“With the beautiful backdrop of the lake and mountains, this area is reminiscent of the Christkindlmarkt in Lake Constance, Germany,” says Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Gina Mintzer in a press release announcing the inaugural Adirondack Christkindlmarkt. The European-style street festival, a joint effort of the Lake George Chamber and the Adirondack Folk School, is planned for Dec. 7 – 9 at the Lake George Festival Commons in Wood Park.
More than 30 artisans will set up shop on the Commons under heated tents. The weekend includes live music by popular local artists, performances by a Bavarian dance troupe and horse and carriage rides pulled by a team of Belgium draft horses. Children’s activities include card making with the World Awareness Children’s Museum of Glens Falls and visits with Santa. The Lake George Steamboat Company is providing coffee, donuts, beer and “Gluhwein,” a mulled wine brewed with cinnamon and holiday spices. Admission to the Adirondack Christkindlmarkt is free.
Christkindlmarkt ( pronounced kris-kindel-mart) is a European tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. Bringing one to the shores of Lake George is the brainchild of Lake George Regional CVB Sales Director Kristen Hanifin, who has spent several years in Europe. “As Kristen learned more about the Adirondack Folk School, she thought that the Adirondack artisans at AFS would be ideally suited for a Christkindlmarkt,” says Scott Haydan, Adirondack Folk School Executive Director. “I’m thrilled that we have over 30 artisans and over a dozen live musical acts for our inaugural event! I’m proud that the Adirondack Folk School can contribute to the year-round economy,” says Hayden in a press release.
Adirondack Christkindlmarkt 2018 Activities and Entertainment Schedule
Friday, Dec. 7
Festival Opens at 3 p.m. – 30+ artisans and vendors
Entertainment
- 5:15 p.m. TnT Acoustic Duo
- 6:15 p.m. Frank Palangi
- MC: JP Henderson
Children’s Activities
- 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Letters to Santa with Mrs. Claus
- 6:00 p.m. Letters to Santa with Mrs. Claus
- 7:00 p.m. Night Before Xmas Reading with Mrs. Claus
Saturday, Dec. 8
Festival Opens at 11 a.m. – 30+ artisans and vendors
Horse-drawn carriage rides during the day
Entertainment
- 11:15 a.m. Jim Robinson
- 12:15 p.m. Enzian Bavarian Dancers
- 1:15 p.m. Erin Powers
- 2:15 p.m. Mikki Bakken
- 3:15 p.m. Enzian Bavarian Dancers
- 4:15 p.m. Tim Ortiz
- 5:15 p.m. PJ Duo
- 6:15 p.m. Enzian Bavarian Dancers
MC: JP Henderson
Children’s Activities
- 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Book signing with Elizabeth Macy, author Lucky’s Adventures (meet “Lucky” the dog)
- 1 p.m.–2 p.m. – Author Elizabeth Macy book reading Lucky’s Adventures
Sunday, Dec. 9
Festival Opens at 11 a.m. – 30+ artisans and vendors
Horse-drawn carriage rides during the day
Entertainment
- 1:15 p.m. Jason Erwin
- 2:15 p.m. Erin Powers
- 3:15 p.m. St. Vincent DePaul Choir
- 4:15 p.m. Skidmore Bandersnatchers
- 5:15 p.m. Jay Lawson 6:15 p.m.
MC: JP Henderson
Children’s Activities
- 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Holiday card-making with the World Children’s Museum
- 3:00-4:00 p.m. Meet and Photos with the Snow Sisters from Hill City Ice Queen
- 3:00 p.m. (weather permitting) Build a snowman with the Snow Sisters
The Adirondack Christkindlmarkt is the newest addition to the roster of festivals held at the Lake George Festival Commons in Wood Park. This event is notable as the first winter event at the Festival Commons since the park opened in 2014. “The idea behind this event was to encourage more business year-round and create a new economic catalyst for the region,” says Mintzer. “Lake George has forever been a summer vacation destination, but draws for tourism during winter, spring and fall continue to grow.”
