In the cities Germany, Austria and the German-speaking part of Switzerland, vendors set up stalls in the plaza around the cathedral to sell charming gift items and all manner of holiday goodies. Denver’s 2020 Christkindl Market takes place this year downtown in Civic Center Park from Friday, November 20 through Wednesday, December 23. This is a move from the 16th Street Mall and will give the market and visitors more breathing room.
Photo by Kenneth Hamblin III
The park is transformed into a magical “old world” European village with wooden vendor huts, lights, festive music and an authentic German Bier Hall.
The Market features a variety of gifts, such as glass-blown ornaments, hand-carved wooden figurines, children’s toys, lanterns, Alpaca scarves, and culinary delights ranging from European pastries and chocolate to pretzels, brats and Speck (a cured, smoked and aged ham).
Sip on authentic Glühwein (mulled spiced wine) or Bavarian style Bier, as you wander through the market and enjoy the opportunity to purchase finely crafted artisan gifts and holiday treats sold by local Coloradan, European, and international merchants in charming wooden huts.
The Festival Hall will not be erected at the 2020 Denver Christkindl Market. Instead, visitors will find a lot more huts located throughout the park where you can grab beer, gluhwein, and hot cocoa, which will be located across the park.
Steaming mugs of Glühwein
Throughout the event, the Denver Christkindl Market hosts FREE live entertainment and cultural performances. Most performances will take place on stage in the Greek Theater. The 2020 Market will not feature a dance floor (but they hope to bring it back in years to come!).
Guests will enjoy German polka music, holiday hymns, rock music, aerialists and much more. Check the website for the latest information on performers.
Special events include the ever-popular Krampus Nacht and Trachten Nacht, Canine Christmas and Ugly Sweater Night.
Visitors are invited to come celebrate the holidays and commemorate the season with a traditional German beverage served in collectible mugs or Bier Steins!
Families with children of all ages are welcome at the market. There will be plenty of entertainment for children, as well as sweets and pastry vendors. The Christkind (the market’s namesake!) and Saint Nikolaus will be making very limited appearances this year. Hot chocolate will also be served.
The Denver Christkindl Market is open Sunday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursday, Friday & Saturday (and the week of Christmas, December 17 to 23) from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with special hours on Thanksgiving Day of 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A complete schedule of events and entertainment may be found on the Christkindl Market website.
You can drive, bike, bus or walk to the Market. Street parking is available — but can be tight at times. Please also be aware that street parking meters run until 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. You may want to check out these helpful tips on getting to Civic Center Park.
If you plan to visit the Christkindl Market
Bundle up
The 2020 Market will be a completely open-air experience, and heating lamps will be placed throughout to help keep you warm and cozy. Be sure to remember your scarf and mittens or grab one onsite from one of their craft vendors.
There are two entrances
The Market will feature two entrances, one on the north end of the promenade at the Seal Pond, and the other at the south end at the Greek Theater. At the entrance, all guests will need to sign in with their phones (via QR code) or on tablets for contact tracing purposes. If you plan on drinking at the Market, this is where your ID will be checked, and you will receive a 21+ wristband.
You may need to wait in line to enter
If the Market has reached its max capacity as deemed by the State of Colorado, you will be asked to queue outside of the entrance until space is available.
Entering the Market will be available on a first-come, first-served basis; reservations will not be available. If you want to skip waiting in line, its recommended you visit during off peak hours earlier in the week.
There are two zones
The Market will be split into two zones, the North Zone and the South Zone. It is possible to move between zones. Each zone has a maximum capacity and groups will be asked to wait before moving between zones by one of our staff.
Masks are required
All guests, vendors, and staff will be required to wear masks while onsite at the Market. Per the State of Colorado, masks will be required of all guests and there are no exceptions. Masks may only be removed when seated at a table. Entertainers will be permitted to perform onstage without masks and will wear masks when offstage.
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