| Friday December 11 | 4:00 – 9:00 | |
|---|---|---|
| 4:00 | Opening Prayer Ceremony | |
| 4:00 | Food and Vendor booths open | |
| 4:00-8:00 | Children’s Christmas Train Ride through the woods | |
| 4:00-8:00 | Santa Claus visits – children visit Santa in his “Jolly 1 Camper” | |
| 4:00-8:00 | Santa’s magical reindeer for children to meet and pet | |
| 7:00-8:30 | Quartets from St. Augustine Men’s Choir and The Minster Brass | |
| 9:00 | The Christmas market closes | |
| * 9:30-4:00 | The Maria Stein Shrine Gift Shop and Nativity open |
| Saturday December 12 | Noon – 9:00 | |
|---|---|---|
| Noon | Opening Blessing by Archbishop Robert Casey | |
| 12:30-5:00 | Adoration will be available in the Chapel | |
| 1:00-3:00 | Live Christmas Music in the main Tent | |
| 1:00-2:00 | Wreath-making class (early sign-up required via email invite) | |
| 1:30-6:00 | Santa Claus visits – children visit Santa in his “Jolly 1 Camper” | |
| 2:00-6:00 | Santa’s magical reindeer for children to meet and pet | |
| 1:00-6:00 | Children’s Christmas Train Ride through the woods | |
| 3:00-4:00 | Marcie Stammen Live Painting, indoors in the chapel lobby | |
| 6:00-8:00 | Nashville artists Caleb + Kelsey present a free Christmas concert | |
| 9:00 | The Christmas market closes | |
| * 9:30-4:00 | The Maria Stein Shrine Gift Shop and Nativity open |
Special free events for the Family
Children can visit with Santa,
meet and pet Santa’s magical Reindeer
and take a Train Ride through the Christmas light display!
Santa delivers the Christmas vibe in his vintage “Jolly 1 Camper”.
Children will enjoy Elf-made cookies and cocoa as they sit on Santa’s bench and sign his “Nice list” book.
Most importantly, each child will receive a candy cane and hear the story of how it represents Jesus’ love for them!
The cane’s shape symbolizes the shepherd’s crook, a reminder of the Good Shepherd.
The white candy represents Purity, Holiness, and the Sinless nature of Jesus.
The color red reminds us of Jesus’ merciful, sacrificial love.
The peppermint flavor represents the gift of spices from the three Wise Men.
Meet and pet Santa’s Reindeer and ride his Train through the Christmas lights!
Santa’s reindeer will put the holiday spirit into your Christmas. In a cozy petting area, the lovable “North Pole Ambassadors” will delight your kids! The “SC Railroad” train ride will travel through the Christmas light displays on the grounds of the Retreat Center.
Caleb + Kelsey Christmas Concert
Caleb + Kelsey, renowned Nashville recording artists, will present a wonderful Christmas concert!
Don’t miss out on their inspiring performance in the Main Tent.
Marcie Stammen LIVE PAINTING
Come and see her create a beautiful St. Nicholas painting during the Christkindlmarkt on Saturday, 3:00-4:00
Marcie will also exhibit and offer for sale her Sacred Art created especially for the Advent and Christmas season:
12 new, original paintings that are one-of-a-kind pieces inspired by Catholic Advent and Christmas imagery
Fine art prints of some of her favorite sacred works
Christmas and faith-inspired gifts and pieces like this St. Nicholas painting
All of which will be available at the market!