More than Just Bells and Elves in Hermann this Christmas Season!
We are gearing up to celebrate Christmas! The holiday season in Hermann is full of traditional music and events that the whole family can enjoy. Here is an in-depth look at some of the exciting activities and events happening around town this holiday season!
Kristkindl Markt at Stone Hill Winery
Experience a traditional German Christmas Market at the Stone Hill Winery. The Kristkindl Markt is open to the public on December 4th and 5th and is a free event. With 20+ vendors selling handmade goods, home decor, baked foods, wicker baskets, blown glass and more, it’s the perfect arena to find a unique gift for Christmas. This year Suppertime Bakery, recently featured in the 2021 Martha Stewart Holiday Edition for their Springerle cookies, will also be in attendance!
The market is hosted in the Sherry house, an enclosed heated space,and features mulled wine and carolers from the local High School choir. The market is open from 10am to 5pm on December 4th and 5th so there is plenty of time to explore everything it has to offer!
Christkindl Markt at Hermannhof Festhalle
European culture is rich at the Christkindl Markt at Hermannhof Festhalle. Held near the riverfront in the Festhalle at the Inn at Hermannhof, this market is the place to find one-of-a-kind European inspired holiday gifts. Several vendors will be present at the event held on December 11th and 12th. The market will be held from 10am to 4pm; contact for ticket information.
Sounds of Starkenburg Concerts
Revel in the majestic sounds of the historic Pfeffer Pipe Organ at the Sounds of Starkenburg Concerts. With two shows being held on Saturday, November 27th, the Sounds of Starkenburg pairs the traditional music of the pipe organ with a medley of guest vocalists and musicians making for a harmonious experience. The concerts are held at the historic St. Martin’s Church in nearby Starkenburg and is a beloved holiday tradition in Hermann. The concert also includes a Soup Supper in between shows which provides a variety of soups, perfect for the cold weather, as well as a collection of desserts. The concerts will be held at 3pm and 6pm on Saturday, November 27th, with the Soup Supper taking place from the hours of 4pm to 6pm.
Spirit of CHRISTmas Concerts at Starkenburg
Celebrate the reason for the season with music. Attending on oof the Spirit of CHRISTmas Concerts is a magical music experience featuring the melodic voice stylings of mezzo-soprano singer Carrie Kirchhofer-Tilly paired with Jonie Loehnig on the 1860 Pfeffer pipe organ. The duo will be performing on Friday and Saturday, December 10 and 11th at 2:30pm at the historic St. Martin’s Church. Groups are welcome and tickets are available: $7 for adults and $4 for anyone under the age of 18.
Holiday House Tour
It isn’t Christmas without lights and festive decor! The Holiday House Tours are a long-standing Hermann tradition continuing this season! Featuring eight beautifully decorated local houses, this is a chance to tour the town and see the sights. The tour will be held Saturday, December 4th, from 2pm – 7pm and will include a cookie and cider reception hosted by the Visitor Information Center at Amtrak. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at https://visithermann.square.site.
Tablescapes
Get inspired by the festive holiday decor adorning tables set up in the Rotunda at City Park. A nominal $5 gets you access to an assortment of displays sure to inspire your table setting style just in time for Christmas dinner! From elegant to country, the displays are sure to surprise and delight the entire family!
German Bake Sale at Historic Hermann Museum
Indulge a little at the annual German Bake Sale! A beloved tradition in Hermann, the German Bake Sale features holiday treats guaranteed to delight. Bakers are preparing their creative treats to fill the Gift Shop for the annual sale, held at the Historic Hermann Museum, . Take a look at the offered treats on Saturday, December 4th from 10am to 4pm and Sunday, December 5th noon-4pm; the event is free and open to the public with plenty of goodies available for purchase.
WEIHNACHTSFEST
Celebrate a traditional 19th century German Christmas during the first two weekends in December at Deutschheim State Historic Site. A free open house will be held at the 1840 Pommer House, which will be decorated with Christmas trees adorned with authentic German ornaments. Sample traditional German Christmas springerle cookies and learn how the Christmas customs of the German immigrants became American traditions we still celebrate today.
Depending on the weather, gifts may be for sale in the garden behind the visitor center. Items will include springerle cookie molds and rolling pins, recipe books, imported German pop-up cards, children’s books, and ornaments for your seasonal gift giving.
Plan Your Visit
With all these festive activities and events, there are plenty of options to put your loved ones in the holiday mood in historic Hermann. The holiday season is big and beloved in Hermann and this is your chance to experience all of it! Start planning your trip or contact the Visitor Information Center at Amtrak at 573-789-0771 with questions.
