If you’re looking for information about attending the Mifflinburg Christkindl Market in Union County, you’re in the right place!
The Mifflinburg Christkindl Market is billed as “the oldest authentic outdoor German Christmas market in the United States”.
This vibrant 3-day celebration of the Christmas season features authentic German food and drinks, live performances, and more than 100 arts and crafts vendors set up in outdoor huts in the heart of Mifflinburg.
The tradition of a German “Christkindlmarkt”, or Christ Child Market, dates back more than 700 years, when German craftsmen and food vendors first began setting up their wares near churches at Christmastime.
Mifflinburg’s version of the event began in 1989, bringing a piece of German tradition to the heart of central Pennsylvania.
Dates | Hours | Directions
The 35th annual Mifflinburg Christkindl Market will be held on December 12 – 14, 2024.
The hours for the event are: Thursday 4:30pm – 9pm • Friday 10am – 9pm • Saturday 10am – 8pm.
Admission to the Mifflinburg Christkindl Market is free; donations (which help defray the cost of producing the Market) are accepted at the entrances to the event.
Parking in downtown Mifflinburg is scarce during the event; attendees are encouraged to use the shuttle busses offered from both the east and west sides of town.
Shuttle bus service is available from Christ’s United Lutheran Church (Four Bells Church), Buffalo Valley Church of the Brethren, and Buffalo Valley Produce Auction Inc (see map below for directions to each).
What You’ll See at the Mifflinburg Christkindl Market
At the heart of the Mifflinburg Christkindl Market are the rows of wooden vendor huts, each showcasing an abundance of traditional German crafts and gifts.
Examples of intricate woodwork and fine German craftsmanship catch the eye at every turn.
As you peruse the vendor huts, you’ll find artisans who are more than happy to share the history behind their creations.
For some, the traditional German food and drinks are the highlight of Mifflinburg Christkindl Market.
Glühwein, a spiced mulled wine served warm, is a crowd favorite at the Market.
Informational signage throughout the Market educates visitors as to the origins of various traditions and displays.
A 15 foot-tall Christmas Pyramid, considered the signature image of the Mifflinburg Christkindl Market, graces the central square of the event each year.
Final Thoughts
The Mifflinburg Christkindl Market is more than just another Christmas festival; it is a journey back in time and a celebration of the heritage German immigrants brought with them to central Pennsylvania.
For those who have yet to experience this wonderful event, it offers a holiday experience you simply can’t find anywhere else.
If you want to immerse yourself in the enchantment of a traditional German Christmas without leaving Pennsylvania this year, make it a point to attend the Mifflinburg Christkindl Market in Union County!
Related Attractions
12 of the Best Walk-Thru Christmas Light Displays in PA is a list of 12 exceptional walk-through Christmas light displays from across PA, complete with links to each attraction’s official website.
19 of the Best Drive-Thru Christmas Light Displays in PA highlights 19 festive light displays you can enjoy from the comfort (and warmth) of your vehicle.
The 9 Most-Christmassy Places in PA Road Trip visits nine PA destinations where the Christmas spirit runs strong, year after year.
The Pennsylvania Christmas and Gift Show in Harrisburg is one of the largest Christmas shows in the United States!
If you love all things Pennsylvania German, be sure to check out the Landis Valley Museum in Lancaster.
The Landis Valley Museum is a living history museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of Pennsylvania Germans from 1740 to 1940.
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