Under the magical lights of Bryan’s courthouse square, a European-style Christmas market will come to life again this year complete with unique shopping, specialty foods, entertainment, horse-drawn wagon rides and visits with Santa! Set to open on Friday, November 29, the Christkindl Market runs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 4-8 p.m. through December 21.
Just an hour’s drive from the Toledo area, families will feel transported to a quaint European village as they stroll through downtown Bryan during this annual holiday event. Unique merchandise will be available at 14 wooden chalets lining the courthouse square. From local honey, charcuterie boards and hand-poured candles to fresh wreaths, doll clothes and whimsical toys, the specialty shops are a great place to start your holiday shopping. Many vendors also feature unique Christmas décor including German nutcrackers, hand-blown glass ornaments from Poland, snow globes, holiday bird feeders, and hand-carved wooden ornaments from Italy.
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The Christkindl Market also includes St. Nick’s Snak Haus, a food and beverage chalet offering traditional German foods such as bratwurst, waffles, raclette and popcorn. Guests will also find vendors selling cinnamon glazed nuts, decorated sugar cookies, artisan breads, homemade noodles and specialty hot cocoas at the new Kakoa Hutte.
Along with unique shopping and delicious food, this nostalgic Christmas event offers activities the whole family will enjoy. Each night of the market, guests can enjoy various free activities and entertainment including horse-drawn wagon rides, reindeer games, holiday music and visits with Santa.
Some of this year’s other highlights include a live nativity on December 6; Hispanic Heritage Night, with a performance by El Corazon de Mexico Ballet Folklorico, on December 7; a live reindeer visit on December 20; and free holiday movies at the Bryan Theatre on Saturdays. A schedule of all the activities planned for the fourth annual Christkindl Market can be found at bryandevelopment.org/market.
“The Christkindl market is a magical holiday experience that brings families the joy of the Christmas season,” shared Ann Spangler, event co-chair. “There’s something for everyone at our Christkindl Market, from delicious food and unique gifts to traditional Christmas activities including a live nativity, reindeer games, carolers and even a visit with Santa!”
Created in 2021, the Christkindl Market of Bryan is a cherished community tradition under the beautiful lights of the courthouse square. There is no admission fee, parking is free, and many businesses around the square offer specials and extended hours on market nights to enhance the visitor experience.
In addition to the holiday fun planned for the Christkindl Market, several special events are also happening in conjunction with this event. A Progressive Holiday Party, Sweet Life Christkindl Walk, Painting Workshop and Festival of Trees are just some of the extra events planned throughout December. Tickets are required for some of these activities and more information is available on the Bryan Development website.
Many businesses in Bryan also offer special events and activities throughout the holiday season. From bars and restaurants to specialty stores, a winter farmers market, and Spangler Candy World – there are plenty of unique places to visit while you’re in the area.
The Christkindl Market of Bryan is a project of Bryan Development, which focuses on economic activity, preservation, and growth. This non-profit event is made possible through the generous support of corporate and individual sponsors, including the 2024 presenting sponsor, Bryan Area Foundation.
More information about the 2024 Christkindl Market can be found on the event Facebook page, facebook.com/ChristkindlBryan or the Bryan Development webpage.
