MONROE — The Old World ambiance of the Turner Hall of Monroe provides the perfect backdrop for its annual Christkindlmarkt, or literally translated, Christ-Child Market, which is a traditional German Christmas market with origins dating back to the 14th century. Marking its 23rd anniversary this year, Turner Hall’s Christkindlmarkt, held indoors but patterned after the historic outdoor German markets, is scheduled for the Friday and Saturday right after Thanksgiving, November 28 and 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Grand Hall. The admission to the Christkindlmarkt is free.
The two-day holiday market features the work of select artisans and crafters, with unique, affordable and quality hand-crafted gifts, many of which will not be found anywhere else. Shoppers will find a variety of items including stained glass, paintings, fiber and fabric arts, pottery, up-cycled mittens and sweaters, graffiti art, woodworking, soaps, rugs, jewelry, home décor, Christmas decorations, and more, as well as specifically Old World European folk art such as Scherenschnitte (scissor cuttings), and Kerbschnitte (chip-carving in wood).
The Monroe Swiss Singers, known for their Swiss baked goods in addition to their singing, will offer Swiss specialties such as Brätzeli cookies, Zopf braided bread, Spitzbuben cookies, and more. Glüwein, a traditional Christkindlmarkt hot spiced wine, will also be available
One of the first Christkindlmarkts in Wisconsin, Turner Hall’s Christkindlmarkt began in 1998, with some years missed in the beginning and two cancelled due to the pandemic. This year’s market is being dedicated to the memory of Linda Schiesser, who, along with her mother, Elda Schiesser, had been a part of the Turner Hall Christkindlmarkt since it’s beginning. From New Glarus, the two artists, specializing in Scherenschnitte, were well known for their work, and have items on permanent display at the Smithsonian American History Museum in Washington, D.C., as well as in area establishments, including the Turner Hall of Monroe. Elda died in 2017 at age 99. Linda died this past February. Remaining works of the two women will be for sale at this year’s Christkindlmarkt, including special Christmas ornaments that Linda had already prepared for this year’s market before her unexpected passing.
To round out this special shopping experience, the Ratskeller Restaurant in the lower level of Turner Hall will also be serving from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. both days of the market. A 501(c)(3) non-profit entity, the Swiss Emmental-style chalet is located two blocks south of Monroe’s downtown Square at 1217 17th Avenue, and is listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places.
More information on the Christkindlmarkt, including a list of artisans and craftspeople featured at this year’s market, is available at https://turnerhallofmonroe.org/christkindlmarkt.html or by visiting Turner Hall’s Facebook page.
