On Friday a multitude of merry scenes and scrumptious scents unfolded on the northern side of Globe Life Park for the kickoff of the Texas Christkindl Market, one of the largest open-air holiday markets in the Southwest. Families danced to live German music, adults sipped on glüwein, visitors purchased handcrafted gifts and kids delighted in marionette shows and games.
From market staples like Käthe Wohlfahrt, the Santa Haus, and delicious food and beverages from vendors like Oma's German Treats, returning visitors saw familiar faces while finding new ones and activities like the Arctic Blast Tube Run, a 200-foot track that mimics a tube ride downhill in the snow. Cooper Collins, age nine from Springdale, Arkansas, liked the ride so much that he got in line for a second, saying it was fun and fast.
Collins could thank Dallas resident Beth Leverman in part for his attendance at the German market. Leverman first visited Christkindl last year and knew she'd be back. This time she came with her dad, who is German, and her friend's family, including Collins.
Leverman indicated that the market was a hidden gem in the metroplex. "I want it to get big but then I want to keep it a secret," she said. "I'm glad we got here early."
In addition to the tube run, another fresh highlight at Christkindl includes Peppermint Park presented by 106.1 Kiss FM and 102.9 Now FM for kids ages 3 to 10. For $8 children can play games to win prizes, watch puppet shows, hop aboard a train and more. There are also stations for face painting and creating holiday crafts.
The market is extended for two more days this year, running through Dec. 23, and features new vendors nearly every week. One new booth is comprised of local artists from the 817 Arts Alliance, the brainchild of Cathy Stein that aims to help artists bring their work to the market and raise awareness about local artists in and around the 817 area code.
The 817 Arts Alliance booth, close to the east entrance of the Texas Christkindl Market, features original one-of-a-kind work from 14 local artists, plus international fair trade work.
Besides advocating for local artists, Stein stressed how positive feedback can be as much of a gift as a purchase. "It's great for artists to hear appreciation even if you don't buy anything," Stein said. "It helps boost confidence of new artists and helps others see what resonates with the market."
The Texas Christkindl Market runs through Dec. 23 and is open noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit txchristkindlmarket.com.
Holidays
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