Brandywine Art Guide: Christkindlmarkt in West Chester

Posted by Victoria Rose on December 9, 2023

Henisee Pottery

The Christkindlmarkt is a centuries-old tradition that has spread from its origins in what is now Germany throughout the world. A few years ago, the Chester County Art Association brought this holiday outdoor market to their grounds in West Chester. It was the perfect way to celebrate local art and artisans in a safe way, with visitors strolling from tent to tent in the chilly air and enjoying the festive atmosphere.

This year, the Christkindlmarkt is getting a glow-up. The CCAA has partnered with Downtown West Chester to move the market to a more central, accessible, and exciting location.

“It's going to be in the heart of West Chester,” said Jeff Schaller, a board member of the CCAA and participating artist. Like during the summer when Gay Street is closed to traffic, this weekend, Dec. 9 and 10, visitors will be able to stroll down the street lined with tents from Darlington Street to Matlack Street. “The holiday decorations and the lights are going to be magical,” Schaller said.

The Christkindlmarkt was an immediate hit and quickly became a favorite holiday tradition for artists, vendors, and families. For this fourth annual market, over 75 vendors will be included, from traditional artists to local crafters to artisans and much more. The town will get in on the action as well, with many restaurants and shops opening their doors and participating in the festivities.

“Chester County Art Association is looking forward to an exciting holiday event at our new location,” said John Baker, Board President of the CCAA.

John O’Brien, executive director of the West Chester Business Improvement District said, “I hope this reinforces the importance of buying locally. Your local small business owners are your friends and neighbors. It is important to shop locally this holiday season and support your community.”

A Christkindlmarkt celebrates not only holiday traditions but the spirit of handcrafted artisan goods unique to their community.

“Chester County is filled with national and internationally recognized artists and seeing them assembled like this is really spectacular,” said Al Moretti, a participating local artist. “Having a real work of art from an artist you know or met brings back that personal touch missing in today’s gift giving.”

Whether you are looking for others or treating yourself to holiday cheer, the weekend will be full of treats for the whole family. From ceramics to jewelry to homewares, food and drink, and candy, there is something to everyone’s taste. The full sensory experience will be rounded out with seasonal tunes, with live music from Dub C on Saturday from 1 to 4 pm and the Lenape Brass Band on Sunday from 12 to 1 pm.

“We have a great assortment of items to give as gifts or spoil yourself with,” said Schaller. The entire town is looking forward to the bigger, better, more spectacular Christkindlmarkt this year. “I hope everyone goes away with the holiday spirit and bags full of presents they bought from local vendors!”

The 4^th annual Christkindlmarkt will be held today, Saturday, Dec. 9 from 1 to 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will be located in Downtown West Chester on Gay Street between Darlington and Matlack Streets. The event is free to attend and family-friendly. Find more information, including parking locations and participating artists and vendors, at DowntownWestChester.com/Christkindlmarkt.

About Victoria Rose

Victoria Rose (she/her) is an editor, writer, avid reader, self-described geek, and fan of all things creative. Her passion for words has led to her current career as a freelance editor, and she is the owner of Flickering Words, an editing service. When not wielding a red pen (or cursor), she loves reading books of all genres, playing video, board, and word games, baking ridiculous creations to show off on the internet, or enjoying the gorgeous outdoors. She is a board member of the West Chester Film Festival and part of the Thirsty Monsters, a team of streamers from around the world who fundraise for various charities supporting LGBTQIA+ and accessibility rights. She can be found online @WordsFlickering or the Brandywine Art Guide @BrandywineArtGuide.