Photo by Fernando Mendigutia
Old World Europe and historic Prescott forged a new tradition in 2022, adding to the reason Prescott’s called Arizona’s Christmas City.
A German Christmas Village and Christkindlmarket on Goodwin Street Dec. 16 through Dec. 18 offered stalls filled with German-style food, candles, honey, jewelry and more.
Majestic Clydesdales offered carriage rides around the Yavapai County Courthouse, and kid-sized rides, activities and visits with St. Nicholas mingled with the rest of the festive offerings.
The market was alive with stage and roaming performers and, of course, a Bier Garten with beer and hot mulled wine.
Capturing the imagination of adults and the hearts of children were Kinder Lantern Parades, storytelling by Santa and Christkind — this fairy-like creature dressed in gold and white robes watched over the Christkindlmarket.
Folklore reaches back to the 1500s when a “grand” angel guided people through the holiday season. Christkind helps Santa out by hearing the wishes of children and bearing gifts to most children in German-speaking countries on Dec. 24.
The market was made possible through a grant from Experience Prescott Office of Tourism and sponsorships for various activities, including Desert Financial Credit Union and Hensley Beverage Company.
