There will be plenty of traditional sights, sounds and tastes to savour at Kitchener's annual Christkindl Market celebration, Dec. 2 to 5. (Handout)

It's been called Oktoberfest without the beer but replaced with much Christmas cheer.

Kitchener's Christkindl Market is Canada's version of an authentic Christmas marketplace, inspired by the 700-year-old traditional German event.

The free four-day happening, from Dec. 2 to 5, turns downtown Kitchener into a festive German marketplace complete with gifts, food, songs and dance.

Willkommen back in time

"Willkommen (Welcome). We invite you to the sights, sounds and tastes of Christmas at Canada's original Christkindl Market and relive a centuries-old tradition," said president Astrid Braun.

The annual bash was started in 1996 by local resident Tony Bergmeier, a Munich native, and now draws about 35,000 visitors.

"You are transported to an Old World of sparkling ornaments, high-stepping folk dancers in swirling skirts . . . brass bands and barrel-chested men singing a gentle German lullaby as snowflakes drift down to settle on your hat and melt off your nose."

Food that schmecks

Added to that are the "smells of food: roasted beer nuts, goulash soup, sauerkraut and potato pancakes."

Try some bratwurst, lebkucken (spice cake) and steaming mugs of gluhwein (mulled wine).

The celebration reflects the area's German roots and "magically transports the visitor to another country where Christmas celebrations are revered and perpetuated since the 14th century," Braun said.

Entertaining characters

Visitors can meet Christkindl (pronounced krisst-kindl) with her long, curly blond hair and golden crown, accompanied by two angels.

Christkind, Kristkind or "Christ Child" is the traditional bringer of Christmas gifts in Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

There's also bearded Knecht Ruprecht (farmhand Ruprecht) who has his origins in Germany as a companion of Saint Nicholas (or Father Christmas).

"He seems to know if you've been bad or good. Knecht Ruprecht carries with him a bundle of switches and a sack filled with candies," for those who have been good.

A crowd favourite is Klaus the organ grinder, full of tales about his 18th-century origins. Visitors can have their photo taken with him and his (stuffed) monkey.

Candlelight procession

"On Dec. 2, a candlelight procession will start at 5:30 p.m. at the clock tower in Victoria Park for a Grand Philharmonic Choir sing-a-long," said marketing manager Monica Reid.

"Visitors can witness the magical, official lighting of Victoria Park at 5:45 p.m. and at 6 p.m. . . . proceed to city hall led by Mary, Joseph and two donkeys."

The procession is in the spirit of the original Christkindl Market in Germany, as church bells will ring and trumpets sound en route to a manger, where Mary and Joseph spend the evening at the live nativity scene.

That heralds the official opening of the market with the lighting of the city hall Christmas tree and lighting of the square surrounding the outdoor skating rink.

Fun, food and crafts

Inside city hall, which is decorated for the season, 70 vendors will offer handcrafted and traditional gifts, ornaments, toys, jewelry, florals, ceramics, stained glass and carvings.

There are model railroad displays, blacksmithing demonstrations, and Kinderecke, a children's craft centre and pottery. Cards and letters mailed there will bear a special Christkindl postmark.

Entertainment includes choirs, bell-ringers, bands, dancers and puppet shows.

"It's an opportunity to experience the holiday spirit with vendors (offering) traditional baked goods, chocolates, meat products, hand-carved gift items, woven blankets, cuckoo clocks and ornaments to treasure," Braun said.

There is also a draw for a trip for two to Germany, a Miele vacuum cleaner and an overnight at the Walper Terrace Hotel in Kitchener.

Jim Fox is a freelance writer based in Kitchener. He can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com