Adds 12 New Vendors for Inaugural Christkindl Markt
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., October 2, 2023 – The Grand Rapids Downtown Market has opened a call for stage and strolling entertainment to perform during its first-ever Christkindl Markt, November 17 through December 23, 2023. Grand Rapidians and West Michiganders who love the Christmas season are also being invited to volunteer throughout the inaugural event. Interested performers and volunteers can apply at christkindlmarktgr.com.
The inaugural Christkindl Markt is accepting applications for stage and strolling holiday entertainment to delight event attendees. Applications are open to groups as well as individuals, including school and children’s choirs, bands, acapella and instrumental performances, choirs, community groups, social groups, and more. Stage and strolling performances are being scheduled daily.
“Stage and strolling entertainment at the Christkindl Markt is a thoughtful way for members of our community to become involved in the tradition of a European Christmas Market,” said Mimi Fritz, President/CEO of the Grand Rapids Downtown Market. “We welcome and invite interested performers to share in the holiday celebrations through music, song, and dance. It is our goal to ensure that this event reflects and celebrates the diversity of our entire community.”
Stage and strolling entertainers are invited to apply at christkindlmarktgr.com/entertainment.
This event is also an opportunity for community members and groups to be a part of the launch of West Michigan’s largest traditional European Christmas market as a volunteer. Volunteer opportunities include serving as event ambassadors, welcoming and assisting guests, supporting children's activities as well as other event amenities including curling and chalet rentals. Volunteers will help to create the iconic holiday experience that is enjoyed at Christmas Markets around the world. The Christkindl Markt expects to host hundreds of thousands of guests as they celebrate the season with family, friends, coworkers, and more.
“Christkindl Markt volunteers are an important part of creating a meaningful community event that is welcoming to all. Volunteers will be on-site spreading the holiday hospitality that West Michigan is known for,” added Fritz. “The experience of the Christkindl Markt will be made better by members of our community connecting with guests, sharing their joy of the season, and helping to create new holiday traditions.”
Individual volunteers and groups, ages 16+, are invited to request more information at christkindlmarktgr.com/get-involved.
The 26-day Christkindl Markt is inspired by traditional European holiday shopping and dining experiences made popular throughout the centuries. The Christkindl Markt is a winter wonderland illuminated with international flair, and takes place from November 17 through December 23, 2023.
Christkindl Markt organizers are also excited to announce 12 new gift and food vendors, bringing the total number to 31.
Newly Announced Christkindl Markt Vendors
Ceramic Kitchenware
Love pottery? Then Love for Pottery products will be a must-visit vendor at the Christkindl Markt! Hailing from North Port, Florida, their line of ceramics can make your time in the kitchen more efficient and enjoyable. Each piece–including their clever spatula rest and bacon cooker–is made with food-safe glaze and is beautiful in its own individual way, making for a wonderful holiday gift.
Sweet Pastries
Le Macaron French Pastries creates delectable treats ready to enjoy immediately or to take home for sharing with friends and family at your holiday party. Their colorful array of macarons are gluten-free with delicious flavors like Sicilian Pistachio and Lavender White Chocolate. Plus, guests may also choose from other fine French delights including eclairs, napoleons, and chocolates.
Scandinavian Products
Specializing in high-quality products from Scandinavia and the Baltics, Nordic Dreams handmakes unique ceramic houses, rotary candle holders, holiday ornaments, warm woolen garments, and Scandinavian-style winter socks. This curated selection of Scandinavian gifts will delight anyone on your gift-giving list.
Polymer Clay Jewelry
Rachel Cielo from Norton Shores will showcase her line of beautifully-designed polymer clay earrings, rings, and necklaces. Additionally, products will include winter headwraps colorful screen-printed sweatshirts, and long-sleeve t-shirts. This selection is the perfect gift-finding destination.
“Grate” and Function Ceramics
California-based Pako Lazo Pottery items will help you upgrade your cooking game no matter the recipe. Their made-in-the-USA garlic graters and roasters, grater bowls, butter bells, serving platters, tableware, and other foodie items are as functional as they are colorful and will allow you to become a grand gourmet of your kitchen.
Traditional European Favorites
Oversized Advent calendars with surprise treats behind each window, spicy Gingerbread, hard-to-find rich chocolate shapes, sweet candies contained in holiday tins, and other confections will be available at this Gourmet International-stocked vendor stall. Shop all your European favorites for globally-inspired holiday celebrations and gifts.
In order to include vendors both large and small, Christkindl Markt organizers have created a weekly vendor pop-up option designed to attract food and gift businesses from across the community. This program allows for vendors to have a less permanent, but still substantial presence within the Christkindl Markt, and is intended to support inclusivity, ultimately involving a diverse roster of entrepreneurs.
Pop-up Vendors
Metal and Mineral Jewelry
Mount Pleasant-based Olive & Indio will feature handcrafted modern mineral and natural stone jewelry and accessories from November 22-26 (closed Thanksgiving Day). Like the stones found in nature, none of their small batch rings, necklaces, or earrings are identical.
Stocking Stuffers and More
With a unique selection of weatherproof stickers, Michigan vintage sweatshirts, and stationery items including greeting cards, notepads, washi tape, keychains and pouches, you won’t want to miss out on Nolie Co.’s offerings. Stop by November 22-26 (closed Thanksgiving Day).
Warm Mini-Donuts
Served warm and fresh with toppings like maple bacon, salted caramel, s’mores, and cookies and cream, Grand Rapids-own Olly’s Donuts will be preparing their mini-donuts the weeks of November 29-December 3 and December 6-10. Enjoy these sweet creations before they are gone!
Soy Candles
Hand-poured in Michigan, Paige Soy Candles will have their 100% soy, vegan candles available December 13-17 for purchase, and for free smells! Seasonal scents come nestled in unique concrete and wooden containers, and are supplemented by their line of wax melts, incense, and hand soaps so you can feature your favorites in every room.
Roasted Nuts
You’ll want to visit deSoto Confections from December 13-17. Their artisan caramelized nut selection will include maple pecans, sweet and spicy peanuts, cardamom hazelnuts, vanilla cinnamon almonds, and holiday spice pecans–all ready to eat or take with you to enjoy later.
Shop Lifestyle and Apparel
Grand Rapids’ own Michigan Nature Co. will help close out the inaugural Christkindl Markt from December 20-23. Inspired by nature, their handmade lifestyle and apparel items for your shopping pleasure will include tasty cocktail kits, hand-poured soy wood wick candles, decorative pillows, clothing, headwear, and bath and body items.
This brings the total number of vendors to 31, including previously announced European sausages, raclette, handmade décor, soup and bread bowls, Zotter chocolates, sweet and savory crepes, candies and lollipops, pottery and ornaments, fudge and confections, spices, and more.
The Christkindl Markt continues to accept vendor applications on a rolling basis. A limited number of available vendor and pop-up vendor spots are available. Interested businesses can find out more and apply for a booth at christkindlmarktgr.com/vendors.
Christkindl Markt Hours
The Christkindl Markt will be open:
Wednesday 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Thursday 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
(The Christkindl Markt will be closed on Thanksgiving Day).
About the Christkindl Markt
The Christkindl Markt is a traditional European Christmas market, located adjacent to the Grand Rapids Downtown Market and produced by Grand Rapids Christmas Markets. For 26 days, from November 17-December 23, the event will feature an illuminated winter wonderland with holiday retailers and experiences including uniquely-decorated vendor booths, German Style beverage hall, live entertainment, curling sheet rentals, children's activities, and more. Details at christkindlmarktgr.com.
About the Grand Rapids Downtown Market
The Grand Rapids Downtown Market is a delicious destination that brings together small businesses, food entrepreneurship, award-winning venue spaces, and public events to create a vibrant, year-round downtown experience. Open seven days a week, the LEED-certified building is home to 20 local, artisan food merchants and restaurants. More at www.downtownmarketgr.com.
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