About Christkindl Market
The market is located at Kitchener City Hall on first and second floors, as well as Carl Zehr Square.
Hours of operation
- Thursday, Dec. 5, 10a.m.-9p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 6, 10a.m.-9p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 7, 10a.m.-9p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 8, 10a.m.-4p.m.
Christkindl Market is part of a tradition in Germany that dates back to the middle ages when farmers, tradesmen and artisans would gather in the community with song, food and small gifts. The first open-winter market was held in 1310 in Nuremberg, Germany.
Be part of this tradition today, and apply for a spot at Kitchener’s Christkindl Market!
For more information on the market, visit the Christkindl Market website.
Entertainment information/guidelines
Christkindl Market is looking for entertainers to deliver enjoyable, family-friendly performances filled with traditional Christmas joy. A few things to note before completing an application:
- Performances take place on the City’s outdoor covered side on King St. The stage will be covered, nicely decorated, lots of lights and a heater. Dress for the weather.
- A performance description must be completed as part of the application process (see pages 3 & 4)
- There will be a monetary value of approximately $50-$100 depending on the group for compensation for performances
- Performers will have access to a green room inside city hall with access to refreshments and resting spaces
Acceptance & Performance Criteria
- Performances are to complement the open winter traditional market where people gather to eat, shop and socialize
- Performances must be family-friendly and entertaining
- Performances are entertainment for market attendees and we are looking for: Traditional, German or European music, instruments, choirs, dance, costumes, theatre. Visual artists and children’s entertainment appropriate for families
- Performances do not include things such as monologues, soliciting or advertising a business, speeches, sermons, scary costumes, and themes such as violence
- Performers are required to complete up to a 45-minute set
- Availability of performers is considered, which may be a reason why an application cannot be accepted as there are limited time slots
- The calibre of the performance is considered and is rated against other applications
- Performances reflecting historical 19th century (or earlier) Christmas & European market traditions are preferred. Eg. German and European music, instruments, choirs, costumes
Selection Process
In an effort to create a streamlined process for performer selection, a process has been adopted for the Christkindl Market. Past participation does not guarantee acceptance for this year’s event. Performer selection will be based on the set-out criteria and time availlability. This will be facilitated by The Corporation of the City of Kitchener and our partners/sponsors.
The process for performer selection will involve:
- Performers are chosen based on the relation to the type of performance, a reflection of the area, diversity of talent and availability.
- The criteria set out will be used by The Corporation of the City of Kitchener and it’s partners/sponsors.
- Successful applicants will be notified.
The deadline to submit the Performer Form is Friday, September 15, 2024. Successful applicants can expect to be notified by end-September.
Any questions regarding the application process or form, please email: christkindl@kitchener.ca
Supporting Material
Your application must include the following items in order for the application to be considered complete. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The City is not responsible for damage to, or loss of, supporting material.
- 2024 Performer Form (next page).
- Electronic Press Kit/Video/Website/YouTube/Facebook/Instagram – Provide a link to the file or a clip of the performance, as well we any websites and social media accounts
- Photo - maximum of 4, including a picture of the entire performing group - optional
- Set playlist (if applicable)
