In Union County. Pennsylvania, there’s a little town called Mifflinburg, population 3500, which boasts the oldest Christkindl market in the United States. For 31 years, this little town, has hosted a traditional German Christmas market, starting with 20 little huts, and growing to over 100, which carry across two and a half blocks of this picturesque, little town. What sets this market apart from others, is a unique tradition of celebrating the old world culture and traditions of a different city each year. This year it is featuring Salzburg, Austria. The birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who was born there on January 27, 1756, and spent 25 years of his life there. It is also well known for its baroque architecture, and was the filming location for The Sound of Music. With it’s incredible views of the eastern Alps, and its pristine lakes, this city is one of the most beautiful places to visit in all of Austria. With that said, if a visit to Austria is not in the budget this Christmas, you can experience, this weekend, a small taste of it’s culinary delights, such as Strudel, Weinerschnitzel, Tafelspitz. Don’t forget to top it off with a bite of Nokerl, a powdered sugar laden souffle, sometimes drizzled with raspberry sauce.
The food alone is worth making the trip for, with vendors presenting German sausages, potato pancakes, roasted chestnuts and much, much more, but let’s not overlook the unique artisans that hawk their wares at this market each year. There are glass blowers, and jewelry makers, soapers and woodworkers. There’s knitters, and ornament makers, dollmakers, and candlers. There’s unique handmade Christmas decor, like sleigh bells, and traditional German Christmas Pyramids. (This is the one thing I regret not buying when I went to Rothenburg, and I’m hoping to find one I love at the Christkindl market.) There’s puppets and marionettes, and handmade instruments. Plus nesting dolls, handmade kitchen ware, hand painted eggs, plus, endless vendors of gourmet foods. The market will have events throughout town, starting on Thursday 12/12 at 5:00 when the opening ceremony begins, through 12/14, at the close of the market where the market will be closed with a parade from 7:45 to 8:00 p.m. The market’s website has a map of the market, and don’t forget to check the events schedule for entertainment and activities throughout.
Do you have a family tradition from another culture that makes Christmas special for you? If so, please share in the comments, or share photos @canigetaramen on insta. You can find us on FB and pinterest @canigetaramen.food.blog.
