Christkindlmarkt
Our Parish Festival
In 2019, with a nod to the heritage of Loretto’s founders, the Church of Ss Peter and Paul established a new festival to celebrate the Advent and Christmas seasons in Old World fashion. Christkindlmarkt, literally “Christ child market or fair,” is an event bringing together the larger community in an atmosphere of peace and joy. Christkindlmarkt offers all who come an amazing experience of the sights, smells, tastes and sounds of the season with German and Austrian fare ranging from our Bavarian grill specialties to traditional treats and beverages including Gluehwein.
Rechristened as our new parish festival, Christkindlmarkt was sidelined in 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic but returned with expanded offerings including a Viennese coffee house and additional options for vendors.
Held the Saturday following Thanksgiving, the beginning of the Advent season, it offers visitors a chance to reconnect with their neighbors in a relaxed but festive setting and vendors the opportunity to present their offerings at the outset of the Christmas shopping season.
2022 Programming

Basement Brass Band
Returning this year with its magical performance of classics from central Europe and beyond, Basement Brass Band will take the Marktplatz Stage from 5 PM until close.
2022 Sponsors
2022 Vendors

Custom Pens by Mike Green
Hand made artisan fountain pens by Delano's Mike Green

Jan & Joe Kittock
Jewelry and wood carvings from Delano

Bickerstaff Bees
Honey, raw honeycomb, pollem, & beeswax candles from Mound, MN

Kumihimp Jewelry
Necklaces, bracelets, keychains and prayer afghans.