Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg facts for kids
The Christkindlesmarkt is a very famous Christmas market held every year in Nuremberg, Germany. It takes place during the special time of Advent in the Hauptmarkt, which is the main square in Nuremberg's old town. You can also find parts of the market in nearby streets. With about two million visitors each year, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of the biggest Christmas markets in Germany. It is also known all over the world. The market usually starts on the Friday before the first Sunday of Advent. It then stays open until December 24th, unless that day is a Sunday.
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History of the Market
Even with lots of research, no one knows exactly how the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt began. The oldest clue we have is a small wooden box from 1628. On the bottom of this box, there is a message saying it was sent to the Kindles-Marck. This box is now kept in a museum in Nuremberg.
Historians believe the market slowly grew from regular sales at the weekly market between 1610 and 1639. It became its own special market over time. The market used to open on December 4th. But because so many people wanted to visit, the opening day was changed in 1973. Now, it always starts on the Friday before Advent begins. The market was not held between 1939 and 1948, during a difficult period in history.
Where the Market Is
The Christkindlesmarkt has always been mainly in the Nuremberg Hauptmarkt. However, for a while, between 1898 and 1933, it moved to other spots. These included the Fleischbrücke bridge or the island Schütt. But in 1933, the market returned to its original and most famous spot in front of the Frauenkirche church.
The Christkind
The name "Christkindlesmarkt" means "Christ Child Market." A very important part of the market is the Nuremberg Christkind, or Christ Child. This is a young woman dressed in white and gold. She has curly blond hair, a tall golden crown, and long golden sleeves that look like angel wings.
Since 1969, the Christkind has been chosen every two years. Local girls between 16 and 19 years old can try out for the role. Many girls apply online. Then, a group of judges picks the next Christkind from a few finalists. The chosen girl needs to be at least 1.60 meters tall. She also must not be afraid of heights. This is because the Christkind gives her speech from the church balcony, high up in the air.
Besides her opening speech, the Christkind visits schools and hospitals. She brings joy to many people during the Christmas season.
The Opening Speech
The Christkindlesmarkt officially begins with a special opening speech. The Christkind gives this speech from the balcony of the Frauenkirche church. This important event brings thousands of people to the Hauptmarkt. The speech was first written in 1948 by Friedrich Bröger. It has been changed a few times since then.
The speech starts and ends by inviting everyone to enjoy the market. It talks about how the temporary market, which is like a "little city made of wood and cloth," reminds us of lasting memories and traditions.
Sister City Market
Since 1998, a special "sister city market" has been held in Rathausplatz. This part of the market features booths from Nuremberg's sister cities. These cities offer their own local foods and crafts. Some of the sister cities include Atlanta (USA), Vienna (Austria), Glasgow (Scotland), and Venice (Italy). There are also booths from "friend cities" like Verona (Italy).
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