News Summary
Grand Rapids is set to host the third annual Christkindl Markt, a European-style Christmas market, from November 19 to December 23. This festive event, located at 435 Ionia Ave. SW, will feature over 60 vendors offering authentic foods and handcrafted items. Highlighted this year are diverse holiday treats, including red and white Glühwein, along with a menu of traditional German foods. Families can enjoy cozy Alpenglobes and participate in curling while embracing the holiday spirit in the community.
Grand Rapids is preparing to welcome back the much-anticipated Christkindl Markt, a European-style Christmas market, for its third annual event from November 19 to December 23. Located at 435 Ionia Ave. SW, this market boasts over 60 vendors who will offer a variety of authentic foods and handcrafted items, creating a festive atmosphere reminiscent of traditional German Christmas villages.
This year, visitors can shop from participating vendors offering an array of products including jewelry, ceramics, candles, soaps, toys, stationery, holiday decor, and home decor. To ensure a diverse selection, vendors must pass through an approval process that prevents duplication of items among merchants.
The family-friendly event aims to attract locals and visitors alike, as it has quickly become a cherished holiday tradition in West Michigan. Alongside shopping, attendees can indulge in special holiday treats, including the signature red Glühwein. Served in a new commemorative mug for this year, the drink is a staple of the market, delighting visitors with its festive flavors. A new variation featuring white wine will also be offered this season.
This year’s menu features a range of authentic foods, such as warm potato pancakes, Bavarian-style pretzels, bratwurst, pierogies, schnitzel, spaetzle, and melted raclette cheese. There will also be a new beverage option called Eierpunsch, a spiced German egg punch topped with whipped cream. Returning favorites include hot cocoa, hot cider, and a bubbles bar.
In addition to the diverse food and drinks, the Christkindl Markt will feature special offerings from local breweries. Brewery Vivant will introduce a unique Christmas beer named Dunk the Halls for attendees to sample during the market.
For those looking for a cozy place to relax, the market provides rentals for Alpenglobes, which offer a warm spot to enjoy the seasonal offerings. Visitors can also participate in group competitions with curling rentals available on-site.
The market will be open from Wednesday to Sunday, with the final days of the event scheduled for December 22 and 23 before closing for Christmas Eve. To keep track of the various vendors and their offerings, potential visitors are encouraged to visit the market’s official website for up-to-date information.
The return of the Christkindl Markt is set to bring joy and holiday spirit to the Grand Rapids community, continuing its legacy as a festive gathering that celebrates the warmth and charm of the holiday season.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: Grand Rapids Christkindl Markt 2025 Vendors
- Wikipedia: Christmas Market
- WZZM13: Grand Rapids Christkindl Markt Vendors 2025
- Google Search: Grand Rapids Christkindl Markt
- GR Kids: Grand Rapids Christkindl Markt
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Holiday
- Free Press: Michigan Holiday Christmas Markets
- Google News: Grand Rapids Christmas Market
- Wood TV: Christkindl Markt Opening Weekend
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
