Culture market in Kaiserslautern

Handcrafted teddy bears, homemade marmalade, hand-woven scarves, wooden toys and a lot of other arts and crafts items lure visitors to the “Culture Market before Christmas,” which takes place for the 26th year in Kaiserslautern’s historical Fruchthalle.

Until Dec. 22, visitors find artifacts made of different material and techniques. Vendors and artists sell products made of wood, glass, gold, silver, sandstone, metal, paper, felt and ceramic from noon to 7 p.m. each day. Local charity organizations display and sell handcrafted items which their members created throughout the year.

Exhibitors from Kaiserslautern’s sister cities Banja Luka, Bosnia-Herzegovina, St. Quentin, France, and Silkeborg, Denmark, present typical crafts from their countries.

For the first year, this market will last as long as the city Christmas market on Schillerplatz and near Stiftskirche. A special entertainment program features musical performances by the orchestra of the  Pfalztheater, students of Emmerich-Smola Music School, local singing groups and musicians, and children’s activities.

 Children can take part in handicraft workshops in the kids’ play room. They can also play, sing and listen to stories.

A dance café is set up on the first floor. Couples can test their dance skills from 3:30 to 6 p.m. every Sunday with music provided by DJ Stephania.

Two cafés near the west and east entrances offer homemade cakes,
coffee and little snacks for lunch.

On days when concerts are scheduled in the evening, the market is open until 8 p.m.

The Fruchthalle, meaning fruit hall, is a huge building which was built between 1843 and 1846. In former times, the fruit and vegetable market was held there. Today, many events such as concerts, dance balls and official ceremonies are held in the red sandstone building across from the Pfalztheater and next to the soldiers’ war memorial  and tourist office on Fruchthallstrasse.