw. Creative hands can design their own magical gingerbread house at the Gingerbread Haus Decorating Workshop from The Cakery.
A timeless holiday tradition, puppets bring the magic of theatre alive with "Northpole Texas" on the Marionette Stage. During this ticketed show, talented performers take guests on a tour of the North Pole and afterwards, allow children to go behind the scenes. And no trip to the Texas Christkindl Market would be complete without a visit to Saint Nikolaus. Guests can stop at the Santa Haus to meet St. Nick and get your “St. Nick Pic.”
Enjoy the comforts of warm, covered seating in the Arlington Highlands Warming Hut as a cozy place to enjoy eating your schnitzel or catch up with an old friend. Adorned with heaters, tables and chairs, the Arlington Highlands Warming Hut is an ideal destination to host parties and meetings during the holidays. Two-hour rentals also may be paired with customized on-premises catering from Marcona Kitchen and beer/wine packages with optional private holiday entertainment.
From local school choir and dances groups to favorite Texas songwriters, the Texas Christkindl Market Stage brings the holidays to life. Hear the sweet sounds of young voices recite Christmas carols, see kids practice traditional German dance and enjoy not-to-miss acts like Texas songwriter Deryl Dodd (Dec. 12) and Texas country’s Aubrey Ann England (Dec. 19.)
The cornerstone of the Texas Christkindl Market is its vendors and food. 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 in the Southwest. Many vendors also demonstrate at the market how their handicrafts are made and then can be purchased directly from the hut. And with aromas of roasting nuts, sizzling brats, and freshly made funnel cake filling the air, guests can enjoy the authentic flavors of a Christkindl market while watching vendors prepare potato pancakes on an open-air skillet, sipping gluhwein, and trying more sweets throughout the market.
Produced by the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau in partnership with the Arlington Chamber Foundation and the City of Arlington, the Texas Rangers and Six Flags Over Texas along with support from the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation, the Texas Christkindl Market is a magical tradition for everyone to enjoy year after year in Arlington, Texas.
Texas Christkindl Market
Nov. 27 – Dec. 23, 2015
Opening Day, Nov. 27: 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
For more information including special events and vendors, visit www.TXChristkindlmarket.com.
