The magic of the holidays begins at Frankenmuth ChristKindlMarkt, mid-Michigan's largest open air holiday market. After an incredible reception to the event’s reimagining in 2021, Frankenmuth Farmers Market (FFM) is bringing back its winter market festival again in 2022 even brighter than before.
“Christkindlmarkt” or “Weihnachtsmarkt” is a European tradition widely celebrated in cities like Nuremberg, Frankfurt, and Munich. The Frankenmuth Farmers Market works to bring the spirit of the season to Frankenmuth through their annual ChristKindlMarkt, providing guests with a fun way to celebrate Christmas and support local businesses.
Frankenmuth ChristKindlMarkt takes place at the Frankenmuth Farmers Market, located at 534 N Main St, Frankenmuth, November 25-27, December 2-4, and December 9-11. The market is open Friday and Saturday, 11am to 8pm, and Sunday, 11am to 4pm. There is no charge for admission and all areas are open to the public, fully accessible, and family-friendly!
Guests to the holiday market can count on enjoying the activities they’ve grown to love about the event, along with a few additions.
More than 80 handmade, artisan, and craft food vendors will fill the outdoor spaces of the marketplace during the three weekend shopping period – the largest showcase will take place on opening weekend, November 25-27, with the two following December weekends welcoming upwards of 60 vendors. This means you can visit each weekend and discover something new! Our vendors include the very best in the area: hand-crafters, food producers, hot food services, and artists all selling a wide assortment of gifts and items perfect for someone on your Christmas list.
True to our mission, FFM supports local businesses through showcases throughout the festival and supports those that hand-make and craft their foods and wares locally. The festival will welcome a few new vendors, such as a fresh-roasted nut vendor, site-made kettle corn, and unique vendors like People Love Art! – a vendor group that features the art work of those with disabilities. The Market will be selling live greenery, perfect for adding holiday flair and fresh scents to your home for the season. Thousands of different items will make our marketplaces a can’t-miss for your 2022 gift giving and shopping experiences.
The festively-named “Christmas Town Pub” also returns to the Gathering Barn at the Market. Visitors will be able to purchase and enjoy hot food and sweet treats, along with a selection of beverages like beer, pop, hot cocoa, and glühwein – a traditional German hot spiced wine. Notable Frankenmuth flavors will be highlighted in the menu, featuring Willi’s Sausage Company’s grilled bratwurst, and our special recipe Chicken Noodle Soup made with “Frankenmuth Chicken” and Farmers Market veggies. For a special treat, grab a Christmas Town Ale from Frankenmuth Brewery, or a real-milk hot chocolate spiked with Christmas spirits, topped with homemade marshmallows.
This year’s festivities will also feature a number of holiday events, happenings, and activities. Shoppers can enjoy live musical performances by artists such as Jeff Grainger, local singers and actors caroling, Krampus, and more. There will be holiday-themed acrobatic performances by Blue Crow Entertainment and opportunities to visit with Santa himself.
The FFM grounds have been refreshed for Christmas with the entire facility dressed in Christmas lighting and sparkle, making Frankenmuth ChristKindlMarkt the perfect backdrop for your family photos. Make sure to capture the new 30ft Christmas tree in the background, gracing the snow-covered center of the market pavilion. The Frankenmuth Arts Council will be hosting make-and-take art projects such as ornament painting and other hands-on activities.
In the true spirit of Christmas, FFM is hosting “Santa’s Giving Workshop” where guests can work together to build over 100 holiday care packages that will be distributed to local charities to brighten the holidays of local elders, veterans, hospitalized children, and many more! Frankenmuth Farmers Market is currently accepting donations to these baskets of personal care items, crafting supplies and kits, and non-perishable food items. If you or your family is interested in donating to this project, please contact bethany.muthfarmersmarket@gmail.com. All donations will go to local charities with different organizations being featured each weekend. There is no minimum to donate and every bit helps!
Worried about parking or getting around? Don’t fret. The Frankenmuth Shuttle will be running each weekend, allowing guests an easy way to get from Downtown to the North End. Shuttle services are executed by STARS and are also fully accessible with stops at great Christmas locations in Frankenmuth like Grandpa Tiny's Reindeer Farm, the Uptown North Main Shops, or Frankenmuth Ice Rink. The shuttle is free to ride. Visit frankenmuth.org/christmas for the most up-to-date route and location information for the shuttles.
With all the added fun happening in 2022, be sure to stop at the Frankenmuth Visitors Center to get your “Frankenmuth Christmas Experience Guide.” This info-packed 16-page booklet features all of the holiday happenings in our amazing Christmas town.
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