Did you know that every December, you can visit the Christkindlmarkt in Salt Lake City? And that it’s the perfect way to ring in the holiday season?
It’s true! For a few days in the beginning of December, you too can partake in this European tradition and start a new one for yourself and your family.
Since moving to Utah in 2009, I haven’t missed a Christkindlmarkt in Salt Lake City. To me, this special festival signals the start of everything winter, Christmas, and merry.
Whether I go alone, meet up with friends, or go with my family, I always come away with precious memories that sustain through the dark, cold winter months.
If you’re looking for something to do to help kick off your Christmas season, need a boost of merriment, or just want to try something new, I encourage you to read on!
Related: “A Local’s Guide to Unique Christmas Activities in Salt Lake City“
What is Christkindlmarkt?
Christkindlmarkt is a Christmas Market that originated in Europe during the Middle Ages, signaling the beginning of the Advent.
The word “Christkindlmarkt” is a stereotypical Germanic word that is comprised of 3 words: Christ (Christ), Kind (child), and Markt (market). Although the literal translation looks a little different, “Christkind” actually refers to the “spirit of Christmas,” rather than the actual Christ Child.
Once upon a time, a long time ago (the late 1290s to be exact) in the old Holy Roman Empire of present-day Europe, Emperor Albrecht I granted local shopkeepers permission to come together in one location for a few days in the early winter months.
The Emperor understood that it would be easier for his townspeople to stock up on supplies for the coming winter months if they could get everything in one spot, rather than traveling to a variety of farms around town.
At the time of their inception, these local markets were known as Wintermärkte, or winter markets. Their popularity spread all over Europe, but the first “official” market is said to be Vienna’s Dezembermarkt in 1296.
As the popularity grew over time, local families began to set up their own stalls and sell a variety of items in addition to the necessary food and clothing needed to sustain the winters: baskets, toys, and other woodcarvings.
Christkindlmarkt in Salt Lake City and Around the World
Something magical happens at this time of year all around the world, from the British Isles, to the origins of the first winter markets in Austria and Germany, to the USA and Salt Lake City.
Authentic wooden stalls huddled together, filled with toys, ornaments, and local crafts.
The saliva-inducing smells of bratwurst, gingerbread, and toasted almonds waft down the lanes.
Sleigh bells, the sounds of laughter, and choir melodies fill the air, beckoning visitors closer to the stage.
Christkindlmarkt in Salt Lake City was founded on the story of St. Martin, which you can read more about here.
Details on Christkindlmarkt in Salt Lake City
Dates: Traditionally, the Christkindlmarkt in Salt Lake City is held during the first weekend of December. For 2022, that would be November 30 – December 3.
Times: Vendors are open 11am-8pm, with scheduled performances throughout the days.
Location: This is the Place Heritage Park, 2601 Sunnyside Ave., Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Cost: FREE!
There are certain markets around the world that do have a cost associated with entering, but the one in Salt Lake City is completely free. If you want to purchase any of the yummy snacks, both traditional and local specialties, or any fun gifts, you’ll need to bring your wallet. Fortunately most vendors will accept some kind of card or electronic payment, but have some options available.
Tips for Visiting Christkindlmarkt in Salt Lake City
I have been fortunate to visit Christkindlmarkt in Salt Lake City numerous times and have plenty of tips to share, maximizing your Christmas market-going experience! These are meant to help you make the most of your time, see everything you want, eat all the things, and take all the pictures without the added stress of the unknown.
Do a little prep work
Every year the Christkindlmarkt in Salt Lake City organizers publish a schedule of performances, a list of vendors, and map of the market. Check out the schedule and map from their website here.
This is the Place Heritage Park is set up on a hill, and the market winds up and down with the pathways. Check out the map and see which vendors you’re most excited about and where they’re located. You’ll also want to check out the schedule to see if there are any performances you can’t miss.
I’m a sucker for yodeling and accordion music, but there’s something magical about the children’s choirs!
Wear layers at the Christkindlmarkt in Salt Lake City
Even if you arrive and spend most of your time during the day, the weather can be quite chilly. Sure, walking around in the sun will keep you warm, but if you’re standing in line for something and happen to be in the shade, you’ll freeze. Your feet will be the first to freeze over, so make sure you’re wearing adequate footwear. If your hands or core get cold, you can purchase Glühwein (mulled wine) or Kinderpunsch (non-alcoholic cider) to warm you from the inside out. Or secure a highly-coveted spot next to a fire pit.
Don’t follow the crowd when driving
There are 2 entrances to This is the Place Heritage Park, and most visitors to Christkindlmarkt will use the main entrance. By doing so, drivers will get a nice tour of the grounds and monuments before snaking their way up to the parking lot.
If you want to avoid the throngs of minivans and frazzled drivers, you’ll want to utilize the back entrance by the Hogle Zoo parking lot.
If you’re approaching This is the Place Heritage Park from the west (heading east towards the mountains), drive past the main entrance. Continue driving until you see the zoo on your right and one of those pedestrian crosswalk signals. Once you pass the signal, you can turn left into the parking lot.
If you’re coming from Emigration Canyon or behind the zoo, turn right just past the Bonneville Shoreline Trail parking, before you reach the pedestrian crosswalk signal.
Arrive early for mealtimes
Queues for the major food vendors fill up quickly, vendors sell out of popular items, and cook times increase the later in the day you go. A good rule of thumb is to head to the food vendors first, and then walk off all of the calories after.
Be patient
Utah is family-friendly and there will be TONS of kids and teenagers running around. Be patient as you walk from stall to stall. There will be times when the pathways need to be cleared for processionals and parades. Don’t jump the barriers, but follow where the volunteers guid you.
Most of the vendors are small companies and will generally only have 1-2 people working their stall. Some of the popular vendors will be bursting with customers. They appreciate your business, so please don’t be one of those people who demand to be helped.
Take a loop
Before purchasing a ton of items (which isn’t required, but highly encouraged to support local businesses), do yourself a favor and take a loop around the vendors. Scope out what they have and take notes. You don’t want to be laden down with purchases at the start of your visit.
Bring cash
Although a lot of the vendors accept credit cards or other forms of electronic payment, some don’t. Businesses have to pay a fee in order to use electronic payments or cards, so some opt to waive the fees and operate cash-only. You won’t find any ATMs at the market.
Try something new
Whether it’s a new food that you can’t pronounce or a performance that you’ve never experienced, try something new. We visit places like the Christkindlmarkt in Salt Lake City and other cultural events to do just that – experience the culture. Find something new and just give it a shot. You don’t know if you’ll like it or not until you experience it!
I am super fortunate that I get to head to Germany in a few days to experience a new level of Christmas Markets. Some of the earliest recorded Christkindlmarkt events were in southern Germany, where I’ll be heading soon. I can’t wait to see how the Christkindlmarkt in Salt Lake City compares!
Have you ever experienced Christkindlmarkt in Salt Lake City? What other tips would you offer?
Sharing is caring! Please show some love by sharing on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Thank you!
PIN ME
