It’s that time of year again when all the Christmas markets start to pop up so I thought I’d finally get around to writing about one I went to last year in Kitchener, Ontario at City Hall. It was my first time at “Christkindl”:https://www.christkindl.ca/ and I think I’ll be back. The market is German themed and there are 90+ stalls in the lobby and on the first floor in the hallways. There is a skating rink outside the front doors and most of the food booths are outside. If we’d gone the day after it would have felt more Christmassy, as it snowed. We got two 9 inch wood-fired pizzas and took them inside and ate them at tables in the cafeteria on the 10th floor of City Hall – great views over the city. The cafeteria is closed but you can use the space to eat what you buy at the market.
There are free horse-drawn carriage rides, choirs, carolers, dancers, puppet shows, storytelling and bands for entertainment. A blacksmith will be working away at his wares outside. Did I mention the model trains? The atmosphere is very festive and the vendors have some amazing works on sale. The huge Christmas Trees outside and in the lobby are sure to get you in the Christmas mood. If the hustle and bustle gets too much for you, do what we did for a break and walk down to Victoria Park.
The market is scheduled for December 6 – 8, 2018. Parking under City Hall is free on Saturday and Sunday and at the parking lots on King and Duke Streets. It’s open from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm on Thursday and Friday, 9:00 am -9:00 pm on Saturday and 10:00 am – 4:00 pm on Sunday.
