German American Central Society's Kristkindlmarkt returning to Peoria

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) -- The German American Central Society is bringing an old tradition back to Peoria for the holiday season.

On Saturday, Nov. 15 and Sunday, Nov. 16, the community can experience the Peoria Kristkindlmarkt at the Exposition Gardens, society spokesperson Melissa Stewart said.

She said Kristkindlmarkts, or German Christmas Markets, are a centuries-old tradition that began in the 15th Century. It is typically an outdoor street market associated with the celebration of Christmas during the four weeks of Advent.

Originally, the market was held to bring church-goers together to share homemade Christmas crafts such as nutcrackers, tree ornaments, toys and more, Stewart said. Over the years, the Christmas markets have expanded to many other European countries and, more recent