By Brooke Hafs
Correspondent
GREEN BAY – A Christkindlmarket pilot series is launching in the Broadway District.

On Broadway, Inc. is testing out the concept of a traditional German-style market in downtown Green Bay, with six markets over the course of the holiday season.

“The German Christmas market concept has deep cultural roots in our region, and we believe it will be the perfect complement to attract shoppers to the Broadway District to support our storefronts,” Brian Johnson, executive director, On Broadway, Inc., said. “As we pilot this year’s program, we’ll take stock of what works and use that information to expand the market in future years. This is where we start and our long-term vision for this event series will positively impact all of downtown Green Bay for years to come.”

“We are getting a feel for how this type of event will do in our area,” On Broadway Director of Special Projects Chelsea Kocken said.

“It’s about drawing more people to our district over the holiday season to shop and support our small business owners.”

There will be 11 tents set up featuring hand-selected vendors in Red Sculpture Park at the corner of Broadway and Hubbard Street.

These vendors will be selling unique holiday gifts like ornaments, mugs, decor, hats, mittens and more.

“These are items you aren’t going to be able to find online,” said Kocken. “We had dozens of applications from vendors wanting to take part in these markets and we were very selective about choosing the right ones to create an authentic experience for folks who attend. We want people to support local.”

In addition to vendors, there will be additional food offerings, beverages and programming.

The first Christkindlmarket launches the same night as the lighting ceremony on Broadway on Nov. 18.

The market runs 5-9 p.m. and will include an outdoor holiday movie showing, carolers and more.

Activities will be intertwined with the official lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. led by Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich.

There will be traditional German food on site from Minzo’s Kitchen at the first market.

They’ll be serving sausages, chicken spartzel and extra large pretzels.

There will be Christmas ale and cider available for folks to drink while they shop.

The vendors, food and drink offerings and programming will change each week so each market will be unique.

It will be worthwhile for interested shoppers to attend more than one.

On Broadway staff plans to expand upon this idea if the market is successful this holiday season.

“We have been researching Christkindlmarkets in other cities across the country and even the world,” Kocken said. “These markets have the potential to draw in thousands of visitors each year.
“That is money we hope will flow into our local economy to help our city thrive and small business owners succeed.”

This year the Christkindlmarkets will take place Fridays, 5-9 p.m. starting Nov. 18 and running through Dec.16.

There will be a bonus market on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 26, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
For more information, visit downtowngreenbay.com.