This winter, the magic of a traditional German Christmas market will arrive in Old Colorado City for the first time. Modeled after centuries-old European markets, the OCC Christkindlmarket will bring the cozy, festive atmosphere of wooden vendor huts, twinkling lights, authentic German fare, and cheerful holiday spirit to Bancroft Park.
Colorado's First Expansion
The market is being put on by the German American Chamber of Commerce-Colorado Chapter, the same organization behind Denver’s Christkindlmarket, now entering its 25th year. The Colorado Springs location marks Colorado’s first expansion—a move years in the making.
“We’ve done the Denver market for 25 years. We actually serve all of Colorado,” says Samantha Seems, executive director of the Chamber’s Colorado chapter. “Annually, we estimate about 10,000 people from Colorado Springs visit the Denver market each year.”
More Intimate Event
Rather than replicate the scale of Denver’s downtown event, the Old Colorado City market is designed to feel more intimate and community-focused. With handcrafted wooden huts imported from Europe, the market will showcase a curated mix of local and German vendors, selling everything from handmade ornaments and body care products to imported spices, soaps and festive holiday gifts. Traditional German food will also be on the menu—including schnitzel, pot roast, latkes and roasted almonds.
“We’re starting out small,” Seems says. “We’re only doing 10 huts, 10 vendors. It’s a free event. There’s free entertainment every night. We want to encourage people to also shop in Old Colorado City.”
The idea for the market emerged from the Chamber’s desire to better serve the broader Colorado community. Colorado Springs, with its deep military ties and strong connection to German culture, was a natural fit. Many locals, including military families who have been stationed in Germany, have experienced Christkindlmarkets firsthand—and know the unique charm they offer.
“It’s been a long tradition,” Seems explains. “I think every single tiny town in Germany has a market.”
Warm + Welcoming
Unlike other holiday events in the U.S., Christkindlmarkets are defined by their atmosphere—warm, welcoming, and rich in cultural detail. From the imported huts to Glühwein served in commemorative mugs designed by a local artist, no detail has been overlooked.
“We really put a lot of thought into ‘How can we make this a community event?’” Seems says.
Each evening will feature live entertainment—from accordion players and traditional German bands to local musicians and DJs performing inside a heated tent serving as a beer garden. The park will be fully decorated, complete with background music and festive lights. Sundays will be family-friendly, with face painting and appearances by St. Nick on December 6 and a lighthearted Krampus on December 5.
“We’re definitely planning on decorating the park with lights and making it really cute and Christmas-y,” Seems adds.
For those who have attended Oktoberfest events in the past, Christkindlmarkets are different, but have some similarities: they are a place to gather, celebrate and create new traditions.
“It’s a lot more cozy vibe,” Seems says. “What you feel is similar—you meet up with friends, you meet up with family.”
The OCC Christkindlmarket runs Dec. 11-14 and 18-23 from noon to 8 pm.
Website: https://www.occchristkindlmarket.com/
Facebook + Instagram: @OCCChristkindlMarket