Christkindlmarket brings German-style holiday market to downtown Green Bay

GREEN BAY, WI- (WGBW) – On Broadway and the Christkindlmarket has transformed the downtown area in Green Bay into a holiday destination.

One of the popular attractions happens Fridays and Saturdays when the Christkindlmarket transforms the area at “Red Sculpture Park and East Hubbard Street in the Broadway district into a traditional German-style holiday street market says Mary Rhode, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for On Broadway.

This is the third year for the Christkindlmarket, which is open on Fridays from 4 to 9 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 to 3 p.m. According to Rhode, over 10,000 people visited the Christkindlmarket during the six-week holiday season in 2023. She said those visitors shop, eat and spend money that impacts the entirety of Green Bay.

“We want the people to go out and shop elsewhere; dine elsewhere,” Rhode said.

Rhode added that by visiting the downtown Green Bay for shopping and celebrations, people can also find ways to help nonprofits make the holiday merrier for some. 

“We have a giving tree, which is an awesome, awesome thing. It helps tie in that ‘Shop Local’ vibe,” Rhode said. “People can pick an ornament off, and it supports five area non-profits. And on the back of the ornament, it tells you where in the district you can go to buy those items.” 

Rhode said that means that shoppers can support non-profits as well as district businesses. There are over 20 vendors at the Christkindlmarket, all selling handmade and unique items for holiday shoppers, great food, workshops, programming and carolers. 

“Obviously, Santa has come and stopped. And he’ll be back December 21st to get those last-minute gift requests from folks!” Rhode said. “But we have a lot of great programming and some workshops for people who want to DIY some gifts.”