History:

Traditional Christmas markets started in Germany in the Late Middle Ages–one of the oldest in Dresden dates back to 1434, but has expanded throughout Europe.

Many of these events go by the term Christkindlmarkt, a street market associated with the celebration of Christmas during the four weeks of Advent. Traditionally held outside in the town square, Christmas markets offer food, drinks, and seasonal items for sale from open-air stalls, accompanied by traditional singing and dancing. The Christkindl Markt at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market is West Michigan’s first traditional Christmas market, inspired by these historic European predecessors.