The Bryan Development Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting economic activity, preservation and growth in Bryan, Ohio, is bringing the second Christkindl Market of Bryan back to the Williams County Courthouse Square.
This event, held between Thanksgiving and Christmas, is an European style, outdoor Christmas market centered in Bryan’s picturesque downtown.
“The inaugural 2021 Christkindl Market was a great success, accomplishing our goals and exceeding our expectations” according to Russ Davies, president of the BDF and Chair of the market.
“With our presenting sponsor, the Bryan Area Foundation Community Impact Fund, we are making a new addition for 2022, and tweaking a few items from last year, all to better our visitor’s experience.”
The market will again feature twelve market chalets, carrying a range of products offered by independent, local, small businesses.
Returning to the market this year are: Bonnie’s Christmas Cottage, Nutcracker Suite, Dick’s Woodworks, Everyday Books, ElliAnn’s Seasonal Chalet, Spangler Candy Cane Cottage, and Chalk Couture. New vendors this year are Anthony & Co. Hand Poured Soy Candles, Kathleen & Friends Christmas Kitchen, Holly Jolly Christmas Shop, Beads, Baubles & Pretty Things, and Military Masterpiece.
A Christkindl Market addition being planned are four warming stations. Propane heaters will be placed around the Courthouse lawn to provide visitors a chance to warm up in between visits to Santa, activities, enjoying entertainment options and shopping among the chalets.
“The Bryan Area Foundation Community Impact Fund is proud to sponsor this event. The community’s response last year was outstanding, and the market brought people from all over to experience the wholesome, nostalgic-filled, family experience, not to mention the opportunity to shop for Christmas” says Amy Miller, Bryan Area Foundation President and CEO.
“Bryan restaurants and retail businesses benefited from the extra foot traffic.”
Entertainment being planned includes carolers, ice carving, choirs, bands, children’s games, and a visit from Sant’a very own reindeer.
Emily Eschhofen is coordinating these efforts to bring free, heartwarming, festive entertainment for visitors.
Be sure to check the Bryan Times each week for a schedule of events, and the Christkindl Market of Bryan social media pages.
BDF will be working hand in hand with the Bryan Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber traditionally hosts horse and wagon rides, the traditional Santa Parade, and Santa Claus himself!
Santa has a long tradition of beginning his evening by singing carols with eagerly waiting families while he makes his way to his house on the square.
While at his house, Santa will be visiting with children who can share all their Christmas wishes.
Another collaboration is the addition of the Memorial Christmas Tree. The large, live evergreen on the Courthouse grandstand will be a place to hang ornaments dedicated to love ones who have passed.
People can pick up a wooden ornament from the Bryan Development Foundation booth at the market, add a loved ones name, and hang it on the Memorial Tree.
No celebration is complete without tasty foods and drinks! Bryan restaurants will be offering a great selection of German and Christmas market inspired foods like bratwurst, pretzels, mulled wine, hot cocoa, and more.
Holly Jolly Christmas shops of West Unity will be roasting cinnamon almonds, filling the air with a delicious aroma.
Dates for the Christkindl Market of Bryan are scheduled for Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, starting the day after Thanksgiving (November 25th) and concluding December 17th.
Hours of operation will be 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Anyone wishing to become a sponsor or volunteer is encourage to reach out to either Russ Davies or Ann Spangler, via email developbryan@gmail.com.
For future updates, follow the Christkindl Market of Bryan Facebook page. The Bryan Times will feature a full schedule of events.