Image: Pwstadtmarketing, CC

A Christkindlmarkt (that’s the southern Bavarian word for “Christmas Market”) featuring local makers selling their goods to shoppers will debut at Lazy Monk Brewing on the first three Saturdays in December. Theresa Frank, who owns The Lazy Monk with her husband, Leos, said “The first documented open winter market on or near Dec. 25 was held in 1310 in Munich, Germany. Original celebrations included gathering around the church with song, food and small gifts. These were such a hit with the local populations that people would come and ‘set up shop’ in the streets around the churches where they would sell homemade crafts.” Frank and her husband decided to bring the tradition to Eau Claire, knowing their customer base would appreciate an event featuring local vendors selling locally made goods. “We have an amazing following at the brewery of people vested in this community and look(ing) to support local.  We are supplying a venue for our customers to attend that will allow them one-stop shopping while encouraging them to buy local and from small businesses.” Vendors will be selling a wide variety of products, including candles, Ukrainian eggs, rugs, homemade greeting cards, toffee, soaps, jewelry, wood crafts, glass-blown ornaments, breads, sausages, cheeses, cookies, and much more. Frank said some of the vendors include Gingerbread Jersey Cheese, Piirakkoi, Riverglass, Woodworth’s Fine Toffee, Vintage Victoria, Frolic Fiber Co., CS King Jewelry, Fat Bottom Glass, Mike’s Star Market, 52 Bakery, Mayana Chocolates, Goodies Sweet Treats and More, Chicory Lane and Co., EcoUrban Timber, Together Farms, Nick’s Wood Shop, and Stone Birdhouses and Planters. Some vendors will be at all three Christkindlmarkt events, and some will be there for just one or two, so each Saturday is sure to be a shopping surprise. 

Lazy Monk Brewing Christkindlmarkt • Saturdays, Dec. 3, 10, and 17, 12-5pm • Lazy Monk Brewing, 97 W. Madison St., Eau Claire • lazymonkbrewing.com