Ferdinand Christkindlmarkt opens this Friday

Enjoy the delights of Christmas in an Olde World setting beginning this Friday when the annual Christkindlmarkt celebration launches in Ferdinand.

On Friday evening, a Christmas Angel will appear at the Gothic doors of an old-world monastery crypt during opening ceremonies for the 21st annual Christkindlmarkt in Ferdinand. 

All who wish to experience the magic are invited to gather on the sloped, west side lawn of the majestically domed Monastery Immaculate Conception at 6:30 p.m. EST on Friday, November 16. There, the Christkindl, or Christmas Angel, will appear (as she has done at Nuremberg, Germany’s Christkindlmarkts for over 500 years) and regale the assembled with her angelic, melodious voice. Children will light the way as trumpeters herald in the markt, monks chant, choirs sing, and the Sisters of St. Benedict Bell Choir will perform.

This outdoor Christkindlmarkt Eve event is free and open to all who wish to live a little magic.

The Sisters will be hosting their annual Monastery Baked Goods and Bake Sale immediately following the 30-minute program. In the case of rain, the opening ceremony will be held inside the monastic crypt.

Afterward, enjoy a German buffet dinner with entertainment at 7:00 p.m. EST in beautiful St. Gertrude Hall at Monastery Immaculate Conception. Dinner reservations required ($32). ?Parties interested in reserving dinner tickets can call 812.367.1411, ext. 7345 between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. EST.  All proceeds benefit the Sisters of St. Benedict.

Parking is available on the grounds at Monastery Immaculate Conception.

Then on Saturday and Sunday, the heady aroma of authentic Bavarian specialty foods and an incredible array of Christmas wares, antiques, quality hand-crafted, and primitives await the public at Ferdinand’s Christkindlmarkt.

The Ferdinand Christkindlmarkt features over 200 lavishly decorated booths.

Be sure to come hungry and thirsty as delicious food, treats, and wines are in abundance.

Also, all weekend long from Friday, November 15 to Sunday, November 17, a long list of live entertainment and events are scheduled to delight festival-goers. Details in the attached flyer.

Enjoy live glockenspiel, continuous entertainment at the Musik Cafe, a free concert by the Celebration Signers, Marionette Theater with multiple showtimes, children crafts, Monastery Tours, and more.

Information is also available at http://www.ferdinandchristkindlmarkt.com/.