PHOTOS BY JOHN FRYMAN / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
NUTCRACKER SUITE … Chloe Davies (left) and Ann Spangler (right) prepare for holiday business at the Christkindl Market of Bryan which opened for the Christmas shopping season on Friday, November 28.
KEEPING WARM … Keeping themselves warm with an open fire at Christkindl Market of Bryan were from left: Christopher Thompson of Butler, Indiana and Remington Balder of Garrett, Indiana and on the right, Eric Doehner and Deann Doehner, both of Butler, Indiana.
By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
With a winter chill already in the air, the Christkindl Market of Bryan is finally open for business as holiday shoppers began their Christmas shopping extravaganza on Friday, November 29.
Located on the courthouse square in downtown Bryan, the European-style outdoor market featured numerous shopping and food options, visits with Santa Claus, horse-drawn wagon rides and entertainment highlighting the weekly activities through December 20.
Russ Davies, who is a committee member for Christkindl Market of Bryan, said the idea of having an outdoor market during the Christmas holiday season came about five years ago.
“This is our fifth year of doing it,” said Davies. “We got a lot of great entertainment planned during the festival. We got snacks, great vendors, we just got a magical atmosphere up here.”
Davies along with Ann Spangler got Christkindl Market of Bryan started about five years ago.
“People remember shopping in downtown Bryan, and we talk about it all the time,” Davies commented. “How we get more retail down here just for that period of time.
“People want the opportunity to try their hand in running a store to bring additional gift opportunities to people in the community.
“It’s a nice way to get outside of the house, go for a walk around with your family, and show off the town and be proud of Bryan.”
Promoting holiday shopping business in downtown Bryan has been a major factor for Christkindl of Bryan, thus bringing back some memories from the past.
“Up until the Christkindl Market for a long time, you just drive through Bryan where you never get out and walk around for a while,” said Davies.
“The Christkindl Market brought that back. You see the retail establishments; the restaurants on the outer perimeter of the square are hopping and a great place to warm up. You come back out and enjoy.”
There are 14 different shops who are participating in this year’s Christkindl Market of Bryan.
Among them are Anthony & Company Candles, Carlin Honey, Cyndi’s Creations, ElliAnn’s Seasonal Boutique, Farrell’s Holiday Collection, Gathering Volumes, Holly Jolly Christmas Shop, Joshuah Taylor, Mad Ox, Military Masterpiece, North Pole Toys, Nutcracker Suite A & B, and Simply from Scratch.
In addition, The Nutty Bavarian Cart features warm, cinnamon glazed nuts, St. Nick’s Snak Haus featuring brats, hot dogs, raclette, Belgian waffles, coffee and hot cocoa, and Kakao Hutte featuring hot cocoa with an assortment of fun items to stir in.
“It’s kind of a very village kind of feel,” said Davies. “You walk around, poke your head in one of two of them (shops) or all 14 of them or maybe find something for a loved one.”
The Christkindl Market of Bryan is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 4 to 8 p.m. Not only there is plenty of holiday shopping available, but also other holiday-themed activities as well.
Among the highlighted activities include Reindeer games from 6 to 7:30 p.m. daily expect December 6; a free movie shown at the Bryan Theatre at 7 p.m. on December 6, 13, and 20; Fireside stories and S’mores on December 6, 12, 13, and 20 at 6 p.m.; a Live Nativity on December 5 from 6 to 8 p.m.; Ice Sculpture demonstration by Ice Creations on December 5 from 4:30 to 6 p.m.; Live Reindeer on December 19 from 5 to 6 p.m.; Stuff the Truck for collection of toys for Toys for Tots on December 12 and Art of Movement Dance Studio Holiday Dance Performance on December 20 from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m.
Once of the big highlights will be the appearance of German dancers from the Toledo area and Jay Fox and the Jammin Germans from Fort Wayne providing dance and musical entertainment.
There will be also holiday musical performances from various high school choirs from around the area.
Also, The Bryan Area Foundation’s Festival of Trees will be held on various nights on the second floor inside the Williams County Courthouse.
There is no admission fee; parking is free, and many businesses around the square offer specials and extended hours on market nights to enhance the visitor experience.
The Christkindl Market of Bryan is a project of Bryan Development, which features economic activity, preservation, and growth.
This non-profit event is made possible through the generous support of corporate and individual sponsors, including the 2025 presenting sponsor, Bryan Area Foundation.
“There is something here for everybody,” pointed out Davies. “Most importantly it’s free and if you don’t want to shop, we have free entertainment, free activities, and free parking.
“If you just want to get out of the house and walk around with your family and enjoy the Christmas lights, maybe see Santa Claus, that part is all free.”