Christkindlmarkt 2026
Frohe Weihnachten!
This December, the Maria Stein Retreat Center will transform into a traditional German Christmas Market. A Christkindlmarkt, which literally translates to “Christ Child Market”, welcomes the Advent season and is accompanied by music, warm food, and drinks to bring light and joy to the cold, dark season as we await the birth of our Savior. The committee aspires to make this a magical outdoor festival featuring twinkling lights and serving as a destination for artisan vendors and Christmas shoppers alike. The two-day event on Friday, December 11, 4 pm–9 pm, and Saturday, December 12, noon–9 pm, will feature shopping, traditional German food and drinks, a visit from St. Nick, and a silent auction filled with many great items! Saturday will conclude with a Catholic Mass followed by a Christmas concert by Nashville artists Caleb + Kelsey!
More information will be added, so be sure to check back to plan your visit!
Calling Artisan Craft and Food vendors!
Vendor applications now being accepted
This December, the Maria Stein Retreat Center will host its first-ever outdoor Christmas Market. The two-day event will take place on Friday, December 11, from 4 pm to 9 pm, and on Saturday, December 12, from noon to 9 pm. This event is expected to attract attendees from far and wide, giving you the opportunity to reach a large audience!
The committee is seeking a select variety of artisan craft and food vendors to make this a magical outdoor festival for Christmas shoppers. Vendor entries will be selected by the Maria Stein Christkindlmarkt committee to ensure variety, quality, and originality.
A limited number of German-style Christmas booths will be available. Each custom design booth has an interior space of 7’ x 10’ and comes with overhead light and power outlets. Please click the ‘Download Vendor Application’ button to learn how to reserve your Christmas booth today!
Vendor fees: No space reservation fees – they have been waived for the first year! All we ask is 10% of your weekend gross profit, up to a maximum of $200!
If you are interested in being a vendor at our first Christkindlmarkt, please click the button below to download the brief form and submit your application. The application deadline is July 31, 2026, and space is limited.
Sponsorship opportunities
Our goal is to bring the community together to celebrate the holiday season in a memorable way, but we need your support to make it happen. As we prepare for our inaugural 2026 event, we are seeking sponsors to help fund lighting, decorations, children’s activities, entertainment, and marketing efforts. We would be honored to partner with you to make this first Christkindlmarkt a cherished tradition for years to come. Download the Donor Letter to find out more about Sponsor levels and how you can help. We thank you for your continued support of our efforts!
If you would like to make an online donation now, simply click the button below.
Silent Auction
Prepare for an unforgettable experience and get ready to participate in our upcoming silent auction, featuring an array of incredible items to bid on! From artisan handcrafted gifts to luxurious treats, this is the ideal chance to wrap up your Christmas shopping with one-of-a-kind finds. Imagine finding one-of-a-kind treasures that will bring joy to your loved ones, or treating yourself to something special. Stay tuned for more information on how to join the fun and make this holiday season truly unforgettable! Please follow us on Facebook for the latest updates on this event.