There’s tons to do in Dallas and Fort Worth during the holidays. One of our favorites is outdoor fun, culture, and history all in one at the Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington, plus there’s gluhwein. (’nuff said.)
I’m a gal that loves to travel. But with kids in tow and Christmas craziness happening, it’s hard to think there’s time for that. But I found the way to Germany and all you need to do is head to the ballpark (Globe Life Park that is.)
All of these fun events and activities are in my backyard, but if you don’t live in Texas, then you probably only associate Arlington with America’s Team the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. Did you know it’s home to some of the most magical holiday experiences, too?
You can ooh and ahh at all the floats in the Arlington Holiday Lights Parade and the historical Interlochen Lights or you can enjoy the thrills of Six Flags Over Texas – Holiday in the Park. One of my favorites has to be strolling through Texas Christkindl Market – reminiscent of a German holiday experience.
Texas Christkindl Market, the largest open-air market in the Southwest, is not your typical holiday fair. It’s inspired by German tradition and features holiday gifts, decorations, and of course, German food. More than 25 vendors are found up and down the market with great giftables like jewelry, ornaments and little German trinkets like cuckoo clocks. Plus, it is the only place in the Southwest where you can find handcrafted gifts and collectibles straight from exclusive Käthe Wohlfahrt merchandise and designs from the iconic Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Village.
This is heaven for shoppers or just people who like to collect festive holiday items, but if shopping isn’t your cup of tea, there’s much more:
SPECIAL EVENTS NOT TO MISS AT THE TEXAS CHRISTKINDL MARKET
Tree Lighting and Opening Ceremonies - Nov. 29 at 7 pm
Kicking off the 2019 Market, the community is invited to welcome the beautiful Christkindl Angel at the Opening Ceremonies on Nov. 29. The angelic namesake of the event, the Christkind opens the market, sharing German holiday traditions and stories. Special guests are invited to join the Angel as she lights up the live 30-ft. Concolor Fir Christkindl Tree, presented by Viridian DFW by Johnson Development, opening the Market for a successful 24 days.
Ice Skating in the North Plaza
Take to the ice with 5,000 sq. ft. of frozen fun produced by Ice Rink Rinks! Take a spin on our outdoor ice skating rink, which will be open through Jan. 12, 2020, and create magical memories with family and friends.
Hours: Open Nov. 29, 2019 – Jan. 12, 2020. After-school hours on weekdays: 4 pm-9 pm; Saturdays and School Holidays: 11 am-10 pm, Sundays: noon- 7 pm.
Tickets: Individual admission for all ages: $16 (includes skate rental). For tickets and information, please visit txchristkindlmarket.com. For questions regarding group discounts or private skate requests, email txchristkindlmarket@icerinkevents.com.
Warming Haus
Enjoy the comforts of warm, covered seating in the Warming Haus as a cozy place to enjoy eating your gingerbread or catching up with an old friend. The Warming Haus is an ideal destination to warm up by enjoying seasonal beverages including beer, Kinderpunsch and Glühwein in custom-collectible mugs (while supplies last.) After the refreshments, head back to the ice rink for a classic holiday experience with friends and family. For information on hosting private events and meetings, please email info@txchristkindlmarket.com.
Kinder Club
Before heading to see St. Nikolaus, children are invited to write a letter (or download a special template) at the Kinder Club online at: https://www.txchristkindlmarket.com/kinder-club/kids-downloads/. Letters should be dropped at the Warming Haus at the Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington, Texas and put it in the specially marked mailbox to receive a personal response from St. Nikolaus himself (with a little help from the Texas Rangers Women’s Club.)
St. Nikolaus
There’s nothing more legendary than a visit with St. Nikolaus at the Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington! Every child is invited to meet St. Nikolaus to share their special requests and photography packages may be purchased starting at $19.95.
After all of the carousel rides and snow fights, you’ll probably work up quite an appetite for some authentic German cuisine – roasting nuts, brats, potato pancakes, funnel cakes and gluhwein / spiced wine (my personal favorite.) And you can enjoy all of this yummy food in the comfort of the Warming Hut or while listening to one of the acts musical acts that are scheduled throughout the market. Just be careful – we don’t need anyone roasting in a warming hut.
Arlington 2011 Christkindl Market Day Two photographed Saturday, December 2, 2011. Photography by Bruce E. Maxwell.
The best part about all of this – admission and parking are FREE! Located near Globe Life Field and Texas Live! in the North Plaza, The Texas Christkindl Market is open daily, Nov. 29 until December 22. For more information on vendors, activities and a full schedule of entertainment, click here.
EVENT DETAILS
Texas Christkindl Market, presented by Comerica Bank
Nov. 29 – Dec. 22, 2019
North Plaza at Globe Life Field (next to Texas Live!)
1650 E. Randol Mill Rd., Arlington, TX 76011
Free market admission, Ice rink admission: $16
For Info: For information, visit www.TXChristkindlMarket.com, www.facebook.com/TXChristkindl, www.twitter.com/TXChristkindl, www.instagram.com/TXChristkindl #TXChristkindl
I love going to open air markets. I find so many things that you will never see anywhere else. I wish I was closer to it so I could go!
The Texas Christkindl Market sounds absolutely amazing. I wish I lived closer so I could experience it in person. It was fun to “visit” with your pictures though.
This looks like tons of fun! Too bad I live in FL because I’d love to go.
It’s my favorite time of the year! I want to do each and every festive event. I’d love to check out the Christkindl Market.
This looks like a fantastic market. It is always fun to go and see what you can find.
Funnel cakes are so delicious. I love to go to markets like this. I always indulge in all the treats.
I love a good market and this one looks absolutely amazing! Would love to visit there one day!
This looks like a great time, never heard of a German Christmas before. Interesting to learn more about it.
This looks like a ton of fun! I’d love to go to an open air Christmas market. It’s probably to cold in my area.
This looks like a fun time. Great way to do something fun with the family and get in the spirit.
I can spend hours in an open market! There are lots of amazing stuff you can see That you don’t normally see in malls.
Without a doubt, that looks like something I would enjoy! I know I’d spend money, but I love that admission is free!
This is amazing! We are German and have dreams of traveling to Germany someday, but this market would really be a treat until our travel adventure becomes a reality.
Love the idea of using cinnamon sticks so there will be a delightful fragrance accompanying the star. This is my favorite time of year too. So many fun easy ways to make gifts, personalize decor, etc. Hope everything goes well with your shoulder surgery! Thanks for stopping by. I so enjoy this time of year on blog land, so many easy affordable ideas to make gifts, etc. So thanks for sharing this very timely project I can do. Happy week.