The LP Christkindlmarkt is a project of the Lower Paxton Community Foundation
About Us
WHAT IS A CHRISTKINDLMARKT?
ABOUT LOWER PAXTON CHRISTKINDLMARKT
ABOUT LOWER PAXTON CHRISTKINDLMARKT
A Christkindlmarkt, known by many names, is a traditional German Christmas market that takes place outdoors during the four weeks of Advent. These markets originated in Germany in the 1300s and have since spread to many countries around the world. The markets are a festive street celebration of Christmas, featuring a variety of vendors,
A Christkindlmarkt, known by many names, is a traditional German Christmas market that takes place outdoors during the four weeks of Advent. These markets originated in Germany in the 1300s and have since spread to many countries around the world. The markets are a festive street celebration of Christmas, featuring a variety of vendors, food, crafts, and seasonal entertainment. Pennsylvania, with its rich history of German settlers, is home to several successful Christkindlmarkts, continuing the tradition and spirit of these beloved markets.
ABOUT LOWER PAXTON CHRISTKINDLMARKT
ABOUT LOWER PAXTON CHRISTKINDLMARKT
ABOUT LOWER PAXTON CHRISTKINDLMARKT
The Lower Paxton Christkindlmarkt brings the magic of a traditional German Christmas market to the Village of Linglestown with handmade crafts, German food, live music, dance, and a living nativity. It's the perfect spot for holiday shopping, festive entertainment, and celebrating local businesses alongside select handcrafted vendors.
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The Lower Paxton Christkindlmarkt brings the magic of a traditional German Christmas market to the Village of Linglestown with handmade crafts, German food, live music, dance, and a living nativity. It's the perfect spot for holiday shopping, festive entertainment, and celebrating local businesses alongside select handcrafted vendors.
With over 7,000 attendees expected, this year's event promises to be bigger and better!
RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF IT ALl
ABOUT LOWER PAXTON CHRISTKINDLMARKT
RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF IT ALl
The Christkindlmarkt in Linglestown (Harrisburg, Dauphin County) continues the tradition of famous Christkindlmarkts in Mifflinburg, Bethlehem, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh, as well as those across the nation and the world.
Conveniently located off I-81, it’s just a short drive from Hershey, Carlisle, Lebanon, Lancaster, and York, PA.
History & Tradition
Our History
After organizing the 250th Anniversary Celebrations for both Lower Paxton and Linglestown, our event chairperson, Polly Murphy, suggested creating a Christkindlmarkt, inspired by her love of attending them across the country. In 2018, her vision became a reality as a group of dedicated volunteers came together to plan the inaugural event.
Founded in 2019, the Lower Paxton Christkindlmarkt is a project of the Lower Paxton Community Foundation. Featuring small, local businesses offering a variety of quality, handmade art and crafts, this festive winter wonderland is the perfect place to find unique gifts for everyone on your list.
History of German Christkindlmarkt
Christmas markets have been a cherished German tradition since the mid-1500s. While seasonal markets occurred year-round, Christmas markets were particularly special, bringing light and joy to the cold, dark winter season.
Each town’s market had its own unique flavor, with local tradesmen selling handmade wares that reflected regional traditions. Food and beverages were locally produced, adding distinct variety to each market’s offerings.
Known as Christkindlmarkts, these festive gatherings were places for villagers to buy and sell homemade Christmas ornaments, decorations, and gifts. Traditional German crafts included hand-carved nutcrackers, wooden smokers, cuckoo clocks, straw ornaments, and blown glass decorations.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS ACROSS GERMANY ARE UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
Towns, cities, and villages across Germany each celebrate their own distinctive Christkindlmarkts. From Munich to Berlin, Rothenburg to Nuremberg, and beyond, every market offers regional specialties in both food and handcrafted goods. Larger cities, like Munich, even host multiple markets.
Christmas markets are a joyful way to kick off the holiday season. The crisp air is filled with the aromas of sizzling sausages, sweet pastries, spices, and hot spiced glühwein. Booths brim with chocolates, cakes, cookies, and other festive treats, while Christmas music fills the streets.
These markets have been part of the holiday tradition for centuries, serving as a warm, welcoming gathering place to prepare for Christmas. Although today’s markets attract larger crowds, they remain a beloved and festive part of the season, preserving the same charm they have held for hundreds of years.