The Christmas Market in Merano, Italy.

History of the Christmas Markets

Many of the Christmas traditions we follow today in North America have their roots centuries ago in Germany. Christmas markets have been part of this festive time of year for centuries in Germany. The oldest recorded market dates to 1310 in Munich. It was called Nikolausdult and was very different from the markets of today; it was an opportunity for farmers to come to town, do some shopping and at the same time, sell their wares.

The reformation of the church in the 1500s brought changes to Christmas markets. Nikolaus was replaced by the Christkindl (Christchild) as the gift giver and the Nikolaus markets became Christkindl markets. This custom began in the Protestant areas of Bavaria with Nuremberg being the first city to call its market "Christkindlesmarkt." Munich, a largely Catholic city, changed its Nikolausdult to "Christkindlmarkt" in 1805.

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Word of the Day

Frohe Weihnachten

Merry Christmas!

Meet The Queen Street Singers

Today's Concert features their performance at Christkindl Market in 2019

The Queen Street Singers began in 2013 with five members and a shared love for singing. Their name stems from members rehearsing and working on Queen Street. They sing jazz, gospel, spirituals, and pop music.

They are under the capable direction of Ann-Marie MacDairmid, and are a vocal ensemble that exists for the enjoyment of singing, practicing and performing. They are available for a nominal fee to churches, community groups and special occasions. They are a singing group who sing to raise the money for new musical instruments and to meet other expenses. And, sometimes they even sing for their supper.

Music brings everyone together and they look forward to continuing and growing in this community. For more information about the Queen Street Singers, visit their Facebook page.