Kaiserslautern Christmas market opens Monday

Kaiserslautern’s Lord Mayor Dr. Klaus Weichel and the “Christkind,” or Christ child, will officially open the Christmas market at 6 p.m. Monday from the stage on Schillerplatz. The market will be set up through Dec. 23 around Stiftskirche and on Schillerplatz.

After the holidays, the market will turn into a New Year’s market from Dec. 27 to 30. It will feature a variety of shopping, food and glühwein booths, musical entertainment, a children’s program and various Christmas-related activities.

“More than 50 vendors will offer manifold items in a festively illuminated atmosphere,” Weichel said. “Each year, the area around Stiftkirche is getting more attractive.”

There will be a bonfire, Nativity scene, and artisans and stone sculptors presenting their works. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the Kaiserslautern Zoo will set up a petting zoo with some of their animals and turn the Nativity scene into a live scene.

Vendors will sell typical Christmas decorations such as tree ornaments, candles, angels, nutcrackers and Advent wreaths. Shoppers will find ideas for Christmas presents such as wooden toys, leather items, glass products, jewelry and pottery.
Culinary specialties being served include Thüringer bratwurst, pizza, roasted chestnuts, cinnamon waffles and the typical winter drink “glühwein,” a heated red wine spiced with cloves and cinnamon sticks.

“We will offer a diversified entertaining program,” said Alexander Hess from the project office for city events. “Our musical program will range from well-known artists such as Waymond Harding, Rick Cheyenne and Stephan Flesch to gospel choirs and brass players.”

The full program can be found in flyers placed in stores, restaurants, banks and the Tourist Information Office next to the Fruchthalle.

The Kaiserslautern Christmas market will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, and 1 to 9 p.m. Sundays.

For details, visit www.kaiserslautern.de.