4th Annual Christkindlmarkt - German Christmas Market December 3, 2011

Christkindlmarkt - A Celebration of German Holiday Traditions

--- The Arizona Center for Germanic Cultures presents its 4th annual Christkindlmarkt -- a traditional German Christmas market -- in downtown Phoenix at Heritage Square. The Christkindlmarkt - a celebration held throughout Germany and Central Europe since the Middle Ages - brings cherished German and European traditions todowntown Phoenix with holiday entertainment, German, Austrian and Swiss cuisine, vendors and local artisans selling merchandise like children's toys and Christmas ornaments, and activities and entertainment for the whole family! Admission is free.

Browse through traditional handicrafts, including handmade soaps and candles, jewelry, ornaments and toys. Enjoy traditional Christmas food and beverage specialties from Germany, including Nuernberger bratwurst and wieners, sauerkraut, Gulasch soup, real German Laugenbrezeln (hot soft pretzels), apple strudel, "Lebcake" style gingerbread cookies (Lebkuchen), hot roasted chestnuts, roasted sugar almonds (gebrannte mandeln), German Christmas cookies, hot mulled wine (Gluehwein), hot apple cider, hot cocoa, coffee (available with a variety of schnapps), and German winter beer from Warsteiner.

Entertainment includes traditional Christmas music, featuring various instrumentalists, as well as carolers, and a choir, a special appearance by the Christkindl and Saint Nikolaus with gifts for the children in attendance. ASU German students are another highlight in the entertainment lineup, and will present a puppet show and poetry readings, as well as a Rock music performance "Christmas-style."

The event is easily Light Rail accessible from the 3rd St & Washington/Jefferson St. stop. Ample parking is also available in the Heritage and Science Park garage located on the southeast corner of Monroe and 5th Streets.

For more information, visit the Arizona Center for Germanic Cultures website at http://ac4gc.org. The Arizona Center for Germanic Cultures, Inc. is a not for profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to establishing a place for people of Germanic background to share their traditions, history, contributions, culture and celebrations with their fellow Americans from all backgrounds.