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 Santa Claus, and a silent auction filled with many great items! Plan to attend on Saturday to enjoy a free Christmas concert by Nashville artists Caleb + Kelsey!
The event will be held at the Retreat Center, 2365 St. John’s Road, Maria Stein, OH
More information will be added, so be sure to check back to plan your visit!
Schedule
Friday December 11, 4:00 pm-9:00 pm
Details to be posted soon!
Saturday December 12, Noon-9:00 pm
Details to be posted soon!
Artisan Craft and Food selections
Our select vendors will showcase their unique products from inside custom-built, German-style Christmas booths, evoking the charm of a traditional European holiday market. Each booth will be adorned with festive garlands, twinkling lights, and holiday decor, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for shoppers.
Holiday music will fill the air, and the aroma of seasonal treats will drift from the booths, immersing visitors in a magical setting that captures the spirit of Christmas and encourages festive shopping. Vendors will offer a curated selection of handcrafted gifts, artisanal foods, and holiday decorations, all presented with a touch of old-world charm. Shoppers can enjoy festive delicacies and participate in holiday-themed crafts or games. Throughout the market, Christmas music will delight guests of all ages, and a central Christmas tree will serve as a gathering point for special events, photo opportunities, and community celebrations. The booths are designed not only to sell unique wares, but to create an immersive Christmas village experience that brings people together and fills the season with joy.
Vendor listing coming soon!
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.