If you’re looking to experience the delicacies of Germany this winter, skip the plane ride and take a trip to the town of Herndon. The Herndon WinterMarkt, which kicked off to over 7,000 visitors during its inaugural event, is returning with an in-person celebration just before the holiday season.
The third annual event will be held Saturday, December 11, from noon to 7 p.m. With free admission and parking, guests can spend the entire day embracing the European celebration and its traditions with the community.
You may be thinking why is there a German market in Northern Virginia? Keven LeBlanc, public relations and marketing chair of the Herndon WinterMarkt, explained that over the years various holiday committees had visited and fell in love with the traditional German Christkindlmarkts. And with a nearby community of German expats and a German military office in Reston, it made sense to bring this kind of holiday experience to the region.
While NoVA is no stranger to the holiday craft show or winter market, Herndon’s rendition provides a different flair and experience during the holiday season.
“Typically German and European Christkindlmarkts have a specific feel, with hot food and beverage, local artisans selling their crafts (many are wood-based, given the German traditions), and of course entertainment,” says LeBlanc. “Our WinterMarkt, while being more inclusive than just Christmas to support our diverse community, keeps that authentic feel with infusions from other local craftspeople and food, adding options like poutine and crepes which are not traditionally German.”
As you walk through the market, guests will notice the fragrance of delicious hot German and European food and beverages around every corner, local vendors selling everything from authentic German nutcrackers to wood-and-glass creations, and a variety of community performers throughout the day.
Those returning to the festival will also notice some new activities that the entire family will enjoy. Kids can line up to take photos with Santa and a live nutcracker soldier, or visit the Kinder Korner for a special reading of holiday books. The food and shopping vendors have also expanded this year, with the Bavarian Chef food truck, The Fermented Pig, and Pennsylvania’s Little Germany shop setting up at this year’s WinterMarkt.
For more information, follow the latest market updates on facebook.com/herndonwintermarkt or herndonwintermarkt.com. 777 Lynn St., Herndon
Feature image by Keven LeBlanc
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