Heads Up, Christlkindl Visitors
The newly opened Christkindl Markt in Grand Rapids is a festive hit, drawing large crowds in the weeks since it’s opened.
But it’s not just the twinkling lights and holiday crafts that are drawing attention. For those new to Christkindl Markets, the pungent aroma of the Raclette booth has caught many off guard.
An Authentic Market Tradition
Aromatic Raclette cheese sandwiches are a tradition at Christmas markets around the world.
At GR’s Christkindl Markt, the Baked Cheese Haus company has been making and serving long lines of people gooey cheese sandwiches, just like they do at the Christkindl Markets in NYC and downtown Chicago.
They make the sandwiches right in front of you. A large half-wheel of Raclette cheese is heated until it bubbles and melts (and releases a strong smell into the air.)
The melted cheese is scraped onto crusty baguettes and then topped with extras like salami, onions, or pickles.
Raclette Booth: Love It or Leave It
The resulting sandwich is one that people either profess their undying love for, or hastily run away from.
Certainly, the raclette has not won everyone over.
“I honestly thought it might be the sewer drain,” one person remarked.
Others wished for a roasted nuts booth at the GR Market that would provide sugared pecans, and perhaps overcome the strong scent with its own sweet aromas.
But, for each critic, there is a die-hard raclette fan. “It’s Raclette and it’s AMAZING!!!” declares Cally Betts Redder on Facebook. And Allison Maureen chimes in, “Worth it! You can’t even smell it once you start eating.
They echo the thoughts of the many raclette admirers at the market. The long lines at the booth tell the same story.
Where and When to Find It
If you go, you’ll find The Baked Cheese Haus stand at booth 25, on the Ionia Street side of the market.
Despite the stinky smell, this traditional Swiss dish has many people under its spell.
Will you try it?
With the Christkindl market open until December 23, there’s still time for you to get down there and decide yourself if you’re team raclette or not. Once you figure it out, please let us know.
As one visitor noted, “It’s not for everyone, but lots do enjoy it!”
Take a Look!
100+ Summer Activities for Kids: Your Go-to List of Summer Things to Do in West Michigan PLUS Printable Bucket List
Epic List of Things to do in the Summer in Greater Grand Rapids Few things are as magical as summertime in West Michigan. But, as you know, summer is short and we have to plan to pack in as much warm-weather fun as possible. To help, we put all of the family-friendly places to go…
Where to Find the Best Midwife in Grand Rapids
The Midwife Grand Rapids List is Full of Pros When you’re expecting, you know to gather the best Grand Rapids doctors into your crew. You’ll need a good OBGYN, pediatrician, maybe a specialist, and also a place to give birth. There are many decisions to make about giving birth, from how to prepare yourself and…
The Best Things to do With Kids in St Louis: A Family Trip You’ll Never Forget
St. Louis: The Midwest’s Best Kept Secret When you think of St Louis, the Gateway Arch probably comes to mind—or maybe even that classic tune, Meet Me in St. Louis… But did you know St. Louis is only about a seven-hour drive from Grand Rapids? This city is so much more than a stop on…
Aman Park 2026: Epic Wildflower Views, Cool Stick Forts Make this Springtime Forest Hike a Delight
Aman Park is worth the stop, especially in spring for wildflowers. This Grand Rapids park is a popular spot in every season. A hit with hikers and dogs alike, you will love the little creek, bridges, and more. The trails are mostly sandy, well-maintained, and have a few decent hills throughout. The main loop is…
2026 Memorial Day Events, Services & Parades in Grand Rapids
Memorial Day: Where to Honor Our Fallen Servicemen and Women This Year Memorial Day is considered the kickoff to summer in Grand Rapids. But let us not forget the real reason for it: to honor the men and women have given up their lives in service to our nation. Chances are you have a family member…
The Best Grand Rapids Food Trucks & The 2026 Food Trucks Calendar
Grand Rapids Food Trucks are Serving Up Your Favorite Eats & Treats Summertime fun means outdoor eats, and one of the best ways to eat outside is at a Grand Rapids food truck. No matter who is with you, everyone can hit up their favorite food vendor for whatever they want to eat, and not…
