Schulz Bräu Brewing is one of the more unique breweries in town. With its castle towers and architecture and commitment to authentic German beers and fare, you won’t quickly forget your visit there. They debuted their first take on a German Christmas Market in 2021. It wasn’t on my radar until this year, and I cannot believe this was my first time to attend.
There are many reasons I could tell you to go check it out next weekend for the very last market day of the season, but the pictures tell it all.
I went twice this year. Walking in at night felt like walking into a different world. Twinkling lights, real Christmas trees, wooden stalls for vendors, holiday music, laughter, periodic “snow,” igloos, firepits and rocking chairs…
We weren’t sure what to do the first night, so we just jumped in line inside and got our regular drink orders. Drinks in hand, we explored this wonderland. They had a separate line outside for German waffles, hot chocolate (spike and non-spiked), Glühwein and various cinnamon-roasted nuts while still serving their usual German fare across the way. The wait was rather long, so we didn’t get any food then. I did some shopping as they had lots of German imported Christmas candies and cookies.
We took our kids back during the day this weekend and took advantage of all the freshly made treats while sitting by a firepit and listening to some Christmas carols and some 90s country. The waits were still a bit long, but the lines moved fast enough, and the entertainment was so good that you did not mind waiting to get your hands on the freshly made items. I had my first taste of Glühwein and found a new Christmas favorite! Next year, we’ll make it to the Glühwein tapping.
I loved watching the children’s faces light up with joy when the ‘snow’ would drift down from the top of the buildings. Here’s hoping we get a little of the real, white stuff this season!
The musicians changed by the day, and they showed Christmas movies on Sundays. Their social media posted the schedule for each day. Visits by Krampus helped keep the naughty kids and adults behaving, while visits from Santa rewarded the nice.
In keeping with the tradition of the original German Christmas markets (Did you know the earliest one dates back to the 1400s?), the vendors were local folks and offered handmade goods for purchase. Yes, I did take advantage of that, and so did my girls, each walking away with a new lip balm and me with a couple of gifts not to be named here in case the recipient is reading!
You’ve got one last chance to check it out before it goes away for another season. Dec 23rd and 24th are the last days of the market. 11-8 on the 23rd and 11-6 on the 24th.
My love of Christmas magic was stoked and fulfilled at the Christkindlesmakt this year. Next year, we will do it again, plan ahead, and rent out an igloo. Who is coming with me?
