Get in the Holiday Spirit at the Grand Rapids Christkindl Markt
November 19 - December 23, 2025
Open: Wednesdays - Sundays
Since 2023, the Christkindl Markt has brought the magic of a traditional European-style Christmas village to downtown Grand Rapids. Visitors can shop for one-of-a-kind gifts, savor delicious food & drink, and soak up festive family fun in an expansive outdoor space beautifully decorated for the holidays.
Each year from mid-November to just before Christmas, the grounds of the Grand Rapids Downtown Market transform into a holiday wonderland filled with the spirit of the season. If you’re looking for a fun family outing, a memorable date night, a girls’ shopping excursion or a unique place for a holiday meetup with friends, you’ll want to make a visit to the Christkindl Markt part of your 2025 plans.
60 huts will feature an array of vendors selling one-of-a-kind gifts and food treats.
Photo by Bryan Esler for Experience GR.
One-of-a-Kind Gifts
More than 60 vendors – double 2023’s total – offered their wares from charming wooden stalls this past winter. Visitors encountered a tremendous array of items for holiday decorating and gift giving, including ornaments, stocking stuffers, textiles, apparel, home décor, pottery, soaps, skincare, candles, jewelry, handmade goods and more.
There were also food gifts for purchase – including European chocolates, candy, nuts, fudge, caramel apples and teas, perfect for tucking into a stocking or under a tree.
There were even more shopping options inside the Downtown Market, where 19 artisan food vendors and restaurants offer everything from wine, charcuterie and sweet treats for your holiday parties to meats, seafood, oils and spices for your holiday cooking.
Unique gifts and specialty items to complete your holiday shopping!
Photo by Bryan Esler for Experience GR
Mouthwatering Food & Drink
The Christkindl Markt is a place to eat, drink and be merry, with an array of delicious handheld treats and holiday beverages available to enjoy on the spot. Many European cuisines are represented among the sausages, crepes, soups, donuts, waffles, pastries and sandwiches offered, including Alpine-style melted Raclette cheese sandwiches, a huge hit during the Markt’s first two years.
A glass-enclosed Bavarian-style beverage hall serves hot chocolate, hot cider, glühwein – a delicious mulled wine – and a specially brewed Christmas beer, all available in traditional Christmas market mugs. (New and collectible beverage container designs are released each year). In 2024, the greenhouse atop the Downtown Market hosted a Bubbles Bar featuring a menu of bubbly expressions from around the world along with delicious eggnog creations. Visitors also gathered around outdoor fire pits to roast s’mores.
Come to the Christkindl Markt hungry! There are many mouthwatering options to choose from.
Photo by Bryan Esler for Experience GR.
Private Alpenglobes
The 2024 Markt bought a touch of the Swiss Alps to Grand Rapids with heated, enclosed Alpenglobes. Offering a magical panoramic view of the Markt, the dome-like Alpenglobes seated up to eight for an exclusive three-hour holiday experience. Visitors reserved Alpenglobes in advance and pre-ordered food was delivered upon their arrival. Guests could also enjoy food purchased from Downtown Market and Christkindl Markt vendors.
Christkindl Markt Alpenglobe Experience
Photo by Bryan Esler for Experience GR.
Festive Fun for All Ages
Performers roamed the grounds of the Christkindl Markt to delight visitors, and there were appearances from Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Christkind, an angel-like character who brings gifts to families on the eve of Christmas. Groups up to eight could rent a synthetic-ice curling sheet and try their skill at a sport that dates back to 16th century Scotland.
Everything was decorated with lights and other holiday finery, creating a magical winter getaway fantasyland that transported visitors a world away from downtown Grand Rapids – even though the Christkindl Market is an easy walk or free bus ride away from downtown hotels.
More than 240,000 people attended the Christkindl Markt in 2024, a mix of first-timers and repeat visitors who’ve made a visit to the Markt part of their annual holiday traditions. Stay tuned for details about the 2025 event and plan to start a tradition of your own!
The Christkindl Markt is fun for family and friends of all ages!
Photo by Bryan Esler for Experience GR.
Hours
The Christkindl Markt is open 11am-7pm Wednesdays & Thursdays, 11am-9pm Fridays, 10am-9pm Saturdays and 10am-7pm Sundays. Enjoy extended hours on Wednesday, Nov. 27 (10am-5pm) and Monday, Dec. 23 (11am-7pm). The Markt is closed on Thanksgiving (Thursday, Nov. 28).
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