What to expect at this year’s Christkindl Fest?
- Friendly people
- German food, drink and treats
- Warm fires
- Christmas market vendors
- Christmas caroling by candlelight
- Crafts
- Something for all ages!
Check out highlights from last year’s Christkindl Fest virtual booklet here!
What is a Christkindl Fest?
Christmas markets have been a German tradition since at least the mid 1500s. Seasonal markets were held in Germany year around. Christmas markets were an especially joyous, anticipated event, as they brought light and and laughter to a cold, dark season. Christmas markets, known as Christkindlmarkts, were a festive meeting place for people. Villagers bought and sold homemade Christmas ornaments, decorations, and gifts.
Religious Reformer Martin Luther played a major role in our current Christmas customs. Luther instituted new Christmas gift giving traditions. Before Luther, the exchange of Christmas presents took place on the Saint Days of St.. Nicholas (December 6) or St. Martin (November 11). The tradition of giving gifts to children on Christmas became a boon to the Markets. Luther suggested that children receive presents from “The Christ Child”, Christkindl. Christkindl is a romantic, fairy like being, dressed in white and gold, with golden hair topped by a golden crown. Christkindl is the German equivalent of Santa Claus.
This coming Advent season, Ascension looks forward to welcoming all to a gathering full of delicious food, gifts, fellowship, sounds of the season and more. Bring your family, invite your friends and share the gift and love of the Christ child.
In the spirit of the season, we will be receiving donations for The KPC Respite Center.
This year’s Christkindl Fest is dedicated in loving memory of member, Dennis Bagenstos. Dennis was a strong team member and avid supporter of the Christkindl Fest from the beginning.
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