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On Saturday, December 10,  The Congregational Church (UCC) in Tryon held its first-ever Christkindlmarkt (Family Christmas Market), modeled on a beloved German tradition. In the church parking lot, tents went up, small evergreen trees were set out, tables and chairs were arranged, and two fire pits were stacked with wood, all in preparation for the event.  Some wondered if they were part of a movie set! 

As lights twinkled and music filled the air, a spirit of celebration was felt. There were 20 vendors, artisans, and crafters selling unusual and special wares. Haus Heidelberg came with its food truck with offerings including schnitzel, sauerkraut, and bratwurst; Guidon Brewing provided the beer. Gourmet cookies, jams and jellies, along with hot chocolate were sold under the Congregational Church tent. 

An offering of authentic home-baked “Laugenwecken” (pretzel bread) went like hotcakes. A children’s craft table kept little ones entertained while a four-piece band provided live Christmas music. Santa Claus indeed made an early stop and was seated under the pines or seen strolling through the market bringing smiles and cheer to the more than 400 people that came to spend time with friends and family and shopping for last-minute Christmas gifts. 

It was truly a community event, exemplifying the small-town neighborhood spirit where one meets a stranger who ends up becoming a friend, all in the blink of an eye. Activities started at 2 p.m., and there was hardly a trace of anything left by 9 p.m. 

Generators, graciously provided by Becker Electric, turned on the Christmas lights, music and hot chocolate. The tree stands borrowed from Edwards Landscaping for the pine forest helped set the stage for Santa. Volunteers from the community and church members made all this possible.

The glow of community and the spirit of Christmas were evident that day. 

Submitted by Ellen Harvey Zipf

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