By 1808Delaware
The scent of warm spiced wine, sausages, pretzels and holiday sweets will drift through Downtown Dublin this winter as the city welcomes its first full-scale European-style Christmas market. Christkindlmarkt Dublin will open Saturday, November 21 and continue through Christmas Eve at Riverside Crossing Park, 6625 Riverside Drive. Admission will be free. Set at the base of the Dublin Link pedestrian bridge, the market will combine German-inspired food and drink with artisan gifts, entertainment, seasonal activities and a series of annual collectibles intended to become part of the event’s identity.
Several Years in the Making
The market follows a planning process that began with a city feasibility study in 2022. Dublin later conducted a competitive selection process and chose Christkindlmarkt Dublin LLC to develop and operate the event. The inaugural market will run across a 34-day holiday period, although it will normally be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Organizers hope it will attract day visitors and overnight guests while giving Central Ohio residents something closer to the traditional outdoor Christmas markets found across Germany and other parts of Europe.
The food offerings announced so far include German pretzels, sausages, schnitzel and Käsespätzle, a comfort-food dish made with noodles and cheese. Visitors will also find Glühwein, the warm, spiced wine closely associated with German Christmas markets, along with hot chocolate and other seasonal drinks.
Organizers are building the experience around two German ideas. Gemütlichkeit describes warmth, comfort, friendliness and belonging. Freude means joy or delight.
A New Collecting Tradition
The Dublin market will introduce its first limited-edition Glühwein mug during the 2026 season. A different mug will be produced each year and available only during that particular market season. Annual ornaments are also planned, giving visitors a way to build a collection as the event returns.
The idea borrows from European markets where distinctive mugs often become souvenirs in their own right. Visitors can use the mug for Glühwein, hot chocolate or another drink and take it home as a keepsake.
Specific vendors, entertainment and special activities have not yet been announced. Organizers say those details will be released as opening day approaches.
Dublin Is Looking for Its First Christkind
The market is also introducing a Christkind Scholarship Program for high school and college students. The Christkind is a traditional Christmas figure in many German-speaking communities. Dublin’s inaugural Christkind will welcome visitors, participate in the opening ceremony and make appearances at the market and other community events. Applicants must submit an essay of at least 500 words by Friday, October 2. Interviews are scheduled for October 12 through October 16. The selected Christkind must be available for 20 two-hour appearances between November 18 and December 24, including a preview event on November 18 and the opening ceremony at 10:30 AM on November 21.
The winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Two runners-up will each receive $500 and may also be invited to participate in special events and media appearances.
When the Market Will Be Open
Regular market hours will be:
- Wednesday and Thursday from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Monday and Tuesday closed
The market will open from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Wednesday, November 25, but will be closed on Thanksgiving.
During Christmas week, it will add special hours from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Monday, December 21 through Wednesday, December 23. It will open from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Christmas Eve. On-street parking and Downtown Dublin’s public garages will serve the market, including the Bridge Park, Bridge Park West and Rock Cress garages.
A Winter Use for the Riverfront
Riverside Crossing Park already connects Historic Dublin and Bridge Park through its plazas, trails, event lawn and the Dublin Link. The Christkindlmarkt will give the riverfront a new role during the weeks when outdoor public spaces are usually quieter. It will also place the market within walking distance of Downtown Dublin restaurants, stores and hotels, allowing visitors to combine the event with a larger afternoon, evening or weekend visit.
Dublin has built its regional identity around events such as the Dublin Irish Festival. This time, the city is trying something different: taking an old European winter tradition and giving it a permanent place beside the Scioto River.
