The Road to Six Flags just north of Globe Life Park in Arlington has once again transformed into the magical holiday village known as the Texas Christkindl Market.
It's not hard to see why the event, now in its fourth year, has flourished when you consider the scrumptious food, top-notch entertainment, variety of wares from talented artists and craftspeople, and free admission and parking.
The market, which is inspired by the traditional holiday market in Nuremberg, Germany, is open noon to 9 p.m. Sunday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays through Dec. 21, 2014.
While Arlington welcomes veteran vendors like the premier Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas store that have been there since the beginning, the market is also introducing new ones like Dollightful that sells handmade angels made out of paper flowers.
"Usually if someone picks something right out, [the flower] means something to them," says Dollightful's owner, Cheri Miller. The angel then triggers a happy memory associated with the flower to the new owner.
But even people with no favorite flower are attracted to her crafts. Miller's angels caught the eyes of Doug Clary, who purchased two for his girlfriend. "They're not mass produced, and they're unique and creative," Clary said of the handmade goods. The same describes many of the products at the Texas Christkindl Market.
Clary, from Portland, Ore., was visiting family in the area when they suggested going to Arlington. "My family wanted to go to the market and I was thinking it'd be small … but this is much bigger than I expected."
What started out as a four-day market in 2011 has blossomed into a 24-day annual tradition in Arlington. There are 40 vendors selling their wares this year from Christmas-themed shops like Happy Holiday Ornaments to master artists like Steve Moya of Moya Art and Daryoush Ababaf of Phoenix Inlay Inc. Visitors can also find jewelry, clothing, toys, and food from countries and cultures around the globe.
There is also live entertainment throughout each week, as well as programs designed specifically for children. Some of the family-friendly draws are shows and puppet-building workshops from Le Theatre de Marionette, which features the puppeteers from Geppetto's Theater based in Dallas. This year they've upgraded their space to a covered tent to protect audience members from the cold.
As usual, children can also visit the Santa Haus or take part in the Wednesday evening lantern parades where they receive unique gifts from market vendors. Register for the parade today to guarantee your child a spot.
On the main stage, there is free entertainment throughout the weeks from the likes of Charla Corn, Daryl Dop and the Tejas Brothers, as well as Tarrant County College and local high schools.
Texas Christkindl Market is a partnership between the Arlington Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the City of Arlington and the Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau.
For more information, visit TexasChristkindl.com.
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2014 Texas Christkindl Market
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2014 Texas Christkindl Market
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2014 Texas Christkindl Market
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2014 Texas Christkindl Market
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2014 Texas Christkindl Market
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2014 Texas Christkindl Market
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2014 Texas Christkindl Market
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2014 Texas Christkindl Market
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