Cincideutsch Christkindlmarkt in Cincinnati, Ohio
Held annually by the German Society of Cincinnati, it is the oldest traditional German Christmas market in Cincinnati. Unlike many other Christmas markets, this one is held in heated tents! It includes non-stop festive entertainment, a petting zoo, a lantern parade, carriage rides, Christmas caroling by children, and of course, a great selection of German treats and holiday drinks. They feature their own famous dish, dill pickle soup. In addition to visiting with St. Nicklaus, there will also be a visit by Krampus, “the half-goat, half-demon” antithesis of Santa from German folklore. So you better be good for goodness sake!!
Old World German Christmas Market in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
This markt is held at the Ostoff Resort in December. As this event is held at a Resort, it could be pretty pricy for families, but would make an awesome family vacation. There are many activities for children, such as Cookie decorating, ornament making, horse drawn carriage rides, breakfast with St Nicholas and St Nicholas reindeer brunch. Over 70 festive booths feature crafts of artisans from around the world, such as Germany, Russia, Turkey and even locally. There is a food court specializing in Nüremberg bratwurst, potato pancakes and spiced roasted almonds, baked cheese, apple strudel, Bavarian soft pretzels and hot glühwein or cocoa. There is an appearance by Father Christmas in a heated tent the length of a football field. Sounds like fun!
Christmas Village in Baltimore, Maryland
The Inner Harbor in downtown Baltimore hosts the Christmas Village. There will be at least 50 vendors selling authentic European food, Christmas ornaments, and arts & crafts from all over the world! Wine tastings, happy hours, and events for children– Lantern Parade with St. Nicholas, Saturday, December 7th, 2019, and photo ops with St. Nicholaus.
German fare includes a German Grill with Wursts, Sauerkraut, Leberkäse, pretzels and more. Exclusively served will be Hofbräu Beers from Munich/Bavaria. Glühwein (Mulled Wine) and other hot and cold beverages will be available. The Hot Beverage booths sell varieties of Lebkuchen-Gingerbread-made in Germany and Stollen, Zimtsterne (Cinnamon Stars), and Dominos. Another vendor, the Schnitzel Hut offers pork or chicken Schnitzel on a roll, as a Schnitzelburger, with Potato Salad or with Latke on the side. There is also a German deli with foods to take home. Some other ethnic foods are available such as crepes, roasted nuts, raclette (Swiss) cheese melted on a toasted baguette, and Belgian fries. A truly magnificent day filled with yummy treats.
