German and Latin American Christmas markets kick off the festive season
Two local Christmas markets are betting that right after the hubbub of Thanksgiving, it’s the perfect time for Atlantans to start their holiday shopping with globally connected experiences.
The Atlanta Christkindl Marketwhich is striving to become a real tradition after six years in the city, kicks off again this Friday in the shopping district of Buckhead Village.
The traditional German Christmas market, which includes stalls like those that congregate every winter in town squares across Germanylanded there for the second year in a row after returning from a pandemic-era hiatus in 2020.
The event started with a modest 12 booths at Atlantic Station in 2016, then later moved to Centennial Olympic Park before heading to Buckhead Village last year.
Along the way, the number of stalls soared to over 60 offering German (and a few international) cuisines as well as traditional ornaments, toys and crafts, gifts and more. More than 50 vendors have registered for this year’s edition, and Santa Claus is expected to come and take pictures over the weekend. The event usually includes performances by cultural groups and choirs from the southeast.
Dignitaries will also visit the market, which anchors the city’s German community during the winter months and helps raise funds for the German-American Cultural Foundationwhich locally supports German language and cultural programs throughout the year.
Although the market kicks off on Friday, a “grand opening” is set to take place on Saturday, November 26 at 12:30 p.m. with remarks from Melanie MoltmannGerman Consul General in Atlanta, as well as a chance to chat with the organizers and hear the Atlanta Carolers sing.
The venue, a converted parking lot sandwiched between Peachtree and East Paces Ferry roads, can be found by searching for 290 East Paces Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305. Parking is available at the bridges near Buckhead Village. Learn more at www.christkindlmarket.org or visit the Facebook page.
Second Annual Latin American Association Christmas Market
A few weeks after the launch of the current German market, the Latin American Association will hold its second annual one-day Christmas market, which aims to raise funds for the organization while benefiting Latino entrepreneurs in the metropolitan area.
The Dec. 10 event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features handmade jewelry, traditional Latin American hats, accessories, desserts, decorations, and more, all made or sourced by some of the most of 70 local women participating in the Juntas d’Avanzando (Advancing Together) empowerment program. Beyond physical products, some of the female entrepreneurs also offer services ranging from marketing to photography and real estate.
“The Christmas Market was a huge success last year,” said Santiago Marquez, president and CEO of the LAA, in a press release. “It’s a healthy way for people to shop for the holidays, pick up unique gifts, and support local Latinos building promising businesses.”
Open to the public, the event will be held at the Latin American Association’s Atlanta Outreach Center at 2750 Buford Hwy.
Learn more and register as a supplier or participant here.
