Events
Ascension’s Christkindl Fest 2025—Date Coming Soon!
Posted on September 25, 2024 | Posted by Mary Stoneback
Thank you for attending this year’s Christkindl Fest! We’d love to hear from you—let us know what you enjoyed and how we can make next year’s Fest even better!
EVENT ADMISSION IS FREE!
2024 Fest Photo Highlights
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WHAT TO EXPECT?
- Friendly people
- German food, drink and treats
- Warm fires
- Christmas market vendors
- Christmas caroling by candlelight
- Crafts & Fun–tivities
- Balloon Art
- Something for all ages!
What is a Christkindl Fest?
Christmas markets have been a German tradition since at least the mid 1500s. Seasonal markets were held in Germany year around. Christmas markets were an especially joyous, anticipated event, as they brought light and and laughter to a cold, dark season. Christmas markets, known as Christkindlmarkts, were a festive meeting place for people. Villagers bought and sold homemade Christmas ornaments, decorations, and gifts.
Martin Luther’s Role in Christmas Customs
Religious Reformer Martin Luther played a major role in our current Christmas customs. Luther instituted new Christmas gift giving traditions. Before Luther, the exchange of Christmas presents took place on the Saint Days of St.. Nicholas (December 6) or St. Martin (November 11). The tradition of giving gifts to children on Christmas became a boon to the Markets. Luther suggested that children receive presents from “The Christ Child”, Christkindl. Christkindl is a romantic, fairy like being, dressed in white and gold, with golden hair topped by a golden crown. Christkindl is the German equivalent of Santa Claus.
In the spirit of the season, we will receive donations at the event for The KPC Respite Center.
This coming Advent season, Ascension looks forward to welcoming all. The gathering will be full of delicious food, gifts, and fellowship. You will also experience sounds of the season and more. Bring your family, invite your friends and share the gift and love of the Christ child.
