Christkindlmarkt returns to downtown Belleville Friday. Here’s the schedule

As Santa Claus returns to downtown Belleville on Friday, the Belleville Christkindlmarkt opens for its 12th year on the Public Square. The outdoor German market will again provide more than 30 vendors featuring unique gifts and handcrafted goods, food and beverages, entertainment and activities.

Here’s the schedule:

Christkindlmarkt Hours

• 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28
• 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 29 through Dec. 22
• 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 30 through Dec. 21
• 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23

Entertainment & Activities

All events Friday, Nov. 28, through Tuesday, Dec. 23, at Belleville’s Public Square

• Free Horse-drawn Trolley Rides: 5-8 p.m. Fridays and noon to 6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
• Rainbow Ranch Petting Zoo: 1-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
• The Wurst Bavarian Band: 1-3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28
• Belleville East Madrigal Singers: 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7
• German Cultural Society of St. Louis: 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20
• Belleville Philharmonic Brass: 4-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20
• Wir Tanzen German Folk Dancers: 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21

Santa’s House

Santa comes to Belleville on Friday, making his entrance with Mrs. Claus at the annual Santa Claus Parade.

The parade begins at 10 a.m. and will travel from North 3rd and West A streets, moving along to East Main Street. Santa will then settle in at his house at 24 Public Square.

Here’s when folks can visit:

• 1-4:30 p.m. and 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28
• 6-8:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday until Christmas week
• Noon to 5 p.m. and 6-8:30 p.m. Saturdays. Opens 1 p.m. Dec. 6
• Noon to 3 p.m. and 3:30-6 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 14
• Noon to 2:30 p.m., 3-5 p.m. and 6:8:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21
• Noon to 5 p.m. and 6-8:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22, and Tuesday, Dec. 23
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24

For more information, visit bellevillesantahouse.com.

Vendors

The following vendors will be open at the Public Square during regular Christkindlmarkt hours:

• Abe’s Gourmet Popcorn
• Abigail’s Candle Company
• Algeria Studios
• Angel & Miner
• Austin’s Mohair Socks
• Babushka’s Polish Foods
• Belleville Sister Cities
• Brick Pick
• The Hay Loft
• Irie Elements
• Kimberly Smith art+design
• Moon Glory Gears
• New York Puzzle Company
• Night Raven Herbal Teas
• Peeping Tom’s Cottage
• Rovals Décor
• Signs, Schield, Delivered
• Siostra Polish Pottery
• Unique Ornaments & Gifts
• Waterfall Glen Soap Company
• Welcome Gnome
• Whimzy Collection

Additional vendors will be at the market on select days.

• Cora Worthington Art, Dec. 18-23
• Darling Dove, Dec. 11-14, 18-23
• Delicious Bites, Nov. 28-30; Dec. 4-7, 11-14
• Earth & Fire Creations, Dec. 11-14
• F&M Printables, Nov. 28-30
• Harriett’s Sweet Treats, Nov. 28-30; Dec. 11-14
• Knock on Wood, Nov. 28-20; Dec. 18-23
• Mix N Up KC, Dec. 4-7
• Perfectly Plated, Dec. 4-7
• The Shoelace Factory, Dec. 4-7
• Sweetcakes Custom Cakes & Treats, Dec. 18-23

For more information about Belleville Christkindlmarkt, visit bellevillechristkindlmarkt.com.

This story was originally published November 25, 2025 at 5:30 AM.