Grand Rapids Christmas Market Returns 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 are a Bubbles Bar and private heated Alpenglobes. Favorites from last year return, too, including 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 – bigger and better.
From November 15 – December 23, 2024, be immersed in the family-friendly atmosphere of the Grand Rapids Christkindl Markt at the Downtown Market, which will double the number of vendor booths when it opens for its second 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
2024 Christkindl Markt Schedule
Christkindl Markt will be open for 28 days of festivities in 2024.
2024 Market Dates
Grand Rapids second annual Christkindl Markt will run Friday, November 15 to Monday, December 23, 2024.
NOTE: ChristkindlMarket Grand Rapids is closed Mondays (except December 23) and Tuesdays.
Open Hours
Open Wednesdays – Sundays, the market’s hours for November 15 – 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 28, 2024.
- Modified Hours: Wednesday, November 27 • 11 AM – 5 PM, Monday, December 23 • 11 AM – 7 PM
Featured Attractions
During the 28 days of festivities, starting on November 15, 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 will again be brewed by Brewery Vivant. They’ll be serving up a German dark wheat beer called ‘Dünk the Halls’. Prost!
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 include:
- 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.
Book a Private Alpenglobe
New in 2024! Reserve a cozy Alpenglobe Experience with 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 2024 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 2024
We’re not sure yet how the expansion will effect parking this year, but we expect this information from 2023 is still accurate.
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 2024 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 or a fun 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