Ever wonder what Christmas is like in Germany? Stop on by the third annual Arlington Christkindl Market, which opens Friday, November 29, at 5 p.m. at the corner of Ballpark Way and Road to Six Flags in Arlington. The market, brought together through a joint partnership between the Arlington Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Experience Arlington and the City of Arlington, will feature a variety of authentic German holiday products, food, music, live entertainment and family activities. The opening night festivities are highlighted by a fireworks show and formal tree lighting by the Christkindl Angel. Parking and admission are free.

Due to the overwhelming success of the market in prior years, the 2013 Arlington Christkindl expands its run from November 29 to December 22, 2013. Returning is world-renowned Kathe Wohlfahrt, featuring their crafted German Christmas treasures. Visitors will also find a custom-built 'Santa Haus,' German gifts and crafts, and a large array of authentic German cuisine, from bratwurst to beer to traditional hot-spiced wine, Gluhwein. This year's Christkindl market also adds new family-oriented venues like a holiday-themed marionette theatre and a Bavarian-style petting zoo.
Along with multi-Grammy Award-winning band, Brave Combo, continuous holiday entertainment will be provided by musicians, choirs and dance groups from local schools and universities, along with German-themed groups from all over Texas.

New to the 2013 Arlington Christkindl Market are some very special activities. Every Tuesday is Military Day (12/3, 12/10 and 12/17). Participating vendors will honor military families with special pricing and family treats. In the evening, active military personnel will lower the colors and instruct visitors on the history of our flag-folding procedures. Every Wednesday evening is a Children's Lantern Parade (12/4, 12/11 and 12/18). In Old World tradition, children lead the way through the market with colorful lanterns and the beautiful sounds of Christmas carols.

Arlington Christkindl was inspired by the Christkindlemarktin, a German tradition originating in Nuremburg, Germany in the 16th century. Arlington's inaugural Christkindl Market was brought to the city in 2011 in honor of the 60th anniversary of Arlington's sister city, Bad Konigshofen.

Market Hours: Tuesdays - Thursdays and Sundays, 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.; Fridays, 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.; Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.; Admission and parking are free. For a full schedule of sponsors, entertainment and events, visit www.arlingtonchristkindl.com.

The Arlington Christkindl Market is a partnership between the Arlington Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the City of Arlington, Experience Arlington, the Texas Rangers and Six Flags Over Texas.