It’s a German Christmas at the Texas Christkindl Market

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.

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