Clifton Forge School of the Arts

Kriskindlmarkt

Experience the Magic of the 12th Annual Kriskindlmarkt!

Join us for a festive celebration of holiday cheer at the Kriskindlmarkt – a German-Style Christmas Market supporting the Clifton Forge School of the Arts!

Dates & Hours:

  • Friday, Nov 17: 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  • Saturday, Nov 18: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Discover the enchantment of an Appalachian mountain town’s take on a European advent market. The heart of our event is nestled within “The Mill,” a beautifully repurposed 100+ year-old lumber mill right behind the Clifton Forge School of the Arts. In addition to The Mill, explore the main CFSOTA building, where you’ll find our Silent Auction, more artisan vendors, a special weaving exhibit in the Gallery, and information about the wide range of creative classes offered by the School of the Arts.

Admission:

  • Entry Fee: $5 (cash admission); free entry for children.
  • Proceeds support arts education programming at CFSOTA!
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What to Expect:

  • Indoor Shopping: Delight in the unique offerings of talented artisan vendors. All items created by the people selling them!
  • Festive Atmosphere: Bring your friends and family for a joyful experience filled with unique shopping, holiday entertainment, and a taste of German-inspired food and drink.
  • Entertainment: Enjoy live performances, enjoy a Christmas-themed model railroad display, and visit with Santa throughout the event.
  • Garden Illumination: Witness the magic of our seasonal holiday light display starting Friday evening at dusk.
  • Tree Lighting: On Saturday at 6:00 pm, following the close of Kriskindlmarkt, join the whole community at Clifton Forge’s Town Hall for the annual tree lighting event hosted by Clifton Forge Main Street.

Artisan Vendors: Explore an array of handmade treasures, including wooden bowls, cutting boards, hand-knit items, decorated gourds, bags & purses, soaps & lotions, pottery, antique tiles, jewelry, stained glass, wreaths, ornaments, candles, notecards & journals, candies & chocolate, maple syrup, handcrafted BBQ sauce, baked goods, and more!

Live Music & Dance: Immerse yourself in the sounds of the season with German folk music, dance performances, local musicians, student ensembles, and community music groups. Sing along to your favorite Christmas carols!

Food & Drink: Savor holiday breads & pastries, German beer & authentic Gluhwein (for ages 21+), mulled apple cider, hot chocolate, and more. Don’t miss the delicious German-inspired food options, including bratwurst, sauerkraut, and hearty soups. We even have Gebrannte Mandeln (candied roasted almonds)!

Raffle & Silent Auction: Participate in our raffle for a chance to win artisan-made items and explore a wide variety of offerings in our Silent Auction.

Event Sponsor: Kriskindlmarkt is proudly sponsored by CHEFs Catering.

Supporting Arts Education: Your attendance supports the Clifton Forge School of the Arts, providing arts education to people of all ages and abilities in the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia.

Location: 518 Church Street, Clifton Forge, VA 24422

Image of front of Clifton Forge School of the Arts main building at 518 Church Street in Clifton Forge, VA

Need Accommodation?
Find a place to stay here.

Questions?
Feel free to reach out to the School of the Arts:

Come and create cherished holiday memories with us at Kriskindlmarkt 2023!