Turner Hall's Christkindlmarkt, held indoors, will feature the work of select artisans and vendors, with unique, affordable and quality gifts. Shoppers will find a variety of items including fiber and fabric arts, candles, soaps, woodworking, rugs, jewelry, home décor and Christmas decorations as well as specifically European items such as Scherenschnitte (scissor cuttings) and Kerbschnitte (chip-carving in wood). For a complete listing of this year's vendors, click here.

Samichlaus, Switzerland's version of St. Nick, will be making appearances at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm both days of the market, visiting with children and shoppers, and checking his large book of the year's past infractions! Children of all ages should be on the lookout for Samichlaus' partner, Schmutzli, who makes sure children haven't been too naughty during the year! You can see a video of Samichlaus and Schmutzli at a past Christkindlmarkt here.

The Old World ambiance of the Turner Hall of Monroe provides the perfect backdrop for this unique European-style Christmas market. The Christkindlmarkt, or literally translated, Christ-Child Market, is a traditional outdoor German Christmas market with origins dating back to the 14th century. One of the most famous and oldest markets, which was first officially recorded in 1628, is held annually in Nuremberg. Christkindlmarkts take place in many cities throughout Germany, attracting millions of visitors, as well as in areas of the United States where immigrants brought the tradition with them.

Also part of the market, homemade Swiss baked goods and traditional Glüwein (hot spiced wine), will offer Christkindlmarkt shoppers a chance to relax and take in the holiday atmosphere. The lower level Ratskeller Restaurant will also be open both days of the market from 11 am - 8 pm.

Treat yourself to the experience this year, and you'll want to make the Christkindlmarkt one of your holiday shopping traditions every year!

Partial Listing of 2026 Christkindlmarkt Vendors
(updated as vendors are added)
• Acorn Creations - Handcarved wooden Santas and ornaments
• Barbara Jean - Wallets, cell phone purses, reading pillows, table toppers/runner
• Bauernmalerei - A Swiss folkart of handpainted floral designs on useful items
• B-Squared Crafts & Wreaths - Painted barn boards, wreaths, arrangements, bows
• European Bake Sale -Baked goods made by the Monroe Swiss Singers
• Gibson Greetings - Greeting cards, wreaths, pillowcases, hooded towels, novelty candy bars
• Gourd Art by Joyce - Creative items made from dried gourds
• Hextech Glass - Stained glass and pottery
• Jackie Lee's Creations - Acrylic painting on various medium
• Jason Kundert Woodworking - Handmade items crafted from wood
• Jayne's Snowmen - Lots of snowmen, including lighted; crochet-top towels
• Karen's Krafts - Unique hand-painted items; embroidered/appliqued shirts
• Laura's Lavender Essentials - Lavender sachets, bath salts, natural products and more
• Meadow Ridge Alpacas - Items made from Green County-raised alpacas: socks, hats, gloves, scarves, etc.
• Paper Pie - Usborne and Kane Miller children's books & related items
• Rag Rugs by Betty - Handmade rag rugs, crocheted items, & lefsa
• Rickety Bridge Soap Emporiam - Handmade tallow soaps & butters
• Sewing in Circles - Handcrafted purses from upholstery pieces
• Swiss Quality Crafts - Swiss-themed fabric items, doll clothes
• Three Friends Jewelry - Unique, handcrafted jewelry
• Three Sisters - Upcycled sweaters made into draft dodgers, mittens, hats, & other items
• Sue's Crafts - Crocheted home items, Christmas décor
• Warmest Mittens by Char - Swiss-themed & other mittens made with upcycled materials

The Christkindlmarkt, as well as other programs during 2026, is part of Turner Hall's on-going Swiss Heritage Series. More information on the Swiss Heritage Series is available here.