German American Society - Annual Kristkindlmarkt

The Peoria German American Society will host its Annual Kristkindlmarkt at a new location:  the Life Together Center (located at 3625 N Sheridan Rd. in  Peoria) from 10 am - 6 pm on Saturday and from 11 am - 5 pm on Sunday.  Featuring over 35 area vendors (all indoors) will offer a variety of arts and crafts that are perfect for holiday gift giving, plus there will be plenty of seating for dining and enjoying the entertainment.  Food typical of the Kristkindlmarkts will be available to purchase including bratwurst, pork schnitzel, frankfurters, German potato salad, sauerkraut, hot chocolate, hot cider, and Bavarian pretzels.  Analytical Brewing will be serving beer and glühwein (spiced wine). The Kristkindl and Santa Claus will be available handing out candy canes for kids. Entertainment will be provided each day featuring, brass groups playing Christmas Carols, accordion players, piano players as well as Christmas Carolers, and more.  Admission is free. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com

Kristkindlmarkts or German Christmas Markets are a centuries old tradition beginning in the 15th Century.  This is typically an outdoor street market associated with the celebration of Christmas during the four weeks of Advent.  Originally the market was held to bring church-goers together to share homemade Christmas crafts such as nutcrackers, tree ornaments, toys, and more.  The Christmas markets have over the year expanded to many other European countries and more recently to the United States.