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Christkindl market opens Dec. 3
KITCHENER – A centuries-old German tradition, Kitchener's Christkindl Market is Canada's original festival of German Christmas. Become immersed in the sights, sounds and tastes of the holiday season, and the German culture, when the Christkindl Market opens at Kitchener City Hall on Thursday, Dec. 3 at 10 a.m.
Join in a carol sing at the gates of Victoria Park clock tower at 5:30 p.m. The candlelight procession to city hall begins at 6 p.m. The opening ceremony includes the lighting of the square, a presentation by the Grand Philharmonic Choir, and appearances by Knecht Ruprecht, Christkindl and the angels.
Festivities take place outside on Civic Square and inside city hall on the first and second floors. Visitors enjoy four days of free entertainment, including Kitchener-Waterloo natives, Arn-Horn Doppelganger, Phoenix and Mercedes.
There will also be performances by bands, choirs and dancers. The Christkindl Market post office also has its own postmark.
More than 70 food and gift vendors will be selling handicrafts throughout the main floor, 2nd level and the outdoor huts including handcrafted toys, Christmas ornaments, blown glass, food and candles, plus much more.
This year’s grand prize winner of the contest draw wins a trip for two to Germany, including flights, overnight accommodation and a five-day Rail Europe pass.
The market is open Thursday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 5, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission and parking are free Saturday and Sunday in all City of Kitchener surface lots, including three parking garages – city hall, Duke and Ontario streets and Kitchener market.

For more information, to arrange an interview, or to see the complete program of activities, visit www.christkindlcanada.com,