Christkindlmarket returns to Broadway District

This Friday, Nov. 15, Christkindlmarket on Broadway will return to Green Bay for its third year offering traditional German-style holiday street marketing programming, complete with unique gifts, festive food and beverages.

Those who have attended previous Christkindlmarkets can look forward to their favorite features returning to this year’s line-up.

“Some of the crowd favorites are certainly returning for year three and include Santa and his reindeer, carolers, the Giving Tree that allows people to select an ornament and then purchase items for local nonprofits, Cocoa for a Cause, traditional German food options, the decorated truck for photo ops courtesy of Redfish, a Broadway District Business and the Cozy Igloos,” said Mary Rhode, vice president of marketing and communications at On Broadway, Inc. “My absolute favorite part of this event is just the atmosphere. There is something special about the Broadway District this time of year, decorated for the holidays. You add the Christkindlmarket on Broadway to that, and it really creates a festive setting and ambience that brings out the holiday spirit in people of all ages.”

“We always look to add new things to our events, especially when they are newer,” Rhode said. “The Christkindlmarket on Broadway has been such a success in its first few years and for its third year, we’re continuing to improve on it.”

New for this year, attendees can expect to see some changes, including earlier start times on Fridays and Saturdays, added programming and workshops, more Cozy Igloos available for rent, additional food and beverage options and a Polar Bear Hunt throughout the Broadway District.

“Nine polar bears are loose in the Broadway District,” Rhode said. “Help us find them by searching the window displays of the local businesses.”

A free map can be turned in at the event for a prize. All participants in the Polar Bear Hunt will be entered into a drawing after the final Christkindlmarket to win one of the polar bears.”

This year’s market series spans 12 dates between Nov. 15 and Dec. 23, starting this Friday with the Tree Lighting Ceremony.

The Christkindlmarket on Broadway will run collaboratively with other On Broadway events, including the Winter Wine and Beer Walks and Small Business Saturday, all with the goal of getting people shopping in the Broadway District.

“The Christkindlmarket on Broadway is a destination for locals and visitors during the holiday season,” said Allie Thut, chief operating officer for On Broadway, Inc. “Our team continues to add more experiences, programming and holiday fun while also promoting shopping small and supporting local this holiday season. This event offers a bountiful selection of unique gift items crafted right here in our community. It is always a magical experience that brings thousands of people to the Broadway District each holiday season.”

A total of 22 vendors are lined up to participate in this year’s Christkindlmarket series, with six of them — East Twin Arts, Door County Wildflower Candles, Stella Blu Bohemian Boutique, Jedi Woods LLC, WG Woodcraft and Silver Nest Studio Textiles — signed up for every event.

For attendees looking to support the community beyond just shopping local, the Giving Tree will return this year.

Each ornament on the Giving Tree features a local nonprofit organization for participants to gift this holiday season, including Howe Community Resource Center, Lucky 7 Dog Rescue, Community Paws of Wisconsin and NEW Community Shelter.

Items can be delivered unwrapped at the Giving Tree at any Christkindlmarket event.

This year’s market lineup also includes a variety of themes and special programming.

Friday, Nov. 15, will feature the tree lighting ceremony and photos with Santa and his reindeer along with a variety of festive activities.

Saturday, Nov. 16, is German Day at the Christkindlmarket, featuring The New Glarus Alphorns, an appearance by Christ Kind and activities hosted by the UW-Green Bay German Club.

On Friday, Nov. 22, attendees are encouraged to bring their furry friends out for Canine Christmas at the Christkindlmarket with opportunities for photos with Santa and a variety of pet-specific products available for purchase.

The Nov. 29 and 30 Christkindlmarket events will coincide with Shop Local Weekend, providing an opportunity for attendees to support over 20 small businesses.

At the Dec. 13 and 14 events, Christmas villains such as Krampus, the Grinch and Scrooge will make appearances.

Friday, Dec. 20 is movie night, featuring a screening of The Happy Elf.

The final Christkindlmarket of the season on Saturday, Dec. 21, will have a North Pole theme with carriage rides around the Broadway District and a chance to meet Santa and his reindeer.

Learn more about the Christkindlmarket on Broadway at downtowngreenbay.com.