Now in its 11th year, Excelsior’s Christkindlsmarkt, a weekend open-air market celebrating German holiday traditions, will take place November 25–27.
Myrle Mackenzie, original committee member of Christkindlsmarkt, explains that this Minnesota market takes its cues from the popular Christmas market in downtown Chicago, which is modeled after the world-famous Christkindlsmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany.
First, check out the opening parade at 10 a.m. on Friday to kick things off. Mackenzie says that the family-friendly market will once again host live reindeer, Disney’s Frozen sisters, balloon artists and the ever-popular Flemming Fold music group on Friday and Saturday evenings. Many favorite food vendors will be returning this year, including Ruhland’s Strudel Hous.
Friday and Saturday evening will also include the traditional St. Martin’s children’s lantern parade. “We have over 300 kids in the Friday- and Saturday-night parades, and then they go back to the site and sing Christmas carols and see Father Christmas,” says Mackenzie.
During the weekend, Father Christmas calls the North Pole Trolley his home, and kids can visit him there to sit on his lap or ask him about his favorite holiday food. Adults can keep the festivities going, even after the market closes, at Excelsior Brewing Co.
Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt
- East Drive between Second and Third streets in downtown Excelsior.
- Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m.-4p.m.
- Excelsior Brewing Co. and its beer garden are open until 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
