Get in the Holiday Spirit at the Grand Rapids Christkindl Markt

One-of-a-Kind Gifts

More than 60 vendors – double last year’s total – are offering their wares from charming wooden stalls. You’ll find 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 will also be food treats for purchase – including European chocolates, candy, nuts, fudge, caramel apples and teas, perfect for tucking into a stocking or under a tree.

Continue your shopping inside the Grand Rapids Downtown Market, where 18 merchants and restaurants offer everything from wine, charcuterie and sweet treats for your holiday parties to meats, seafood, oils and spices for your holiday cooking. 

Mouthwatering Food & Drink

Come to the Christkindl Markt hungry because there will plenty of food to enjoy on site. Many European cuisines will be represented among the sausages, crepes, soups, donuts, waffles, pastries and sandwiches offered by vendors. Alpine-style melted Raclette, one of the biggest hits of last year’s Markt, returns with additional options and double the space to accommodate demand.

Stop by the glass-enclosed Bavarian-style beverage hall for hot chocolate, hot cider, glühwein – a delicious mulled wine – and a specially brewed Christmas beer, all served in traditional Christmas market mugs. Head up to the greenhouse atop the Grand Rapids Downtown Market for a Bubbles Bar featuring a menu of bubbly expressions from around the world along with delicious eggnog creations. Limited-edition commemorative mugs, steins and glass are available for beverage service and as keepsakes of the 2024 Markt. (Designs change very year.)

There will also be fire pits around the Markt for roasting s’mores.

Private Alpenglobes

You can enjoy your food as your stroll around the Markt and in one of the public spaces inside the Downtown Market. Or you can rent an enclosed, heated Alpenglobe and have food and beverages served to you by a dedicated attendant.

Offering a magical panoramic view of the Markt, the dome-like Alpenglobes seat up to eight for an exclusive three-hour holiday experience. Pre-ordered food will be delivered upon your arrival. You are also welcome to enjoy food purchased from Downtown Market and Christkindl Markt vendors.

Festive Fun for All Ages

Performers will roam the grounds to delight visitors, and there will be visits 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 can rent a synthetic-ice curling sheet and try their skill at a sport that dates back to 16^th century Scotland. There are four curling sheets available; reserve your one-hour curling time.

Everything will be decorated with lights and other holiday finery, creating a magical winter wonderland that transports you a world away from downtown Grand Rapids (even though you’re within an easy walk or free bus ride of downtown hotels). Bring your smartphone because there will be endless photo opportunities and memories to capture.

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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