The Grand Rapids Downtown Market along with the Grand Rapids Christmas Markets will host the first-ever, Grand Rapids Christkindl Markt on November 17 through December 23, 2023. Starting today, the Downtown Market invites interested vendors to submit their applications to this traditional, magical and cultural outdoor celebration of the holiday season.
The quality of traditional, European Christmas Markets depends on culinary specialties and craftsmanship experiences that immerse visitors in a family-friendly atmosphere filled with European charm. Vendors can fill out an application at christkindlmarktgr.com/vendors from now until May 12, 2023.
The Christkindl Markt is a juried event. Vendor applications will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- Great holiday gifts
- Unique or distinct
- High-quality
- Handmade/hand-crafted
- Traditionally French/German/Italian/Eastern European
- Ethically produced
“Traditional Christmas markets are holiday gathering places and destinations where we as a community can gather amongst the backdrop of music, traditional food, and holiday shopping from local and regional artisans,” said Mimi Fritz, President and CEO of the Grand Rapids Downtown Market. “We honor the long-standing traditions of the Christkindl Markt, experienced by millions of people across hundreds of towns and villages in Europe, by selecting the finest local and regional artisans and vendors to highlight their interpretation of a German Christmas market.”
For more information on becoming a vendor, please visit www.christkindlmarketgr.com, by email at vendors@christkindlmarktgr.com, or by calling Kendra Larsen, Festival and Special Events Manager, at 616-805-5308. The application deadline is May 12, 2023. Vendors will receive a response to their application no later than May 26, 2023.
Christkindl Markt festivities will take place over 26 days, from November 17-December 23, Wednesdays, 11a-7p, Thursdays 11a-7p, Fridays, 11a-9p, Saturdays 10a-9p, Sundays 10-7p. The Christkindl Market will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
