One-Tank Trip for
Nov. 29/14
(c) By Jim Fox
Everything is
wunderbar in Kitchener as the Christkindl Market recreates a Christmas
tradition dating back 700 years in Germany.
Since medieval
times, towns and cities across Germany come alive with outdoor markets of
rustic wooden booths and stalls full of traditional handmade Christmas
ornaments, nutcrackers and wooden figurines.
This scene has been
recreated now for 18 years, bringing back “the sights, sounds and smells” of an
authentic German Christmas market, said president Astrid Braun.
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| Christkindl with her two angels and Knecht Ruprect at the Kitchener festival. (Photo: Pirak.com) |
In Kitchener, the
oldest and largest German community in Canada, the party takes place outside
and inside city hall from Dec. 4 to 7.
The four-day market
is enlivened by a cast of folkloric characters highlighted by Christkindl or
“Christ Child, the traditional gift-bringer in Germany” and her two angels.
There’s also
farmhand Knecht Ruprect, a companion of Saint Nicholas, and Klaus Wehrenberg
who plays an original hand-cranked street organ accompanied by his
friendly (stuffed) monkey.
Also on Saturday will
be an appearance by Haribo Bear (of Gummie Bear fame).
A candlelight
procession “led by Mary, Joseph and their stalwart donkey,” takes place on the evening of Dec. 4 through Victoria
Park and along Gaukel Street to City Hall Square.
Along the way, the
Grand Philharmonic Choir and many carollers are accompanied by the ringing of
church bells.
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| The Christkindl Market takes place at Kitchener City Hall. (Photo: Pirak.com) |
Members of the community
re-enact the nativity scene at an outdoor stable that’s part of the festival.
Entertainment
includes some 27 bands, choirs and dance groups performing on an outdoor stage,
ice skating on the city square rink and blacksmiths showing their skills.
The “cute” wooden
huts and indoor booths will have some 70 vendors with traditional handmade
Christmas ornaments, nutcrackers, wood carved toys, pyramids, figurines,
jewelry and clothing.
The scene wouldn’t
be complete without the aroma of cinnamon, apple fritters, mulled wine and
grilled sausages filling the air.
Vendors are located
in huts on the square and inside the rotunda of city hall as well as the second
floor.
Returning is the
big "G" Scale Garden Railway display by Jenny and Fred Aldred on the
first floor in the Conestoga Room.
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| Folkloric characters organ grinder Klaus and farmhand Knecht Ruprecht entertain at the Christkindl Market. (Photo: Pirak.com) |
“The
traditions of Christkindl are so memorable for each person,” said publicist Monica Reid.
“Whether it’s
the trains, the apple fritters or the live nativity and hearing all the sounds
of Christmas while enjoying the company
of friends and sharing holiday sweets and savories.”
After party
New this year is a
Christkindl “After Dark” party on Dec. 5 and 6 from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Presented by the
Downtown Kitchener Business Improvement Area, the free event takes place on
King Street.
Organizers say it
promises “two nights of awesome” with live music, ice-skating,
carolling and hot and cold beverages available at the Schnapps bar.
There will also be carriage rides visiting some popular spots in the
downtown.
Need to know
Christkindl Market
hours are Dec. 4 and 5 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Dec. 6, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and
Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. christkindl.ca;
(519) 741-2200, Ext. 7387
Santa on the rails
All aboard the Port
Stanley Terminal Rail’s “Santa Treats” train that chugs through the Elgin
County countryside the first three weekends in December.
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| Santa gets ready to ride the Port Stanley Terminal Rail. |
Enjoy the ride from
the warmth of a heated car and “watch the children’s anticipation grow as we
near our destination to meet Santa,” said railway president Dan Vernackt.
The will be live
entertainment on some trains and included are treats of hot chocolate, apple
cider and mince tarts.
The train departs and
returns to the station in Port Stanley (309 Bridge St.) next to the King George
Lift Bridge.
Fares are $15,
adults; $9, children ages two to 14, tax included.
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| The Santa Treats train chugs through the Elgin County countryside. |
The trips run on
Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Riders should
allow 20 minutes to park and obtain tickets. pstr.on.ca;
1-877-244-4478
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Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com
For more One-Tank Trips: http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca
