A traditional German market with local artisans and vendors will line Center street in Provo on Saturday Dec. 6 to celebrate Christmas through traditions from other cultures.
“Multiple community members approached us about a Provo Christmas Market, modeled after the German tradition,” said event coordinator Eric Layland.
A traditional German Christmas market, or Weihnachtsmarkt, features music and dancing as well as local food and craft vendors. Provo’s version of this Christmas market will host many of the same things, as well as a few additions.
This year there will be an ice carving demonstration sponsored by Google Fiber.
Santa and Mayor Curtis will light Center Street in a lighting ceremony at 6:30 pm. Afterward children can meet Santa and take a picture with him and meet Santa’s reindeer.
Live music will be provided throughout the night by several local artists and groups.
Christmas markets are a tradition in many European countries. Though the market is modeled after a German market, the event includes traditions and foods from many different cultures.
“We want to share with the public our French delicacies and get families who may not have the opportunity to travel overseas to at least taste some of the culture,” said Clémence Coleman, one of the community members who pushed for the Christmas market and a participating vendor.
Artisans and food vendors will line the street selling a variety of goods from hot chocolate and kettle corn to Korean food. There will be double the amount of vendors that there were last year giving residents an opportunity to do their Christmas shopping locally.
“It is an event aimed at everyone from families to students and older couples,” Coleman said
The event began last year in an effort to maintain the lighting ceremony and include traditions from around the world.
Attendance to the event is free and will be on Center Street from 4-8 pm. Prices for vendor goods will vary.
“We hope it encourages individuals to come together as a community to support local business, enjoy food and music, and celebrate the holiday season,” Layland said.
