2023 Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt

Description

EXCELSIOR, MN – The 20th annual Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt will take place during the weekend after Thanksgiving of this year. This event draws people from all over the Midwest and is modeled after the traditional German, open-air Christmas markets. The festival features Bavarian-inspired holiday treats, decor, gifts, and entertainment that the entire family can enjoy and is festively decorated for Christmas. It is widely considered the best German-style Christmas event in the Twin Cities. The festival will run Friday, Nov. 24 (10am-7pm), Saturday, Nov. 25 (10am-7pm) and Sunday, Nov. 26 (11am-5pm) and will once again take place in downtown Excelsior in the parking lot behind the East Water Street shops (Behind Excelsior Brewing Co.). The festivities begin with the Grand Opening Parade down Water Street led by the Grand Marshall (Bobby Jensen of Kare 11), Father Christmas, and the Christkind Angel. 

The immensely popular event will feature: 

● Live Alaskan Reindeer and Alpacas 

● The Children’s Lighted Lantern Parade led by Father Christmas, and the Christkind. 

● Modern, vintage, and traditional Bavarian artisan gifts. 

● An array of delicious holiday and German-inspired cuisine. 

● Local choirs, carolers, and musicians. 

● Horse-drawn buggy rides on the main street of Excelsior. 

● Father Christmas will be at his own booth to welcome the children and hear their Christmas wishes. 

● The NorthPole Trolley will transport visitors all weekend long. 

● Stage performances featuring live Christmas concert, local musicians, magician, balloon artist, storytelling, and the popular Frozen Princesses. 

● Klondike Dogs will be making a visit. 

● Vikings Legends Chuck Foreman (Fri 1-3pm), Carl Eller & Stu Voigt (Sat 1-3pm) and Tommy Kramer (Sun 1-3pm) will be appearing to take photos and sign autographs. 

This year’s major sponsors include Kowalski’s, Alerus, Blue House Realty, LLC. Limbo Landing Marina, Davis Properties, Cambria, MTK Properties, Stoddard Properties, Excelsior Paint & Design, and Ruhland Strudel Haus. The event consistently falls on Small Business Saturday and supports a variety of small businesses as part of the event in the town of Excelsior. Christmas trees and garlands will be sold throughout the festival for pick-up on Sunday when the event closes. 

For more information about Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt and to see the latest schedule, please visit the new website: www.excelsiorChristmas.com Event Coordinator: Myrle Mackenzie (952) 292-8898, myrlemac@aol.com