About Christkindl Market
We’re celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Christkindl Market! To mark this milestone and meet growing interest from visitors and vendors. Christkindl Market is officially expanding to two weekends in 2026!
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.
Event location: Kitchener City Hall - 1st floor, 2nd floor, Carl Zehr Square and King St.
Week 1
- Thursday, December 3 – 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Friday, December 4 – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Saturday, December 5 – 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Sunday, December 6 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Week 2
- Thursday, December 10 – 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Friday, December 11 – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Saturday, December 12 – 10 a.m. to 11 pm
- Sunday, December 13 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Learn more about the Christkindl Market
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 in a heated large tent on King St., that will be have a small stage platform approximately 15’x20’.
- A performance description must be completed as part of the application process
- Each group will receive a $100 honorarium per performance
- 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 its partners/sponsors.
- Successful applicants will be notified.
The deadline to submit the Performer Form is 11:59 p.m. Friday, August 14, 2026. Successful applicants can expect to be notified by late August.
Any questions regarding the application process or form, please email: christkindl@kitchener.ca
The City of Kitchener is aware of fraudsters reaching out to local businesses falsely claiming to be City employees and offering fake vendor/performer spots for events in Kitchener. We have notified WRPS of these scams but please take steps to protect yourself. Always check the sender’s email address - the City of Kitchener does not use Yahoo, Hotmail, Gmail or other web-based services for communication. If you’re unsure if a message is legitimate, or to report suspected phishing attempts that use city information, please contact info@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.
- 2026 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)
