Grand Rapids Christmas Market Returns for 3rd Year to Downtown Market
There’s nothing quite like strolling through a magical winter wonderland to get you in the holiday spirit.
Grand Rapids, MI once again gets to experience the traditional magic of an open-air European Christmas market come November.
New this year Holiday Party Packages! You can host your holiday event/office party surrounded by the magic of a European Christmas Market! Favorites from last year return, too, including private heated Alpenglobes, curling and stinky cheese.
Soak up the European charm, indulge in culinary specialties, and enjoy festive activities while you shop for unique artisanal holiday gifts under the lights. The Grand Rapids Christmas market is back for its third year – better than ever.
From November 19 – December 23, 2025, be immersed in the family-friendly atmosphere of the Grand Rapids Christkindl Markt at the Downtown Market, which will have all the festive-family fun you’ve come to expect when it opens for its third year.
What to Expect at Grand Rapids Christkindl Markt
Christkindl Markt at the Downtown Market (435 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids MI 49503) is an open-air Christmas Village set up just steps away from the Downtown Market’s 20 indoor food merchants and full-service restaurants.
The outdoor GR Christmas Market, trimmed with over 15,000 lights and half a mile of garland, will showcase 60+ artisan gift and food vendors, live holiday entertainment, and festive family fun.
And of course, there will be the famous Christmas Market treat, Gluhwein!
Christkindl Markt Info
2025 Christkindl Markt Schedule
Christkindl Markt will be open for 26 days of festivities in 2025.
2025 Market Dates
Grand Rapids third annual Christkindl Markt will run Wednesday, November 19 to Tuesday, December 23, 2025.
NOTE: ChristkindlMarket Grand Rapids is closed Mondays and Tuesdays (except December 23).
Open Hours
Open Wednesdays – Sundays, the market’s hours for November 19 – December 23 are:
- Wednesdays, 11 AM – 7 PM
- Thursdays, 11 AM – 7 PM
- Fridays, 11 AM – 9 PM
- Saturdays, 10 AM – 9 PM
- Sundays, 10 AM – 7 PM
- Christkindl Market Grand Rapids will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, 2025.
- Modified Hours: Wednesday, November 26 • 11 AM – 5 PM, Tuesday, December 23 • 11 AM – 7 PM
Featured Attractions
During the 26 days of festivities, starting on November 19, visitors can experience all that the Grand Rapids Christkindl Markt has to offer. From handmade gifts and traditional Christmas Market fare to curling and live entertainment – there’s something for everyone.
Bavarian-style Beverage Hall
Get your mug ready!
The 5,000 square foot glass-enclosed German-style beverage hall serves up mugs of Glühwein (mulled red wine) in addition to steins of German style beer, hot chocolate, hot cider, and other hot beverage options.
In 2024, the exclusive Christkindl Markt holiday beer was brewed by Brewery Vivant. They served up a German dark wheat beer called ‘Dünk the Halls’. Prost! Updated info for 2025 will be posted as soon as we know more details.
Find it all in the German-Style Beverage Hall.
2024 Glassware Collection Revealed
The 2024 Commemorative Glassware Collection ensures that whatever you’re drinking, you’re doing it in style.
Live Entertainment
Strolling live entertainment will feature holiday music and local talent on a daily basis.
Oompah Bands, Alp Horns and many local groups perform over the market’s open days.
Gift & Food Vendors
Unique vendor booths, decked out in traditional décor, offer both handmade gifts and traditional Christmas Market fare.
2024 vendors included:
- Paige Soy Candles – 100% soy and hand-poured in Michigan
- Lady Barkley’s – handcrafted pet accessories
- Ian & Grace – laser-engraved wood art
- Piekny Polish Pottery – hand-decorated pottery
- Whimsy Brims – hand-burned hats
- The Candy Store – West Michigan-owned sweets company
- Great Lakes Lavender Farm
- The return of the stinky cheese! Baked Cheese Haus will again be serving their much talked-about Alpine Style Melted Raclette – served overtop a baguette and accompanied by hand-selected charcuterie and accoutrement.
Holiday Party Packages – New This Year
New for 2025, host your holiday party at the Christkindl Markt! Their new private party packages offer festive get-together options surrounded by the magic of a European Christmas market.
Multiple package options to choose from:
– Experience curling with twilight views from the second floor terrace
– Banquet Room setup for an indoor snow ball soirée
– Book all six private Alpenglobes for your party to enjoy
Book a Private Alpenglobe
Reserve a cozy Alpenglobe Experience for up to eight family, friends or co-workers. These private heated and enclosed globes offer panoramic views of the Grand Rapids Christmas market.
Reservations are for three hours. Enjoy food and beverage add-ons and come and go as you please.
Hit the Ice For a Game of Curling
Pre-book a time to enjoy winter’s favorite sport, curling, with friends and family.
Reservation includes 38 foot synthetic “ice” curling sheet and eight curling stones. Recommended for groups of up to eight.
Kids Crafts & Events
Kids will also have their own indoor area for take-home holiday arts and crafts and other activities.
Children’s activities will include visits from Santa, a North Pole mailbox, and various children’s themed stage entertainment.
Santa Visits
Santa (and maybe even Mrs. Claus!) will be on-site throughout the duration of the GR Christmas Market.
The 2025 schedule hasn’t been released yet. But keep on an eye on the entertainment schedule for announcements.
Toasting Marshmallows and Warming Fires
Rest your feet for a bit and warm up by one of the warming fires — and roast marshmallows while you’re at it.
Where to Park for Christkindl Markt 2025
Limited parking is available in the Downtown Market Parking lot. The first 30 minutes are free, after that, the rate is $3 per 30 minutes.
An easy alternative is to park across the street in the McConnell Lot. This lot has two levels. The parking rate here is $1/hour. This is where we recommend Christkindl Markt patrons park.
If these lots are full, parking at a nearby DASH bus lot and using the free shuttle is also a great option.
Get in the Holiday Spirit at the 2025 Christkindl Markt Grand Rapids
From beer to bubbles and curling to carolers, the Christkindl Markt at Downtown Market is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
Head there for shopping with friends, a fun date-night, or for a festive night out with your family.
Can I bring my own German beer stein?
I believe so, but you may want to call to confirm!
Is there a live music schedule?
I’m from a large family that founded Grand Rapids’ history. My Father’s Parents were Przekopowski (Father) and Zukowski (his mother)
Is this market dog friendly?
How and where do we prebook curling lessons?
https://christkindlmarktgr.com/reservations