A different kind of Christmas market

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This article was published 23/11/2015 (3839 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas gift, consider dropping by Christkindlmarkt, the oldest continuous German Christmas market in Canada.

This year marks a milestone for the annual event, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a two-day extravaganza of festive entertainment, sweet treats and traditional arts.

Attendees can look forward to plenty of holiday cheer at the event, which will be held in a new location at Holy Cross Hall (290 Dubuc St.) on Sat., Nov. 28 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sun., Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friedel Albany, a longtime volunteer with the German-Canadian Congress, said preparations are already underway for the much-anticipated holiday market.

“It will be beautiful. We are hoping that everybody will come out. We have a new German baker for the cakes and we have imported stollen, which is the Christmas bread,” said Albany, who is on the board of directors for the German-Canadian Congress.

“There is coffee and cake available, and a special wine that is served around Christmas time. The chocolate counter has all imported chocolates from Germany and Belgium. Many, many people come and buy all their Christmas chocolates. I know that it will be gone quickly.”

The entertainment will also be top-notch, with performers that include the Belgian Folk Dancers of Winnipeg, the German Choir of Winnipeg and South Winnipeg Kinderschule.

Another crowd-pleaser is a show by Winnipeg Pops, which is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Sun., Nov. 29.

“We have beautiful entertainment. The Christmas songs really put you into the right atmosphere,” Albany said. “There will be a lot going on.”

For holiday shoppers, the Christmas market will feature more than 80 tables that showcase the wares of crafters and vendors.

“Something nice to buy is wood carving. It’s a very old German tradition,” Albany said. “We have people coming and buying a whole bunch because they give those to their friends for Christmas and they know the value and the origin. Usually we are also handing out some information on it.”

Maintaining a community focus, Winnipeg’s Christkindlmarkt also raises funds to support German culture, education and events throughout the province. “Christkindlmarkt is the beginning of the most beautiful time of the year. You’ll find that from Austria right down to northern Germany,” Albany said. “If you have never been there, it is a nice experience.”

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