Day 9
Bands can stir the soul. From big brass bands that trumpet the joyful sounds of the season, to the zither, accordion, guitar and drums, you'll hear it all right here in our 25-day Advent Calendar.
History of Christmas Music
Christmas music – carols and popular songs written over many centuries with words translated into many languages – is enjoyed around the world. Whether an instrumental arrangement played by a brass band, or a sing-along, this music offers a universal language for people everywhere.
One of the most popular Christmas songs is Jingle Bells, written by American James L. Pierpont. The song was originally titled One Horse Open Sleigh; it was written for a Sunday School program in 1857.
Want to know the history behind some popular Christmas songs? Ask your local library to borrow:
Merry Christmas, Baby: Holiday Music from Bing to Sting, written by Dave Marsh and Steve Propers, published by Little, Brown and Co., in 1993.
German Saying-of-the-Day
Hört die Pauken und Trompeten
- und das Christkind spielt die Flöten
Hear the trumpets and drums prelude
– and Christkindl playing the flute
Here's a fun challenge: Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and share your version of our German Saying-of-the-day. Plus, WIN an EAT l STAY l PLAY valued at $500. Read more.
The Polka Maestre Band
Today's Concert features their performance at Christkindl Market in 2019
Polka Maestre Band uses a full midi button accordion and plays many styles and genres with an emphasis on Polka-Waltz Oberkriner style. Anthony has been playing for 26 years and performs various configurations from Solo, Duo Trio, or 6-piece band.
They are a Kitchener-based band and have performed in the USA and Canada, opening the Polka Hall of Fame Show 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio at the USA’s largest polka event and at numerous events from Oktoberfests to weddings, corporate parties and military bases. You've probably enjoyed their music at Oktoberfest, which is one of the busiest times of the year for the band. They performed at the Western fair in London for two days as well as various venues around Ontario.
Learn more about The Polka Maestra Band: Website, YouTube, Audioboom.
Nutcracker-of-the-Day
Artist: Ruthanne Hamilton, Kitchener ON
Roothanne@hotmail.com
"Anna Maria Louisa" the Nutcracker
This was a collaborative art project with local artist, Marcia Bissada. Honouring traditional holiday costumes worn in Germany, these Nutcrackers have been lovingly created using mixed media elements that incorporate acrylic paint and found materials.
"Anna Maria Louisa" & "Johann Wilhelm" are friends.
View our whole collection in the Nutcracker Gallery and go visit the nutcrackers in all their glory displayed in downtown Kitchener on a self-guided walk.
Join Us On Social
Share your Christmas Music!
Share your favourite Christmas music, stories, memories and traditions with us. Answer these three questions below in a comment!
What did you think of our entertainment video wall on Gaukel Street?
What's your favourite or "go-to" Christmas song?
If you could play any instrument that you currently don't know how to play, what would it be?
For a chance to WIN, follow us on Instagram!
Follow us on Instagram and look for our "Eat Stay Play" contest posts. We'll tell you how you could be the Grand Prize winner and enjoy a night out on the town. Learn more here.
Activities & Recipes
Christmas Karaoke
Grab your microphone-shaped objects, Glühwein (see recipe below), and get ready for a good time! Here are a few instrumental karaoke songs with lyrics on YouTube to get your Christmas Karaoke night going:
Recipe for Glühwein
Enjoy the atmosphere of Christmas Markets by making your own Glühwein. Scents of red wine, cinnamon, sugar, oranges, and cloves will bring winter magic into your home.
Bonus Entertainment
Enjoy our entertainment from 2017 at the Christkindl Market in Downtown Kitchener.
Christkindl Marketplace of Shops & Artisans
FOOD & BAKERY
CHRISTMAS & DECOR
ARTS & CRAFTS
TOYS & GAMES
CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES 
HEALTH & BODY
SHOP DTKThis was my first time at the market, my husband, friends and I enjoyed our day. I lived in Germany on a Canadian Forces Base as a child and every Christmas season until I was 10 years old we went to Christmas Markets. I was so excited to experience the Christkindl Market this year. It did not disappoint. We ate really great food, bought some Christmas gifts and entered the draw! I also loved hearing German being spoken, it has been many years. It was a beautiful day to bundle up and get outside to enjoy music and festivities. We will definitely make it a tradition.
Contact
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Christkindl Market
Kitchener, ON Canada
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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 were online only.
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