Christkindlmarket: Bring a European Holiday Home this Christmas

As the thrillingber months creep up on us, most cannot contain the excitement of the holiday season to come. When the malls start playing our favorite Christmas carols and lighted parols line the streets, there is one holiday tradition which truly brings out the spirit – the bazaar. Philippine consumers bring out there lists as soon as the first tent is set up and merchants bring out specialty products which are readily available this time of year. Like Manila, many cities around Europe share this festive tradition. As the holiday season nears, they celebrate their own special type of bazaar – The Christkindlmarket.

Though there were many Holiday markets held in Europe, dating as early as the thirteen hundreds,The Christkindlmarket began in the Germany and Austria, particularly in Nuremberg. Symbolizing the beginning of Advent, this market runs through the holiday season and is to date one of the biggest European Christmas traditions. Usually located in the town square, it brings about an atmosphere for social gatherings and merriment throughout the community. With an estimate of around 250 stalls,these markets are visited by millions who are looking to shop, eat and gather. Many of the products sold are directly related to the season such as Christmas decorations, candles, toys, gingerbread, pastries, sausages and Gluhwein or hot wine to warm the tummy. There is a general atmosphere of joy and performances of song and dance as a form of entertainment to the consumers.

Today, it has spread throughout the European continent and made its way to other countries such as the United States and Canada. With its gaining popularity and similar nature to the local holiday bazaars done here, the European Chamber of Commerce decided to merge the 2 traditions and bring the Christkindlmarket to Manila. They would like to give the Europeans living here a semblance of home while also sharing with Filipinos a slightly different market from the bazaars they are used to. “The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), is a bilateral foreign chamber with close to 700 member companies that promotes European interest in the Philippines as well as Philippine interests in Europe. Through Christkindlmarket Manila, ECCP aims to promote awareness and interest among Filipinos on European traditions and goods by giving them a chance to experience this European Christmas event in the Philippines.” The market will be held in the SM Mall of Asia skating rink to capture that crisp cold weather during the European Holiday. The market will also focus on selling European products which cannot be easily found in the Philippines. Asides from the wonderful and unique products, the Christkindlmarket will also have live performances from choirs and dance groups many of which will come from the children enrolled in the European campuses around the Metro. This event promises to be way more than just a shopping destination, but a feast for all the senses and a place for people to mingle and enjoy the holiday together. This is one unique holiday market you will not want to miss so come down to the Ice Skating Rink of the SM Mall of Asia from December 3-9 to experience this one of a kind European Holiday experience.

For interested vendors/exhibitors or sponsors, you may contact our Marketing Officer at 845-1324 loc. 231

For general inquiries, you may email us at info@christkindlmarket.com.ph, call us at 845-1324 loc. 248, or visit www.christkindlmarket.com.ph

For ticket inquiries, you may contact TICKETWORLD at 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph

Platinum Sponsor: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines & Johnnie Walker

Silver Sponsors: Deutsche Bank, Smart Communications, Century Properties, Chateau 1771 Group of Restaurants, Royal Cargo, and Shinagawa Lasik & Aesthetic

Media Partners: Manila Bulletin, Sense & Style, ANC, Lifestyle Network, Breakfast Magazine, ClickTheCity.com, Crossover 105.1, Expat Travel & Lifestyle Magazine, Metro Society, Our Awesome Planet, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Rappler.com, The Philippine Star, Philstar.com, Southern Living, Spot.ph, Themall.ph, MacGraphics Carranz

Program Partner: Goethe-Institut Manila & Blue Cross Insurance Inc.

Furniture Sponsor: Scandinavian Woodworks Corp.

Official Printing Partner: CGK Formaprint, Inc.

Accommodation Partner: Microtel by Wyndham