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 outdoor German Christmas market with origins dating back to the 14th century. Marking its 21st 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, Nov. 24-25, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Grand Hall. 

The first Christkindlmarkt at Turner Hall was held in 1998, with some years missed in the beginning and two cancelled due to the pandemic. But 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 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), Bauernmalerei (Swiss decorative folk painting) 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.

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/ or by visiting Turner Hall’s Facebook page. The admission to the Christkindlmarkt is free.