This December, the heart of Old Colorado City will transform into a festive wonderland as the German American Chamber of Commerce – Colorado Chapter (GACC-CO) unveils the first-ever Old Colorado City Christkindlmarket. Inspired by the centuries-old German tradition of open-air Christmas markets, this new event romises to bring holiday cheer, joy, and cultural richness to the Colorado Springs community.
Set in Bancroft Park from December 11–14 and 18–23, the OCC Christkindl market will feature 10 vendors in handcrafted wooden huts, authentic German food and drinks, twinkling lights, and live entertainment. Step into the cozy Bank of America Alpenhütte to escape the chill, savor authentic German cuisine, and enjoy festive live performances. Free and open to all, the Market is designed to be a welcoming space for families, friends, and visitors to gather and celebrate the season.
The OCC Christkindlmarket is more than just a festive event. It’s a mission-driven initiative aimed at creating lasting economic and cultural impacts. The Market will prioritize local partnerships, featuring vendors, artists, and performers from the region. The goal is to build a sustainable holiday tradition that reflects the unique spirit of Colorado Springs.
“The GACC-CO wanted to take the Denver Christkindlmarket’s success of strengthening the city’s culture and economic opportunities to Colorado Springs by producing a Christkindlmarket that reflects its extraordinary community and adds to the magic of the holiday season,” says Samantha Seems, Executive Director of the GACC-CO. Colorado Springs has a rich and unique heritage built upon the spirit of Gold Rush pioneers, Olympic hopefuls, and dedicated military personnel and families, many who have been stationed at bases in Germany. With over 20% of Colorado Springs residents claiming German ancestry, the city is a natural fit for this authentic market. Old Colorado City, known for its historic charm and vibrant arts district, was chosen as the ideal location. “The arts district is committed to preserving history and culture,” Seems adds, “and we see this Market as a way to celebrate that heritage while creating something new and joyful.”
Among the curated vendors is Wimberger’s Old World Bakery, a beloved Colorado Springs gem known for its traditional German baked goods. Owner Ulli Wimberger is excited to be part of the inaugural market. “I’ve been wanting this for several years. There was no doubt in my mind. I said yes right away, explains Ulli. The cultural connection to German heritage was a driving force behind the decision to get involved in the Market. “I don’t want people to forget our heritage. This is my way of bringing a little bit of home to Colorado Springs.”
Wimberger’s will have a wonderful selection “all things German” at the Old Colorado City Christkindlmarket. Whether you’re looking for homemade Dresdner Stollen, German chocolate, Lebkuchen, German Christmas cookies, Weinbrandbohnen, or fresh pastries, plan on stopping by to pick up some authentic German holiday treats.
Other vendors include Stein Haven, offering authentic German beer steins; Bob’s Roasted Nuts, with Bavarian-style cinnamon almonds and pecans; Christmas in Manitou, featuring personalized ornaments and handcrafted figurines; Würzpott, offering spice blends created in Germany; Wander Haus, with handmade earrings, ornaments and apparel, and Sarina’s Gifts, selling handknitted hats and mittens. Each vendor brings a unique piece of German tradition and local artistry to the market.
The OCC Christkindlmarket will also feature a robust entertainment lineup, including performances by Alan Polivka, Rudy Da Polka Guy, and other local musicians. Sundays are designated Family Days, with kid-friendly activities like story time with local news anchors from Fox21 and visits from the Christkind, Nikolaus, and Krampus.
Visitors can warm up in the heated Bank of America Alpenhütte and enjoy warm drinks like Glühwein (mulled wine) and savor traditional German dishes such as bratwurst, sauerkraut, goulash soup, Currywurst, and potato pancakes from food vendors Germans Pretzelkings and I.R. Chef. Join the GACC-CO in creating a new and long-lasting holiday tradition in Colorado Springs. The Christkindlmarket is designed to reflect the community’s values by celebrating heritage, supporting local businesses, and bringing people together during a magical time of year.
Whether you’re a longtime resident, a newcomer, or just visiting for the holidays, the Old Colorado City Christkindlmarket offers the chance to experience the warmth and wonder of a German-style Christmas market right in your backyard.
Be part of the magic on Friday, December 12th at 5:30 PM for the official OCC Christkindlmarket Opening Ceremony & Tree Lighting, a festive start to this new holiday tradition in Old Colorado City!
Old Colorado City Christkindlmarket Event Details
- Location: Bancroft Park, 2408 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
- Dates: Dec. 11–14 and 18–23
- Hours: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. daily
- Admission: Free
For more information, vendor details, and entertainment updates, visit
occchristkindlmarket.com.
