Grand Rapids Second Annual Christkindl Markt

The 2024 holiday season is starting off with a bang! The Downtown Market is bringing back the Grand Rapids Christkindl Market for it’s second year! This beloved old-world tradition has something fun for the whole family and will run from November 15 through December 23 this year. This year the outdoor holiday market will feature even more artisanal gift and delectable food vendors, accompanied by live holiday performances and fun activities for the whole family.

 

What is the Christkindl Markt?

The Christkindl Markt draws inspiration from the renowned Christmas Street markets that first emerged in Germany during the late Middle Ages and spread to various other countries around the world. To create a European ambiance, the outdoor area of the Downtown Market will be converted into a Christmas Village featuring a Bavarian-style beverage hall and over 60 vendors nestled into wooden stalls.

 

What’s New This Year?

For their second year, the Christkindl Markt is ramping things up with double the vendors, double the curling, and double the cheer! This year will feature new beverage options (and accompanying commemorative drinkware) including eggnog as well as a champagne bar located inside the Downtown Market in the second floor greenhouse. Another thing that’s getting an upgrade for the Market are the private chalets — this year will feature custom built Alpenglobes, available to rent for 3 hours for a group up to 8 people.

 

Grand Rapids Christkindl Market Location & Hours

Grand Rapids Downtown Market
435 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

November 17 – December 23
Wednesday/Thursday: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Monday/Tuesday: CLOSED

 

Gifts and Handmade Items Vendors

Winterborn Aplaca – Handmade scarves, socks, mittens, and more

The Market Made – Curated handmade gift items

Heather Lane Pottery – Handmade and painted ceramic items including ornaments

Spice Merchants – Herbal tea, soaps, and bath soaks

Soap Dude Cosmetics – Handmade soaps, shampoos, balms, lotions, and beard oils

Grayling Ceramics – Well Designed pottery and kitchen ware

Paige Soy Candles – Candles and incense

Michigan Nature Co. – Handmade lifestyle gifts including cocktail kits, candles, & more

Christmas Nordic Dreams – Traditional products from Scandinavia and Germany

Lady Barkley’s – Dog bandanas, leashes, collars, bows, and accessories

Huron & Mill Candle Co. – Environmentally-friendly, soy-wax candles.

Great Lakes Lavender Farm – Lavender infused products to nourish body, mind, and soul

10 Acre Farm – Evergreen wreaths, dried flower ornaments, and candles

Unique Touches – Hand carved olive wood items

Focha Store – Turkish ceramics including bowls, mugs, and ornaments

That Moment – Handcrafted paper star lanterns

Ian and Grace – Laser-engraved wood coasters and ornaments

Sister Bees – Local beeswax skin care and hand-poured candles with incredible scents

Piekny Polish Pottery – Hand-decorated pottery from Boleslawiec, Poland

New York Puzzle Company – Jigsaw puzzles and giftware

 

Wearable Gift Vendors

Winterborn Aplaca – Handmade scarves, socks, mittens, and more

Rachel Cielo – Handcrafted clay jewelry

Guelaguetza Designs – Authentic handmade Mexican clothing, bags, jewelry, & more

Baabaazuzu – Wool winter accessories

Sabsies Beauty – One of a kind earrings

Whimsy Brims – Western hats, baseball caps, and purses with hand burned designs

Understated Clay – Modern jewelry handmade from polymer clay, beads, and metal

Boris Loved Natasha – Purses, pouches, and accessories made with mixed fabrics

Marv Graff Studio – Handcrafted jewelry with vintage beads and braided leather details

Leo and Lore – Jewelry & artisan perfumes

 

Edible Gift Vendors

DeSoto Confections – Caramelized nuts

Le Macaron French Pastries – Macarons, eclairs, napoleons, chocolates, and more

Fudging Around – Gourmet fudge, hand-painted truffle bars, and creamy caramels.

Her Daily Bread – Hand-decorated sugar cookies

Gourmet Galleria – Gourmet caramel apples that are layered with toppings

Bowerman Blueberry Farm – Blueberry donuts, muffins, cinnamon rolls, and more

Cakes by the Jar – Layered cake, frosting, and toppings in a delightful mini jar

The Candy Store – Bulk candies and chocolates

Field & Fire – Stollen, sweet breads, muffins, and cinnamon rolls

OG’s Bakery – Cookies and cake truffles

 

Food & Drink Vendors

One Stop Coney – Polish dogs, brats, potato pancakes and more

Crepes by the Lake – Sweet and savory crepes

Baked Cheese Haus  – Raclette cheese served over baguettes and brats

Olly’s Donuts – Mini donuts with delicious toppings

Rak Thai – Rotating Menu of soups and bread bowls

Brewery Vivant – Sweet and savory Bavarian pretzels with dips

Batter Up Waffle Company – Liege waffles with both sweet and savory topping options

Outlaw Roasted Corn – Corn on the cob and potatoes loaded with toppings

Juju Bird – Belgian frites with various dips

Squibb – Raclette melted over a baguette or potatoes

The Nuts Guy – Selection of cinnamon-glazed nut and Bavarian-style pretzels

Pierogies Factory – Polish cuisine including pierogies and kielbasa

Greek to Go – handmade spinach pies, souvlaki, and baklava

Bavarian-style beverage hall serving Glühwein, beer, hot chocolate, eggnog, and hot cider

 

Commemorative Drinkware

After selling out of mugs last year, the second annual Christkindl Markt is keeping up its theme of doubling the fun and has added bubbles and eggnog glasses in addition to the beer steins and Glühwein mugs. Same goes as last year, if you purchase one of these specialty glasses, you can bring it with you on return trips to the market to refill for a discounted price. You’re also welcome to bring last year’s steins and mugs back to the beverage hall to refill!

 

Entertainment

The Grand Rapids Christkindl Market will feature festive entertainment including visits from Santa, live caroling, and more! A fan favorite from last year’s event, curling is back! This year there will be four curling synthetic ice sheets to accommodate more people getting to try their hand at this unique winter sport. So get your group together and get ready for some friendly competition!

 

Stay Up To Date

For more information on the market including curling and private Alpenglobe reservations, visit the Christkindl Markt website here! Or follow along on their Facebook for updates and vendor highlights!