GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Finding perfect gifts for your loved ones and eating your way through a whole host of European-style food might be the stars of the show at the inaugural Christkindl Markt in Grand Rapids, but an important supporting cast member is all the music you’ll hear as you stroll through the market.
The Christmas market, held at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market from now until Dec. 23 on every Wednesday through Sunday, will feature a wide variety of local musicians both indoors and outside.
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Some of these groups embrace the European inspiration for the Christkindl Markt, like the Muskegon-based Alpine horn ensemble, Alphorngruppe Alpentraum. Musicians in this group play 12-foot-long wooden horns, made famous in the Swiss Alps.
Other musical groups performing during the Christkindl Markt include the Strolling Original Dickens Carolers, the Grand Rapids Symphony, the Jenison High School choir and the River Rogues Jazz Band.
See below for a list of musical performances set for the first two weeks of the Christkindl Markt in Grand Rapids. A full entertainment schedule is available online at christkindlmarktgr.com/entertainment.
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Saturday, Nov. 18:
Noon – Alphorngruppe Alpentraum performing on main stage
2 p.m. – Alphorngruppe Alpentraum performing on main stage
3 p.m. Grand Rapids Chorus of Sweet Adelines performing on main stage
4 p.m. – Alphorngruppe Alpentraum performing on main stage
5 p.m. Strolling Original Dickens Carolers
6:30 p.m. – Alphorngruppe Alpentraum performing on main stage
7 p.m. Dueling Pianos performing on main stage
Sunday, Nov. 19:
12:15 p.m. – Blue Water Ramblers performing on main stage
3 p.m. – Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus performing on the main stage
5:30 p.m. – Strolling Original Dickens Carolers
Wednesday, Nov. 22:
No musical entertainment, closing early at 5 p.m. for Thanksgiving
The Christkindl Markt is closed on Thanksgiving.
Friday, Nov. 24:
Noon – Alphorngruppe Alpentraum performing on main stage
2 p.m. – Alphorngruppe Alpentraum performing on main stage
4 p.m. – Alphorngruppe Alpentraum performing on main stage
5:30 p.m. – Alphorngruppe Alpentraum performing on main stage
6 p.m. Strolling Grand Rapids Caroling Company
Saturday, Nov. 25:
Noon – Alphorngruppe Alpentraum performing on main stage
2 p.m. – Alphorngruppe Alpentraum performing on main stage
4 p.m. – Alphorngruppe Alpentraum performing on main stage
6 p.m. – Alphorngruppe Alpentraum performing on main stage
Sunday, Nov. 26:
Time TBD: Nutcracker characters meet and greet
In December, musical entertainment at the Christkindl Markt includes the Grand Rapids Women’s Chorus, Spanish carol singer Villancicos Navideños, the Schubert Male Chorus of Grand Rapids, the Grand Rapids Youth Chorus, the Wyoming High School Honor Choir and the Bierkeller Boys Oompah Band.
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