5 Things To Know Before Going To Grand Rapids’ Christkindl Markt

One of my favorite new traditions that has quickly gained popularity is the still-new Christkindl Market, which takes over the Downtown Market during the holiday season, transforming the entire area into a mini German-inspired Christmas village complete with wooden huts and hanging lights.

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This vibe, coupled with a nice layer of recent snowfall, makes for a charming family outing. The market is entering its third year and promises to be the biggest one yet. Whether you've been there before or are just hearing about it, I have five tips from my experience going each year to help you navigate the market.

Collector Mugs Sell Out Quickly

Each year the market has a select number of special event mugs & glasses to commemorate the markt, and they have been huge hits each year. So much so that they tend to sell out, so if you want this year's mug (pictured below), you'll want to get it sooner rather than later.

The Markt Is Busiest (and Prettiest) At Night

The markt, adorned in gorgeous lights, is the prettiest at night. There's no denying this fact. Unfortunately, this also means it is when the market is at its busiest. While this is definitely worth the view, it may not hurt to go during the day if you're hoping to get the full market experience.

Go Inside! There's Things Upstairs, Too

Something I enjoyed last year was escaping the crowds and going inside and upstairs to the greenhouse. I had a spiked eggnog that was not for sale outside that came in a beautiful, cool glass. I have spoken to multiple people who didn't realize the markt extended indoors as well.

Try The Cheese Sandwich

The booth with the longest line each night is the Baked Cheese Haus, which serves Alpine-style melted Raclette on a baguette, topped with cured meats, cornichons, and more. The cheese comes right off the wheel, heated using a heat lamp so it is fresh and gooey and delectable. It's a bit pricey, but it's worth sharing.

Glühwein

Of all the German drinks available at the Markt, Glühwein is arguably the most unique. Before I went to the Markt, I'd never heard of or considered that people would ever consume red wine hot. It has hints of cinnamon, cloves, and more. If you're at the Markt to try something different, this is what I would recommend. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

The markt runs from November 19th to December 23rd. You can view hours and other special dates here.