Each holiday season, Excelsior celebrates the state’s heritage, hosting Christkindlsmarkt, a Christmas celebration that incorporates German customs. Always the weekend after Thanksgiving, the market is a smaller and more intimate alternative to the claustrophobia and stress of Black Friday shopping, says coordinator Myrle Mackenzie.
Along with a family friend, Mackenzie founded the event seven seasons ago. Based on the Christkindlsmarkt shop in Chicago, the two friends brought the tradition to Excelsior because of Minnesota’s large German population.
A weekend-long celebration, the event kicks off with a grand parade down Main Street. Christkindlsmarkt also features the North Pole Trolley, store sales, the children’s Lighted Lantern Parade at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, German performers, live reindeer and Kinder Cocoa.
Mackenzie hopes the celebration gives families lifelong holiday memories.
“It’s what you hope every child gets to experience and grow up with. We have it, and we want to share it,” she says.
IF YOU GO
10 a.m.–7 p.m., November 29 & 30
11 a.m.–4 p.m., December 1
East Parking Lot, Excelsior
