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!
10 Unforgettable Things to Do with Kids in Indianapolis
Looking for Things to Do With Kids in Indianapolis? It’s easy to hit the road to Indy with kids! And, it’s a fantastic Midwest getaway destination. What if I told you it’s only about 4 hours from Grand Rapids to Indianapolis and 3 hours from Chicago? Or 4.5 hours from Detroit? And that this city is…
35+ Kids Classes in Grand Rapids, Including Music & Sports for Kids
Where to Find Sports for Kids & Other Classes for Kids in West Michigan You’ve found a great school or preschool for your kid. You’ve taken them on all sorts of outings around Grand Rapids. Now you’re thinking it’s time they find an extracurricular to challenge them. Do they like sports? Maybe they’re musical or…
VOTING is OPEN for the 2026 Family Choice Awards by GRKIDS
Show Your Favorite Businesses Some Love It’s officially time for the GRKIDS Family Choice Awards, our annual celebration of the places, services, and experiences West Michigan families love most. Each year, area families nominate and vote on the Best of Grand Rapids for families, sharing what really shows up for them in everyday life. Earlier this…
12+ Best Grand Rapids Breweries For Families
These Kid Friendly Breweries Serve the Best Beer in West Michigan Do you think restaurants and “kid friendly restaurant” don’t go together? Think again. In Beer City USA, you don’t have to choose between great craft beer and a family friendly atmosphere. Many Grand Rapids breweries offer welcoming, family-centered atmospheres, kid-friendly menus, and plenty of…
Downtown Grand Rapids Parking: Where to Find Public Parking, When Meters are Free & How To Use the Indoor Skywalk
Parking GR – Where to Leave Your Car and Other Ways to Get Around Downtown There are so many interesting things to do in downtown Grand Rapids, if you can figure out downtown Grand Rapids parking. If you’re not an urbanite, parking can feel overwhelming. We’re going to show you just how easy it is to…
The 11 Best Grand Rapids Dermatologists, Including Dermatologists for Kids
These Grand Rapids Dermatologists for Kids Know What to Look for, and How to Put You at Ease The best Grand Rapids doctors know not only know their science, but they also know how to care for patients. A pediatric dermatologist can help your child (from newborns to adolescents) with skin conditions, from the simply…
