Weihnachtsmarkt

With the second Sunday of Advent upon us the holiday season is in full swing. What about a ‘Christkindlmarkt’ that many of us expats remember so fondly? In Austria, Germany, Switzerland and actually many other countries in Europe, Christkindl Markets or Christmas Markets are a tradition not to be missed during the Christmas season. Very often these markets start on the first weekend of Advent.

What about Christmas Markets in California? You might be surprised, but a few do exist. Below please find a compilation of them. Pay them a visit and enjoy breathing in the spirit of Christmas…!

Northern California

Sacramento Turn Verein -Christkindlmarket

DECEMBER 5 + 6, Saturday & Sunday – Join the Sacramento Turn Verein at the 17th annual Christkindlmarkt and view the Turn Verein decorated for the Holiday Season on Saturday December 5th & Sunday December 6th. Enjoy Christmas Music, Christmas market, and delightful Holiday Season food and drink. Even catch the Alpentänzer Schuhplattler with the Alpentanzkapelle performing on Saturday at 2pm.
St. Nicholas, Glühwein, German Food, hot cider, roasted almonds, and holiday booths galore is waiting for you.
Bring a “Coat for Kids” to get in free!

Time: Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Sacramento Turn Verein – Turner Hall
3349 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95816

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Mountain View – German Holiday Market “Weihnachtsmarkt”

DECEMBER 12, Saturday – German Holiday Market “Weihnachtsmarkt” in Downtown Mountain View
Join the family fun at the Mountain View’s Civic Center Plaza, which will transform into a bustling holiday market, where various vendors will be offering traditional foods, holiday accessories, arts and crafts, decorations, and much more.

Time: from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Civic Center Plaza
500 Castro Street
Mountain View, CA 94043
Contact: GISSV Office 650-254-0748
Host: German International School of Silicon Valley (GISSV)

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Cambria Christmas Market

November 27-December-23rd – The Cambria Christmas Market is open from 5 pm – 9 pm at Cambria Pines Lodge, on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday.

It’s an Outdoor Market in the German American Tradition. Food, drink, music and gifts.Vendors feature locally made items. Ornaments, toys, jewelry, woolen goods, hand blown glass, candles and more! There is nightly entertainment.
For more information contact: 800-966-6490

Admission prices range from $3-$10 depending on the night. Kids 5 and under are always free. Please view our calendar of events for pricing on our Web site: http://www.cambriachristmasmarket.com

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Southern California

Alpine Village Christmas Faire in Torrance

DECEMBER 5-6, 12-13, & 19-20 – Alpine Village Christmas Faire is a fun-packed holiday festival that will take place over the first three weekends in December. It’s inspired by the traditional outdoor markets that can be found across Germany this time of year! Also here you will find plenty of free or inexpensive activities that the whole family can enjoy.

The market is open form 4:00pm-8:00pm and the General Admission is Free. An “All access pass” (kids 12&under only) is: $5
Santa Photo only (all ages): $2

Location: Alpine Village at 833 W Torrance Blvd. Torrance, CA 90502 Parking is Free

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: Entry into the Christmas Faire
Live music and snowfall in front the Market
Second music area in the Village
Meet and greet the Snow Queens
Access to all shopping areas

$5.00: KIDS (12 YRS & UNDER) TICKET INCLUDES:
High resolution digital photos with Santa Claus emailed after event
NEW! Indoor Snow Zone with real, ice-cold snow
Kids Craft area with ornament and stocking decorations
Train ride around village (ticket covers includes accompanying adults/family)

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Old World German Christmas Market

December 6th, 13th & 20th from 11am – 4pm – Enjoy a German Christmas Market with German Food, Bratwurst, Arts & Crafts, Handmade Gifts, Gluehwein and Christmas Cookies at Old World Huntington Beach. In addition the popular food truck The Curry Wurst Truck will take care of some food specialties, and of course the Old World Restaurant.

Activities: Take Photos with Santa Claus, Get Face Painting and craft a Christmas ornament for the Christmas tree.

Location: 7561 Center Ave. #49, Huntington Beach, CA 92647

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