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You can experience a European-style market close to home in Hermann, Mo., one of the most authentically German towns outside of Germany. Best of all, it's just a little more than an hour west of St. Louis.
The holiday season kicks off Nov. 27 in Hermann with the Children's Lantern Parade through the Downtown Historic District, then it goes into high gear the first two weekends of December with a flurry of holiday activities, including two delightful Christmas markets with distinct Old World touches.
The annual Christmas lantern parade through Downtown Hermann starts at 6:30 p.m. tonight.
In Germany, the traditional festival of lanterns celebrates the generosity and compassion of Martin of Tours, a German knight who gave half his coat to a beggar.
The parade starts and ends at the Clara Eitmann Messmer Amphitheatre at 5th and Gutenberg. After the parade, participants may join in singing Christmas carols and enjoy refreshments. All ages are welcome to participate.
On November 27, a holiday organ concert will be held at 2 and 7 p.m. at St. Martin’s Museum Church in Starkenburg, located two miles north of Highway 94 near Rhineland. Barry Bierwirth, a talented musician who is a Hermann native now living in St. Louis, will play the church’s historic Pfeffer Pipe Organ. He will be joined by another Hermann native, Carrie Kirchhofer Tilly, who will perform several solos during the concert
The Kristkindl Markt at the Stone Hill Winery Pavilion will be Dec. 4 and 5. The traditional German-style market features arts, crafts, carolers, baked goods, hot soups and cider. The next weekend, Dec. 11 and 12, brings the Kristkindl Markt at the Hermannhof Festhalle. This market oozes European ambience with its setting and decorations.
Both weekends feature the special German Bakery at the Historic Hermann Museum at the German School. Local bakers outdo one another to provide the best of traditional German holiday treats — stollen, lebkuchen, pfeffernuesse, springerle, schnitzbrot, mondelschnitz and more. Judie Klinger bakes Wild Persimmon Black Walnut Steamed Pudding from a recipe she has developed; OK, so it's not exactly German, but it is delicious. Enjoy music and mulled cider, and take a tour of the recently renovated museum.
Weihnachtfest at Deutschheim State Historic Site also is held both weekends. This special holiday celebration gives a glimpse of a traditional German Christmas as celebrated by early German settlers in Missouri. Tour the historic site, see antique toy displays and table trees with period decorations, and enjoy music, German Christmas cookies and more.
A local tradition that is gathering fans from around the state is the tour of the St. George Catholic Church Rectory, Dec. 11 and 12. The historic rectory is decorated with an eye-popping collection of trees, nativities, angels, topiaries, ornaments, wreaths, garlands and bows.
Other events include the Lewis and Clark Christmas Dec. 3 and 4 at the Festhalle. The St. Charles Corps of Discovery re-enactors celebrate with period exhibits, dinner and a military ball. The annual Holiday House Tour will be the afternoon of Dec. 4.
Hermann is in the heart of wine country, and the Hermann Wine Trail is an integral part of the festivities. The Holiday Fare Wine Trail is Sunday, and the Say Cheese Wine Trail is Dec. 11 and 12.
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A Christmas dinner, starting at 6:30 p.m., followed by a military ball at 8, is open to the public. Tickets are $28 and can be purchased at the Hermann Welcome Center or by calling 800-932-8687. Period dress is encouraged but not required; seating is limited.
The annual St. George Rectory tour is scheduled for Dec. 11 and 12 from noon until 8 p.m. This is one of Hermann’s very special Holiday activities. Father William Debo and parishioners from St. George Catholic Church have worked countless hours to create a spectacular old world Christmas display that sparkles with candles, music, traditional art and décor, and dozens of Christmas trees. A good will offering at the door will help fund the Hermann Ministerial Alliance’s efforts to assist needy residents.
The first Say Cheese Wine Trail will be held December 11-12 at seven wineries in and around Hermann where cheese dishes are paired with wine. Tickets are $30 and can be bought at the Welcome Center or online.
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http://HermannHearsay.blogspot.com/(Hermann Area News, Commentary & Discussion)
Good article, PR2011! Can't find stuff like this at other local websites! I get bored with their obituaries, firetruck chasing stories and car wreck stories!
ReplyDeleteQuincy McGoo