MONROE — Take a step back in time and place to another type of mall, one that has existed for literally hundreds of years in Germany, known as the Christkindlmarkt.
Turner Hall of Monroe’s annual Christkindlmarkt, held indoors but based on the historic German outdoor markets, is scheduled for the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 23 and 24 in the Grand Hall.
This year’s Christkindlmarkt, which began in 1998, marks the 18th time Turner Hall has held the market, with the last 15 being consecutive years. Part of Turner Hall’s annual Swiss Heritage Series line-up, 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 fiber and fabric arts, children’s wear, upcycled mittens and sweaters, woodworking, candles, soaps, rugs, jewelry, home décor and Christmas decorations as well as specifically Old World European folk art such as Scherenschnitte (scissor cuttings), Kerbschnitte (chip-carving in wood), and Holzschnitte (wood-carvings).
The Monroe Swiss Singers, known for their Swiss baked goods as well as their singing, will offer Swiss specialties such as Brätzeli cookies, Zopf braided bread, Spitzbuben cookies and more.
Samichlaus, Switzerland’s version of St. Nick, will be making appearances at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. both days of the market, visiting with children and shoppers, checking his large book of the year’s past infractions.
Children of all ages should be on the lookout for Samichlaus’ gloomy partner from the Black Forest, Schmutzli, who makes sure children haven’t been too naughty during the year.
Shoppers can also relax with traditional Glüwein (hot spiced wine) and a Swiss treat, or dine in the lower level Ratskeller Restaurant, which will be serving from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. both days of the market.
The Old World ambiance of the Turner Hall of Monroe provides the perfect backdrop for this unique Christmas market. The Christkindlmarkt, or literally translated, Christ-Child Market, is a traditional outdoor German Christmas market with origins dating back to the 14th century. One of the most famous and oldest markets, which was first officially recorded in 1628, is held annually in Nuremberg.
Christkindlmarkts take place in many cities throughout Germany, attracting millions of visitors, as well as in areas of the United States where immigrants brought the tradition with them.
Located two blocks south of Monroe’s downtown Square at 1217 17th Avenue, the Swiss Emmental-style chalet is listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places and is handicapped-accessible. More information is available at http://www.TurnerHallofMonroe.org/christkindlmarkt.html or by visiting Turner Hall’s Facebook page.
