CHRISTKINDLMARKT (CHRISTMAS MARKET)

 First Saturday In December! Where Artisan Craftsman, Community And Beer Comes Together.

Christkindlmarkt or Christmas Market is a street market associated with the celebration of Christmas during the four weeks of Advent, held late November to December 25. The markets originated in Germany but are now held in many countries around the world. The most markets are held in Germany, Austria, France, Spain, Great Britain, Ireland, Canada, Japan and the United States of America – quite a spread of the tradition, don’t you think?

In the USA the biggest markets can be found in Chicago IL, Denver CO, Tulsa OK and Bethlehem PA. The markets date back to the Late Middle Ages (1400s). Christkindl is personified by an ethereal, blonde, angel-like “Spirit of Christmas” who brings presents to good children. Usually held in town squares, the markets offer food, drink and seasonal items for sale in open-air stalls and tents. Items for sale are unique to the city/country where the market is held.

Traditional offerings are wooden toys, local crafts, Christmas ornaments made of straw, wood and blown glass, nutcrackers, paper stars and Christmas cards. Dried Prune People are unique to Nuremberg along with Lebkuchen (gingerbread cookies of all designs). Food is also prominent at the markets. In Europe it’s roasted nuts, pretzels, brats, kraut, candy and chocolate along with spiced wine and, of course, good cold bier in the nice warm environment of a “German Bier Hall”.

So, in December, Lazy Monk Brewing brings the German Christkindlmarkt tradition to Eau Claire where local vendors sell their wares in open-air huts and tents around our bier hall. Christmas cards, local crafts, ornaments and food products are usually available along with Lazy Monk biers – it makes for a great day. It may be a bit chilly but it’s always great fun with great buys and great bier.