MONROE — The Old World ambiance of the Turner Hall of Monroe provides the backdrop for its annual Christkindlmarkt, or literally translated to, Christ-Child Market, which is a traditional outdoor German Christmas market with origins dating back to the 14th century.

Marking its 22nd anniversary this year, Turner Hall’s Christkindlmarkt, held indoors but patterned after the historic outdoor German markets, is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Friday and Saturday right after Thanksgiving, Nov. 29-30 in the Grand Hall. The first Christkindlmarkt at Turner Hall was held in 1998, with some years missed in the beginning and two canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

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. The admission to the Christkindlmarkt is free.

Again this year, the two-day holiday market features the work of select artisans and crafters, with unique, affordable and quality hand-crafted gifts, many of which cannot 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. There will even be 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.

The lower level Ratskeller Restaurant will also be serving from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. both days of the market.

A complete listing of Christkindlmarkt artisans and craftspeople can be found at  https://turnerhallofmonroe.org/christkindlmarkt.html.