LOUDONVILLE — A new holiday tradition is taking root in Loudonville this winter as the Cleo Redd Fisher Museum announces the creation of the Mohican Christkindlmarkt.
This is a German-inspired outdoor market filled with festive foods, hand-made gifts, and old-world charm.
The event will take place in downtown Loudonville on Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 5 and 6 and Dec. 12 and 13, from 5 to 9 p.m.
Organizers are now seeking artisans, makers, and food producers who want to bring the spirit of the season to life as vendors.
Christkindlmarkts have been celebrated for centuries in towns across Germany, where medieval downtowns are transformed into glowing marketplaces alive with music, lights, and the scent of fresh holiday fare.
The Mohican Christkindlmarkt hopes to follow that tradition by featuring authentic foods such as sausages, potato pancakes, hot cider, and fresh baked goods alongside handcrafted wares ranging from woodwork and textiles to ornaments and fine art.
Visitors will be able to stroll among twinkling stalls, discover unique gifts, and enjoy the cozy atmosphere of a European winter market — without leaving the Mohican area.
Each evening will bring the streets to life with lights, music, food, and the warmth of holiday cheer.
The Christkindlmarkt is a collaboration between the Cleo Redd Fisher Museum and the Loudonville Farmers Market, two organizations that share a mission of strengthening community and supporting local traditions.
The Farmers Market has already proven the power of creating a “third place” in downtown Loudonville where neighbors and visitors gather each week during the growing season.
By extending that model into the holiday months, the Christkindlmarkt aims to carry forward the same sense of belonging, festivity, and local pride.
“Our community has deep ties to German immigrant heritage, and this market is a way to honor that history while creating something new and exciting for today’s families,” said Kenny Libben, Curator of the Cleo Redd Fisher Museum.
“By partnering with the Farmers Market, we’re expanding on a successful effort to bring people together, showcase local talent, and strengthen the small-business economy of our region.”
The Cleo Redd Fisher Museum preserves and shares the history of the Mohican area through exhibitions, programs, and community partnerships.
From frontier life and the stories of pioneers like Johnny Appleseed, to the evolution of Loudonville’s industrial heritage, the museum has become a cornerstone of cultural life in the region.
The addition of the Christkindlmarkt reflects the museum’s ongoing commitment to blending history, heritage, and community development in innovative ways.
The museum also offers group tours to visit Christmas markets in Europe, something Libben adds has helped spur excitement for this event from past travelers eager to bring those experiences to Loudonville.
Applications for vendor space are now open and can be found at www.crfmuseum.com/christmasmarket.
Space is limited and will be curated to ensure a wide variety of offerings for visitors.