There’s no better place to kick off holiday shopping — if you haven’t already started — than at the annual Christkindl Markt at the Plattduetsche Park Restaurant in Franklin Square. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 29 and 30, visitors can immerse themselves in a festive Christmas market that captures the charm of Germany’s holiday traditions.
The first Christkindl Markt took place in 1999, Matt Buck, the Plattduetsche’s general manager said, and started off as a fundraiser for the Volkfest Vereen, which is a nonprofit that promotes German culture and heritage.
“They thought it was a good way to start off the holiday season — it’s always the same weekend which is the weekend after Thanksgiving,” Buck said. “It was a way for this group to celebrate, promote and fundraise for their culture and heritage. And it started off pretty small, and then they were able to build it up to the success that it is today.”
With free admission, visitors can expect rooms packed with vendors, selling arts and crafts, live holiday arrangements and wreathes, unique gifts and more. And no German market, Buck explained, would be complete without imports.
“We have a tremendous area of all different imports — obviously all German imports, that includes candies and chocolates and breads (and more),” he said.
The Christkindl Markt encompasses the entirety of the Plattduetsche’s Grand Ballroom, other smaller rooms, and its garden area. With huge tents set up outside and vendors throughout the park, there’s no shortage of items available for purchase.
“In Germany, these Christkindl markets are outdoors, so to have it in the garden is really cool,” he added.
Aside from shopping, patrons can expect a visit from Santa and holiday characters, carolers, live music and other refreshments available for purchase. “It’s a really fun way to get into the season,” Buck said.
The fundraising component still exists and supports the mission of the Plattduetsche’s nonprofit, which includes funding scholarships for students learning the German language, as well as other events throughout the year. The group is responsible for hosting Eisenhower Park’s German Night in conjunction with Nassau County — all of which costs money.
“So this is just a way that they can raise funds,” he said, “but also celebrate and promote their heritage.”
Aside from the connection to German culture and experiencing the sounds and tastes of the season, Buck said the Christkindl Markt serves as a great way to support local ahead of the holidays.
“I said it before, but this is just a great way to start off the holiday season,” he said. “Everybody talks about shopping local. Here, you have your neighbors setting up their different tables with different crafts they’ve created. It’s just a fun, community kind of feel.”
Plattduetsche Park Restaurant is at 1132 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square. Visit ParkRestaurant.com for more.
