Christkindlmarkt
Fargo, North Dakota
By Nicole Thom-Arens
Published in 2023
Photos by Studio Freshly, curtesy of Folkways
In my mind, there is nothing more romantic than a winter wonderland at dusk—the sky is the most perfect shade of blue, twinkle lights shine above, and (hopefully) the snow is falling lightly; sounds of music and aromas of holiday spices—cinnamon, clove, and ginger—fill the air; warm light shines from wooden huts where vendors showcase their handmade goods and treats; friends gather around firepits holding steaming cups of mulled wine and hot chocolate while roasting marshmallows. It’s the scene that has inspired countless Hallmark movies and Christmas carols.
Christmas markets are a European tradition dating back to the medieval times—the Dresden, Germany, market first opened for just a single day (Christmas Eve) in 1434. Christmas markets spread across Europe, becoming annual traditions, but they are a more modern tradition in the U.S. Trips to the U.K. and Scandinavia inspired Simone Wai and her partner, Joe Burgum, co-founders of Folkways, to create Fargo’s own version of a European Christmas market that they christened Christkindlmarkt.
Christmas markets are a European tradition dating back to the medieval times—the Dresden, Germany, market first opened for just a single day (Christmas Eve) in 1434. Christmas markets spread across Europe, becoming annual traditions, but they are a more modern tradition in the U.S. Trips to the U.K. and Scandinavia inspired Simone Wai and her partner, Joe Burgum, co-founders of Folkways, to create Fargo’s own version of a European Christmas market that they christened Christkindlmarkt.
“Joe and I had really been interested in what other northern European cities do in the wintertime to have a vibrant community and have some space for people to see each other when it gets cold,” Simone said. “We were trying to figure out what we could do to create spaces where people could connect with family and friends in the community and really embrace the winter and holiday spirit of our area.”
Since 2017, Christkindlmarkt has grown to span two weekends at the Fargo Civic Center. Visitors can enjoy the outside winter wonderland and warm up inside where there are additional vendors and live musical performances.
Since 2017, Christkindlmarkt has grown to span two weekends at the Fargo Civic Center. Visitors can enjoy the outside winter wonderland and warm up inside where there are additional vendors and live musical performances.
Christkindlmarkt will host more than 50 artists and makers over the six days of the event and will offer free holiday DIY projects. It’s a great opportunity for friends and family to slow down during the rush of the holiday season, relax, and maybe even meet new people.
“The mission of our organization is to fight loneliness and isolation through creative events,” Simone said. “Having events like this is essential to creating places where people feel like they belong and have a sense of community and see their neighbors. It’s important to me that we see and acknowledge friendly faces in our community and know that we’re not alone.”
Christkindlmarkt runs Friday and Saturday from 12 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m. Nov. 17-19 and 24-26 at the Fargo Civic Center located at 207 Fourth Street N.
“The mission of our organization is to fight loneliness and isolation through creative events,” Simone said. “Having events like this is essential to creating places where people feel like they belong and have a sense of community and see their neighbors. It’s important to me that we see and acknowledge friendly faces in our community and know that we’re not alone.”
Christkindlmarkt runs Friday and Saturday from 12 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m. Nov. 17-19 and 24-26 at the Fargo Civic Center located at 207 Fourth Street N.
In addition to the winter wonderland, live musical performances, entertainment, and artist and maker booths, there will be a wide variety of comfort food and drinks available for purchase, including soups, hot sandwiches, Shepard’s pie, fried pickles and cheese curds, and specialty drinks from Drekker Brewing Company. All the trees used to set the scene of the event are available for purchase.
“My favorite part is the winter wonderland area,” Simone said. “I think the simplicity of it really makes it magical. We’re not doing anything crazy here—we’re bringing in all the twinkle lights and the Christmas trees and the seating and the firepits. We’re really just creating a space for people to hang out. We’re proud of having a space that people want to come back to.”
There is a $5 fee for entry this year. That one-time charge buys you entry for all six days—those 17 and under get in free. Volunteers are needed to make the event successful. Visit folkways.org to sign up.
“My favorite part is the winter wonderland area,” Simone said. “I think the simplicity of it really makes it magical. We’re not doing anything crazy here—we’re bringing in all the twinkle lights and the Christmas trees and the seating and the firepits. We’re really just creating a space for people to hang out. We’re proud of having a space that people want to come back to.”
There is a $5 fee for entry this year. That one-time charge buys you entry for all six days—those 17 and under get in free. Volunteers are needed to make the event successful. Visit folkways.org to sign up.