Christmas is quickly approaching.
This means TONS of celebratory events are happening all around Kansas City. One I’m particularly excited for is the Kristkindl Markt, a traditional German-inspired Christmas festival held in Brookside. The festival combines some of my very favorite things: raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens….just kidding.
But seriously, German food and beer, cookies you can buy by the pound, holiday vendors, live music and more.
What exactly is a Christkindl-Markt?
It’s a street market celebration held during Advent that originated in Germany hundreds of years ago but is now celebrated all over the world, and for good reason – the festivities include heaps of festive items and activities you can buy, drink, eat, listen, and dance to. Christkind is the German equivalent of Santa Claus – their legendary Christmas Eve gift bringer.
While they changed the name slightly for artistic effect, the KristKindl Markt held in Kansas City mirrors the traditional German Christkindl-Markt. Don’t worry, it’s not actually held outside anymore, but the decorations might make you feel like you’re in a Christmas village.
The Food
The most important part of the event. The menu includes some fantastic German selections, including: grilled German bratwurst, cabbage rolls, spaetzle (egg noodle dumpling), pork loin, Bavarian pretzels, beer cheese soup, and of course no German meal would be complete without sauerkraut.
I was able to attend a preview tasting of the food for the event, and it was GOOD.
This was my first time trying stuffed cabbage rolls, and I was pleasantly surprised. If you’re not already a fan of cabbage, the mixture of the warm wrapping with just the right combination of softness and crunch filled with flavorful meat might just change your mind.
My favorite part, though, was the meat. Provided by our very own Krizmans of Kansas City. The bratwurst was incredible – juicy, with just the right amount of spice. Try it with the curry ketchup and make your own currywurst.
For dessert you can grab a slice of warm apple strudel – or just buy the whole thing; But don’t forget about the cookies (seriously… pounds of cookies).
Other notable local contributions include the bread from Farm to Market, the Pretzels from KC Pretzel Boys, and the strudel from MeMa’s Bakery.
The Drinks
Is there anything better than a Bier Garten? No. There isn’t.
The drink menu features German Bier from KC Bier Co. You can read more about the beers they offer and how incredibly delicious they are here. Try the Hefeweizen.
Besides beer you could also some Gluhwien (hot spiced wine), or some regular red and white. The red was fantastic, not too sweet with berry notes and a hint of tannins.
Entertainment and Activities
When you’ve had your fill of food and drink, you can enjoy live music from Alpen Spielers, Jane Christisson Accordion, Jan Schall, “The Shoemaker and the Elves” marionette show, the Kansas City Liederkranz Singers, the Kansas City United Church of Christ Choir, and the Happy Wanderers.
Weihnachtsmann (Germany’s father Christmas) will also be there to wish you a merry Christmas, as well as numerous shopping vendors and a Christmas flea market.
Kids can enjoy their descent down to the black forest and create gingerbread houses benefiting Operation Breakthrough.
A little bit about Operation Breakthrough
Operation Breakthrough (OB) is a non-profit that provides vital care and support for high-risk children in Kansas City and empowers parents to create stable home environments. You can learn information about the amazing work they do here.
The event is happening Friday, December 7th from 5-9 pm, and Saturday, December 8th from 10am- 7pm at Kansas City United Church of Christ: 205 W 65th St, Kansas City, MO 64113
Hope to see you there!