Day 1
Welcome to a few stories of Christmas Trees to help you start off the holiday season.
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Sing along when you hear this song: O Tannenbaum, German text, Ernst Anschütz, 1824
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
wie treu sind deine Blätter!
Du grünst nicht nur zur Sommerzeit,
Nein auch im Winter, wenn es schneit.
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
wie treu sind deine Blätter!
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum!
Du kannst mir sehr gefallen!
Wie oft hat nicht zur Weihnachtszeit
Ein Baum von dir mich hoch erfreut!
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum!
Du kannst mir sehr gefallen!
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum!
Dein Kleid will mich was lehren:
Die Hoffnung und Beständigkeit
Gibt Trost und Kraft
zu jeder Zeit.
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum!
Das soll dein Kleid
mich lehren."
" A common variation replaces the word treu (faithful) with grün (green).
Or Wie oft hat schon zur Winterzeit"
Share your Christmas Trees Stories
Share your favourite Christmas tree stories, pictures, and traditions with us.
Join our community on Facebook.
History of the Christmas Tree
There are many legends and histories that credit one country or individual as the originator of the Christmas tree, and often these narratives have become intertwined. Some people credit German theologian Martin Luther in the 1500s, others credit England’s Prince Albert in the 1840s. The truth is that many cultures and some individuals, over many hundreds of years, have played a role in the evolution of the Christmas tree that we know today.
Evergreen trees were used as a prop in Paradise Plays, performed at Christmastime in Medieval Europe; these Paradise Trees were also placed in people’s homes. The trees were decorated with apples to represent the fruit eaten by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Sometimes baked wafers, or hosts, were hung on the tree to symbolize the sacramental bread used in celebrating the Eucharist in Christian churches. Written references to Christmas trees in people’s homes in Germany appear in the 1500s. In the centuries following, as people of German ancestry immigrated to other countries.
Want to know more about Christmas traditions including the Christmas tree? Ask your local library to borrow:
The Christmas Tree Book: The History of the Christmas Tree & Antique Christmas Tree Ornaments, written by Philip Snyder, published by Viking Press in 1976
Inventing Christmas: How Our Holiday Came to Be, written by Jock Elliott, published by Abrams in 2002
Meet Marko, The Prince of Polka
Today's Concert features Marko's performance at Christkindl Market in 2019
Marko Kecskemeti (aka: Prince of Polka) started playing the accordion when he was seven years old. A native to Kitchener Waterloo, he has always loved playing polkas and started entertaining at different community events during Oktoberfest. He has had the opportunity to play with some of his Oktoberfest idols such as Walter Ostanek, Seven Castles and Black Forest Band. Marko plays a variety of music and for the past four years has been a regular busker entertainer at the Kitchener Farmers Market. He has played at numerous Oktoberfest events, weddings, Siemens School of Music concerts, been on Rogers TV and plays at numerous retirement homes in KW and Guelph area.
During the month of December, he switches gears from Polka to Christmas music playing at the Grand River Freeport Hospital, Euro Foods and Christkindl Market. Marko continues to learn, volunteer and entertain the Kitchener Waterloo community promoting polka music and delivering Christmas music to all.
Get in touch or learn more by visiting Marko's social pages.
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Join Us On Facebook
Share your traditions!
Join our online community on Facebook and share your favourite, funny or heartwarming Christmas tree stories.
- What's your favourite story about getting your tree, putting up your tree or decorating it?
- What have you used for garland? (e.g. dried oranges, popcorn & cranberries, etc.)
- What's on top of your tree? (e.g. star, angel, etc.)
Crafts & Recipes
Christmas Tree Alternatives
Sometimes, bringing a Christmas tree home just doesn't work out. You can still participate in the tradition of a Christmas tree even if you don't get one! Here are 35+ alternative Christmas tree ideas to decorate your home.
Make Your Own Tree Decorations
Staying at home may have its challenges, but don't let that stop your creativity! Grab your family and spend some time crafting your own Christmas tree decorations. Here are 75 homemade Christmas ornaments to inspire you this year.
Visit our Christkindl Marketplace of Shops & Artisans
Food & Bakery
Christmas & Home Decor
Arts & Crafts
Toys & Games
Clothing & Accessories
Jewelry & Accessories
Health & Body
Shop DTKThink Oktoberfest, except that the beer is replaced with Christmas cheer.
Contact
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Christkindl Market
Kitchener City Hall
200 King St. W. Kitchener, ON Canada N2G 4G7
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Giving Back
The photos, videos and concerts presented on this website are a chance for visitors to relive Christkindl Markets from 1997 through 2019. In 2020 we are online only.