Christkindlmarkt: German Christmas Market in Dayton

Dayton is home to the region's oldest German-American club called Dayton Liederkranz-Turner.  Chartered in 1890, its purpose is "the cultivation, furtherance and maintenance of German song, dance, customs, culture and language, the promotion of good fellowship among its members, and participation in civic affairs."  The location is in the heart of historic St. Anne's Hill on East Fifth Street just across from Stivers.

Every holiday season, Dayton Liederkranz-Turner holds its Christkindlmarkt event celebrating the centuries-old German Christmas market tradition that originated in Dresden, Germany in 1434.  Other European countries such as France, Austria and England have been holding their own Christmas markets since the 1500's.  Here in Dayton, quality vendors will be selling hand crafted ornaments, hand crafted beaded jewelry, hand carved Santa’s and cookie molds, hand made bath soaps & accessories, custom designed floral arrangements, German children’s books, German collectable items, embroidered items, clocks, and more.

Of course, what is a German get-together without food or drink (aka BEER!)?  The Liederkranz Christmas Market will feature Chef Helmut’s German Goulash and Bratwurst, and the Liederkranz will host a special booth full of German Pastries and Desserts as well as featuring our famous Rüdesheimer Kaffee, and Glühwein.  The bar will be open with a great selection of German Biers and wine.  If that isn't enough to get you to come, I don't know what is!

Finally, visit the Liederkranz on Saturday, Dec. 8th and enjoy the FREE Christmas Concert presented by the Dayton Liederkranz Kinderchor, Damenchor and Maennerchor (Children’s, Women’s & Men’s) choirs.  The concert begins at 8:00pm in the Great Hall.

For more information regarding the Christkindlmarkt at the Dayton Liederkranz-Turner please visit their website at: www.daytongermanclub.org
Contact Pat Kister: (937)293-7947. 

Christkindlmarkt 2007 takes place:

Saturday, December 8, 2007 – 12:00PM to 8:00PM
Sunday, December 9, 2007 – 12:00PM to 4:00PM

And if any of you have been to this in past years, please let us know what you thought.  And please tell us about the BEER!  (thanks for the info, Sarah!)

(Picture: Christkindlmarkt in Erfurt, Germany)