Celebrate the Spirit of the Season at the Ferdinand Christkindlmarkt

Experience the warmth, tradition, and wonder of the holiday season as Ferdinand’s beloved Christkindlmarkt kicks off with a memorable Opening Ceremony and Eve Dinner on Friday, November 20, 2026, at the historic Monastery Immaculate Conception. 

The evening begins with the official Opening Ceremony on the Monastery grounds at 6:30 p.m., featuring a trumpeter, a bell choir, and a heartwarming appearance by the Christkind—the angelic gift bearer of German folklore who welcomes guests and proclaims the market open. 

Following the ceremony, guests are invited to an Eve Dinner inside the Monastery. Attendees will enjoy a delicious catered meal and the rare opportunity to dine within one of Ferdinand’s most iconic landmarks. This exclusive dinner sets the perfect tone for a weekend filled with authentic German food, handcrafted gifts, music, and holiday cheer. Tickets for the Eve Dinner are limited and must be purchased in advance on www.ferdinandchristkindlmarkt.com. 

The Ferdinand Christkindlmarkt continues Saturday and Sunday, November 21–22, featuring over 225 artisans and vendors spread across eight sites throughout the community. Visitors can browse traditional crafts, savor German treats, and take in the small-town charm that makes this annual event so magical. Admission, activities, parking, shuttle service, and events are all FREE! 

A new site is being added this year with more vendors! The new Christmas Pyramid site, located on the grounds of the historic Wollenmann House (1150 Main Street), is home to the impressive 34-foot-tall German Christmas pyramid, constructed in 2025 to celebrate Ferdinand’s founding and rich German heritage. The new markt site will include more than 30 vendors and food booths, offering holiday shopping, food, wine, craft beer, festive treats and unique gifts. The location is a stop on the FREE shuttle service, making it easy for visitors to include the Christmas pyramid and new market area in their Christkindlmarkt experience! 
 
Visitors can enjoy FREE ice skating, face painting, balloon twisting, bounce houses, and inflatable games at the Ferdinand library, adding a magical winter touch to the weekend’s events. Make sure to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus as well! 

To learn more about Christkindlmarkt weekend, visit www.ferdinandchristkindlmarkt.com.