Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt Keeps Tradition Alive in a Safe, Socially-Distanced Way

Nutcrackers at the Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt
Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt honors Minnesota’s German heritage.

As a tribute to part of Minnesota’s heritage, the Christkindlsmarkt celebrates German tradition in the heart of Excelsior.

Inspired by the Christkindlsmarket in Chicago, event coordinator Myrle Mackenzie says that the idea to mimic the event was because of the state’s extensive German population.

The weekend-long celebration will feature classic German staples like brats and sausages, Glühwein (hot mulled wine), Kindercocoa, beer and gingerbread; traditional décor, Alaskan reindeer and a sleigh, sales in the local shops and entertainment from puppet shows, balloon artists, magic shows and storytelling. Father Christmas will also make an appearance alongside characters from Disney’s Frozen.

“The whole idea is surrounded around making lifelong holiday memories for the families and for the children,” Mackenzie says.

Safety First

Moving the event from downtown Excelsior to the main commons, the new layout will allow visitors to celebrate in a socially-distant way. With almost four times more space, the village will be comprised of a collection of tents, separated into four booths. Each vendor will be on a separate side. Walking aisles will be 20 feet wide.

Following the governor’s guidelines, the event will require visitors to reserve a timeslot ahead of time in order to regulate capacity. To reserve your spot, visit excelsiorchristmas.com.

Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt
The Excelsior Commons on Lake Drive, Excelsior
Facebook: Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt
Instagram: @excelsiorchristkindlsmarkt
November 27-29