Reminiscent of the centuries-old Christkindlesmarkt of Nüremberg, Germany, the 13th annual Old World Christmas Market at The Osthoff Resort offers the warmth and merriment of this Old World tradition.  For ten consecutive days, guests stroll the aisles of this grand heated tent bedecked with fragrant boughs of fresh evergreens and the tantalizing scents of roasted almonds and Nüremberg bratwurst as they browse for unique and specialty items among international and regional artisans. Czech blown-glass ornaments, Russian nesting dolls, German hand-carved smokers and nutcrackers, gingerbread houses, fine apparel, Estonia woolens, framed photography, paintings and prints, fine chocolates, exquisite handmade jewelry, Plauen lace, stone and porcelain sculptures, fine woodwork, mink products and much more!


The Old World Food Court offers shoppers space to relax and enjoy delectable German fare, such as, Nüremberg bratwurst, hot glühwein, sauerbraten, dumplings, wiener schnitzel, potato pancakes, red cabbage, pulled pork and apple strudel. Father Christmas, the venerable old gentleman in his berry red, fur-trimmed suit, roams the market merrily greeting children of all ages. So be sure to bring along your camera for some memorable photo opportunities.


This year’s Old World Christmas Market is open daily from 10AM-5PM, December 3-12. Admission is $6 per adult, children 14 and under are complimentary with an adult ticketholder. Discounted ticket prices for groups of 10 or more are available.  For more information, please call 800.876.3399.

As an added amenity to the attendees of the Christmas Market, the US Postal Service will be on-hand inside the Market to assist guests with their gift-giving by providing shipping service for their purchased gifts.

Dating back to the mid-16th century, with the first documentation of the event taking place in 1628, the Nüremberg Christkindklesmarkt (meaning “Christ Child’s Market”) took place in the Main Market Square of the city and consisted of up to 140 craftsmen selling their goods and wares in stalls. Towards the end of the 19th century, the Market had lost some of its popularity and began to move to different venues throughout the city until its revitalization in the 1930’s, where the pre-Christmas event moved back to its original location in the Main Market Square and became once again, a romanticized occurrence.


The Market ceased to exist during the years of World War II, but re-established itself in 1948 with a new opening ceremony. Ever since that time, the Market opens annually on the Friday before the first Advent Sunday. As the clock strikes 5:30PM, trumpets blow, Christmas songs are sung, and as the holiday lights are turned on, the Nüremberg Christmas Angel adorned in her white and gold dress, long blond curls and golden crown stands on the gallery and recites the famous opening prologue to this most cherished event:

You men- and womenfolk who once were children, too, You little ones who just begin the journey of your lives Each of you who rests today, and who will work again tomorrow: All listen, hear what Christ child has to say! In every year, four weeks before the time When Christmas trees we decorate, and everyone awaits the feast, Here on this square, just as of yore, this market does appear Which up and down the country they call Christmas Mart. This little town is built from wood and canvas Its splendour's short, will soon be gone, But yet it is eternal. My market is forever young, As long as Nüremberg does exist, as long as you remember it. For young and old the sight of this Old Town of Nüremberg Has many faces and their number can't be counted. Look at this square. Today in its surroundings High buildings rise, and factories of modern times, And many suburbs grow, yet it remains forever, Ye men- and womenfolk: the Nüremberg of its people. The last month of the year has come and thus the day When wishes are fulfilled and presents given The market's lights shine brightly With baubles, glitter and with Christmas promise. But don't forget, ye men and womenfolk one thing: Those who have ev'rything don't need your presents. It's children of this world and poorer folk Who'll tell you what it means to give a present. Ye men- and womenfolk who once were children, too Be child again today and do rejoice When Christ child now invites you all to see this market. Whoever comes to visit shall be welcome.

For 27 consecutive days, 200 stall holders present their traditional wares: Nüremberg spicy gingerbread, fruit loaves, bakery goods and sweets, Christmas tree angels, cribs, ornaments and candles, toys, arts and crafts, and souvenirs along with a wide variety of refreshments.  This most festive of events ends on Christmas Eve Day at which time more than two million visitors from around the world have made their way to Nüremberg to sample this centuries-old event.

 

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