Whether you're already a resident or you're exploring the area's Excelsior homes for sale in anticipation of a move, the Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt is a great way to shop, have fun, and get to know and celebrate the community. You'll find everything from unique gifts to beer and brats to live reindeer you can pet.

In Excelsior, the Christkindlsmarkt is traditionally held in the three days following Thanksgiving and features activities for the entire family.

Here's what you need to know about this fun family event of the season (besides dressing warmly!):

History of the Christkindlsmarkt

The Christkindlsmarkt Festival has a long tradition, having started over 700 years ago in Dresden, Germany to celebrate the coming of the Christ child. It spread throughout Germany and moved to Austria and Switzerland before coming to the U.S. in Chicago. The Chicago festival is still celebrated today, and it also takes place in towns such as Excelsior. It's inspired by the traditional open-air events and celebrates German tradition in a fun, local event. Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt is the perfect chance to shop for the holidays, spend time with your family, and patronize local merchants.

Available food and drink

Sample traditional German food such as brats and sausages, strudel, pretzels, roasted almonds, gingerbread, glühwein (a warmed wine that's sweet and spicy), Kindercocoa, and selections from the beer garden.

Schedule of Christkindlsmarkt Events

Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt will be held from 10:15 a.m.-7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 29, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1. The event is free and open to the public.

Each day has shopping, food, and drink as well as its own fun activities.

Friday:

• 10 a.m. – Grand opening parade
• 10:15 a.m. – Market opens
• 10:30 a.m. – KinderWorld opens, offering a heated center with music, storytelling, balloon artist, face-painting, and more
• 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. – North Pole Trolley – Ride with Father Christmas every 30 minutes
• 10 a.m.-7 p.m. – Christmas tree sales

Saturday:

• 10 a.m.-7 p.m. – KinderWorld
• 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. – NorthPole Trolley
• 10 a.m.-7 p.m. – Christmas tree sales
• 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Live music from River City Singers, a local choral ensemble
• Noon-2 p.m. – Pet live Alaskan reindeer
• 2 p.m. – Live music with German guitarist and yodeler Trey Fleming
• 5 p.m. – St. Martin's Children's Parade – Father Christmas sings carols with the children and lights the Christmas tree before a parade with lanterns

Sunday:

• 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. – North Pole Trolley
• 11 a.m.-4 p.m. – KinderWorld
• 11 a.m.-4 p.m. – Christmas tree sales
• 4 p.m. – Buy fresh garland for decorating

Location

The festival will be held on East Drive and Third Street, adjacent to Excelsior Brewing in downtown Excelsior, MN. To get there, take Hwy. 7 to the Excelsior exit at Water Street. Go to 3rd Street and turn south, and you'll find the festival entrance a half-block ahead.

The children's lantern parade starts at Lake Street and Water Street in front of Dunn Bros. and heads down Water Street to the festival site.

If you'd like to find out more about living in Excelsior, contact Homes by Joel today. As a third-generation resident of the area, Joel knows the community extremely well and can help you find the home of your dreams.