Texas Christkindl Market Marks 15 Years of Festive German Traditions

The Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington celebrated its 15th anniversary this year, bringing together the local community for a vibrant showcase of German holiday traditions. Held on December 16, 2025, the market features a variety of vendors, authentic German foods, and festive decorations, transforming the Arlington Entertainment District into a festive European atmosphere.

The tradition of Christmas markets originated in Germany during the 1500s, linked to the folklore of the Christkind, a figure known for delivering gifts to children. The concept migrated to the United States in the 1990s and 2000s, leading to the establishment of the Texas Christkindl Market by the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce.

Henry Lewczyk, the lead organizer, reflected on the market’s growth from a row of wooden huts to an integral part of Arlington’s holiday celebrations. “Every vendor here is like family,” Lewczyk stated. “They help promote the market and bring friends here. Every year, we come together for this 30- to 45-day period, and it’s just so exciting.”

The market not only signifies the holiday spirit but also underscores Arlington’s long-standing connections with Germany. For 74 years, Arlington has been a sister city to Bad Königshofen, a town in central Germany. More recently, it has established a friendship city relationship with Rothenburg ob der Tauber, which enhances the cultural ties celebrated at the market.

Visitors can indulge in a variety of authentic German foods and shop for gifts inspired by traditional German craftsmanship. Among the standout attractions is the Käthe Wohlfahrt shop, renowned for its traditional Christmas decorations. The store, part of a larger brand founded in the 1960s, showcases unique items that resonate with deep historical significance. Store manager Denise Shaw emphasized the appreciation customers have for the quality and craftsmanship of the products, noting, “People appreciate that and the craftsmanship. That’s why they come in.”

Small businesses play a vital role in the market’s offerings. For Ann Gorman, a vendor from Fort Worth, this year’s market marks her inaugural participation. Gorman showcases items from Crystalize Home, a Christmas ornament business based in Florida. “It’s a wonderful experience,” she shared. “For one, I love Christmas, and everybody has beautiful things to offer to everybody.”

The success of the Texas Christkindl Market can be attributed in part to the area’s military community. “The largest area of concentration for the U.S. military is in Germany,” Lewczyk explained. “Many of our veterans spent so much time in Germany that this was a good feeling for them to come and show their families what a Christmas market is like in Germany.”

After a few years, the market transitioned to the management of the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, allowing Lewczyk to step back. However, he returned to the market four years ago, expressing his enthusiasm for continuing to spread holiday joy. “It’s a labor of love,” he said.

As the Texas Christkindl Market continues to flourish, it stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of community and cultural celebration in Arlington, bridging connections between the United States and Germany during the festive season.