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Last updated on Monday, November 12, 2018
(FERDINAND) - The heady aroma of authentic Bavarian specialty foods and an incredible array of Christmas wares, antiques, quality hand-crafted items, and primitives await the public at Ferdinand’s Christkindlmarkt, Saturday and Sunday, November 17 and 18.
Christkindlmarkts began in 14th century Germany and continue today.
Ferdinand's Christkindlmarkt is one of the most authentic in the United States, recently voted one of the Top 100 Events in the Nation by the American Bus Association. Markt sites are located indoors throughout town. Parking is free as is
the optional shuttle service between markt sites, admission, and entertainment.
The six markt locations include:
In addition to regional foods and wines, antiques, florals, folk art, ornaments, pottery, fabric, bath and body, and artwork, booths will showcase the works of wood carvers, basket weavers, candle makers, bakers, jewelry designers, soap makers, and other artisans as at Christkindlmarkts held in Germany.
There are many exciting new vendors in more than 200 booths ready to show their wares. The festival-style setting has drawn thousands of guests as part of the Olde World Christmas program promoted by the Ferdinand Chamber of Commerce, Ferdinand Tourism, and the Dubois County Visitors Center.
Live entertainment will be offered both days at the Forest Park locations, including the amazing Marionette Theater with half life-size puppets at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. EST Saturday and at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. EST on Sunday.
The Black Forest Organ grinder will greet guests at the Community Center both days as well. The live Glockenspiel performances will take place at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., and 1 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday on the Music Café stage at the Forest Park location. These live cuckoo clock animations last approximately ten minutes after the chiming of the hour.
One can visit with Santa Claus on Saturday at German American at 1020 Main Street in Ferdinand from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. EST. St.
Ferdinand Church will host Saturday evening's entertainment featuring a seasonal concert with the 60 voices of the Celebration Singers at 7 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public, goodwill donations will be accepted.
On Sunday, a mass with German hymns will be held at St. Ferdinand Church at 10 a.m. EST.
Free tours of Monastery Immaculate Conception will also be available on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. Visit www.thedome.org.
All six markt sites will be open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. EST on Saturday, and 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. EST on Sunday. There is no admission charge. Forest Park High School will serve as the hub locations for the free shuttle service.
The Christkindl herself appears on Christkindlmarkt Eve, Friday, November 16th, at the Markt's annual opening ceremonies. Bells chime and children light the way prior to Christkindl's appearance to herald in the markt. This ceremony is free and open to the public and begins at 6:30 p.m. sharp EST on the west hillside of the Monastery Immaculate Conception, the "Castle on the Hill" as the locals call it.
A bake sale follows with delicious baked goods from the Sisters of St. Benedict, including their famous German Springerles.
Enjoy a German buffet dinner with entertainment at 7 p.m. in the Sisters' Dining Hall at Monastery Immaculate Conception. Dinner reservations are required ($30). Parties interested in reserving dinner tickets may call 812-367-1411, ext. 7345 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Ferdinand, Indiana, is located on Indiana State Road 162, one mile north of I-64, at Exit 63, 45 minutes east of Evansville, Indiana and one hour west of Louisville, Kentucky.
For more information and/or hotel accommodations, visit www.ferdinandchristkindlmarkt.com or www.duboiscountychristmas.com or call 1-800-968-4578.
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