Like Manila, many cities around Europe share the very festive Christmas tradition. As the holiday season nears, almost everyone celebrates their own special type of bazaar – The Christkindlmarket.

Though there were many holiday markets held in Europe, dating as early as the 1300s, The Christkindlmarket began in Germany and Austria, particularly in Nuremberg. Symbolizing the beginning of Advent, this market runs through the holiday season and is to date one of the biggest European Christmas traditions.

Usually located in the town square, it brings about an atmosphere for social gatherings and merriment throughout the community. With an estimate of around 250 stalls, these markets are visited by millions who are looking to shop, eat and gather. Many of the products sold are directly related to the season such as Christmas decorations, candles, toys, gingerbread, pastries, sausages and Gluhwein or hot wine to warm the tummy. 

Today, it has spread throughout the European continent and made its way to other countries such as the US and Canada. With its gaining popularity and similar nature to the local holiday bazaars done here, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) decided to merge the two traditions and bring the Christkindlmarket to Manila to give the Europeans living here a semblance of home while also sharing with Filipinos a slightly different market form the bazaars they are used to. 

Through Christkindlmarket Manila, ECCP aims to promote awareness and interest among Filipinos on European traditions and goods by giving them a chance to experience this European Christmas event in the Philippines. The market will be held at SM Mall of Asia skating rink to capture that crisp cold weather during the European Holiday. The market will also focus on selling European products which cannot be easily found in the Philippines. aside from the wonderful and unique products, the Christkindlemarket will also have live performances from choirs and dance groups many of which will come from the children enrolled in the European campuses around Metro. 

This is one unique holiday market you will not want to miss so come down the Ice Skating rink of the SM Mall of Asia from Dec. 3 to 9 to experience this one of a kind European holiday experience. 

For interested vendors/exhibitors or sponsors, you may contact the marketing officer at 8451324 loc. 231.

For inquiries, you may email info@christkindlmarket.com.ph.

Platinum sponsor is KLM while silver sponsors are Deutsche Bank, Smart Communications, Century properties, and Chateau 1771 Group of Restaurants. Media partners: The Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, Sense & Style, Breakfast Magazine, ClickTheCity.com, Crossover 105.1, Expat Travel & Lifestyle Magazine, Metro Society, Our Awesome Planet, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Rappler.com, Spot.ph, and Themall.ph. Program partner: Goethe-Institut Philippines. 

Source: The Philippine Star Sunday; People, Events; 21 October 2012