MONROE — Holiday shopping means taking a step back in time at the Christkindlmarkt, held from 9 a.m .to 4 p.m. Nov. 29 and 30 at Turner Hall. The shopping style has existed for hundreds of years in Germany and Switzerland.
The Old World ambiance of Turner Hall of Monroe provides the backdrop for this traditional outdoor German Christmas market, literally translated as Christ-Child Market, with origins dating back to the 14th century.
One of the most famous and oldest markets, 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.
Turner Hall of Monroe’s annual Christkindlmarkt, held indoors, is scheduled for the Friday and Saturday right after Thanksgiving in the Grand Hall. This year marks the 19th time Turner Hall has held the market. 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), Holzschnitte (wood-carvings), and Bauermalerei (Swiss folk-painting.)
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. Nicholas, will make appearances at 11 a.m. and 2 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 of all ages 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.
Located two blocks south of Monroe’s downtown Square at 1217 17th Ave., the Swiss Emmental-style chalet is listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places and is handicapped-accessible. More information, including a complete list of participating artisans and craftspeople, is available at turnerhallofmonroe.org/christkindlmarkt.html or by visiting Turner Hall’s Facebook page.