Christkindlmarkt is a German word that means “Christ child market”. It is a festive outdoor market that celebrates the advent season and the Christmas spirit. Christkindlmarkt originated in Germany in the Middle Ages and has since spread to many other countries and regions. It is a place where people can enjoy delicious food and drinks, shop for handmade crafts and gifts, listen to live music and entertainment, and have fun with family and friends.
Christkindlmarkt on the Bund
A Winter Wonderland in Shanghai
In 2021, Shanghai hosted one of the best and most authentic Christkindlmarkts in China at the Rockbund near the Bund. The Rockbund is a historical and cultural district that features a mix of old and new architecture, art galleries, museums, restaurants, and hotels. The Christkindlmarkt on the Bund transformed the Rockbund into a winter wonderland with over 30 stalls, a merry-go-round, a giant Christmas tree, and festive decorations. The market was open every weekend from December 10th to December 26th, as well as on Christmas Eve. Thousands of visitors came to experience the magic of a traditional German Christmas market in Shanghai.
Creating Experiences for Everyone
The Christkindlmarkt on the Bund offered something for everyone, from foodies to shoppers to kids. Here are some of the main elements of the event that made it unique and memorable.
Food and Drinks:
The market featured a variety of regional specialties from Germany and other countries, such as sausages, pretzels, roasted chestnuts, stollen, gingerbread, crepes, waffles, raclette cheese, and more. Of course, no Christkindlmarkt would be complete without Glühwein (mulled wine), which was served in souvenir mugs. There were also other beverages available, such as hot chocolate, coffee, tea, beer, cider, and schnapps.
Crafts and Gifts:
The market showcased a range of handmade crafts and gifts from local and international vendors, such as candles, ornaments, jewelry, accessories, toys, books, cards, wrapping paper, etc. There were also some unique items that reflected the German culture and history, such as nutcrackers, wooden figurines, cuckoo clocks, beer steins, etc. The market was a great place to find some original and quality gifts for yourself or your loved ones.
Music and Entertainment:
The market provided live music and entertainment throughout the event, featuring various genres and styles of music from classical to pop to rock. There were also performances by choirs, bands, solo artists, DJs, etc. Some of the highlights included Madalitso (a Malawian duo that plays traditional African instruments), Paulaner Brass Band (a German brass band that plays festive tunes), Shanghai Singers (a local choir that sings Christmas carols), etc. The music and entertainment added to the festive atmosphere and brought joy to the visitors.
Activities for Kids:
The market catered to kids as well as adults by offering various activities for them to enjoy. There was a merry-go-round that was free for kids under 12 years old. There was also a Santa Claus who visited the market on the weekends to grant wishes and take photos with the kids. In addition, there were some vendors that offered sensory play and other activities for kids, such as Grow With Me (a children’s education center), Caillou (a children’s clothing brand), BISOUBEBE (a children’s toy brand), etc.
Christkindlmarkt Success Story: Connecting German Culture to China
The Christkindlmarkt on the Bund was a success story that demonstrated how a traditional German cultural event can be adapted and integrated into a modern Chinese city. The market attracted not only expats and foreigners but also locals and Chinese who were curious and interested in learning more about the German culture and traditions. The market also created a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue between different communities and groups in Shanghai. The market was not only a commercial event but also a social event that fostered friendship and goodwill among people.
The market also received positive feedback and reviews from both visitors and media outlets. Some of the comments from visitors included:
- “Bigger this year and better. More stalls. There’s a merry-go-round this year.”
- “One of Shanghai’s best and most authentic Christmas markets.”
- “A cozy atmosphere where part of the Market is outdoors.”
- “A great neighbourhood market to enjoy with family and friends.”
Some of the media outlets that covered the market included:
- SmartShanghai: “One of Shanghai’s best and most authentic Christmas markets is back at it’s new location, the Rockbund near the Bund.”
- Tripadvisor: “Awesome German Market.”
- Time Out Shanghai: “A festive outdoor market that celebrates the advent season and the Christmas spirit.”
The market also achieved impressive statistics and results, such as:
- Over 30,000 visitors in total
- Over 10,000 mugs sold
- Over 5,000 liters of Glühwein consumed
- Over 3,000 sausages eaten
- Over 1,000 photos taken with Santa
What make Christkindlmarkt Special in 2021?
As a German Events Marketing Agency, we are proud to have organized and managed the Christkindlmarkt on the Bund in 2021. We have over 10 years of experience in creating and delivering high-quality and authentic German events in China. We have a team of experts and professionals who are passionate and dedicated to making every event a memorable and enjoyable one. We have a network of partners and suppliers who are reliable and trustworthy. We have a vision and mission to promote and share the German culture and traditions with the Chinese audience.
Location
We chose the Rockbund as the location for the market because it is a historical and cultural district that offers a stunning view of the Bund and the skyline. It is also a convenient and accessible location that is close to public transportation and other attractions. The Rockbund provided a perfect backdrop and setting for the market, creating a contrast and harmony between the old and the new, the east and the west.
Design
We designed the market with attention to detail and authenticity, using traditional wooden huts, festive decorations, lights, banners, etc. We also used eco-friendly materials and practices to reduce waste and environmental impact. We created a layout that was spacious and comfortable for visitors to walk around and explore. We also created a theme that was consistent and coherent throughout the market, using colors, logos, fonts, etc.
Content
We curated the content of the market with quality and diversity, selecting vendors and performers who offered products and services that were relevant and appealing to the visitors. We also ensured that the content reflected the German culture and history, as well as other cultures and regions. We also provided information and education about the origin and meaning of Christkindlmarkt, as well as some fun facts and trivia.
Experience
We enhanced the experience of the market with interaction and engagement, providing activities and entertainment for visitors of all ages. We also provided customer service and support for visitors who needed assistance or had questions. We also collected feedback and suggestions from visitors to improve our future events. We aimed to create an experience that was fun, festive, and friendly for everyone.
Why Should You Work with German Events Marketing Agency?
Event Marketing Agency Based in Shanghai
If you are looking for a professional, reliable, and creative agency to organize your next German event in China, look no further than German Events Marketing Agency. Here are some reasons why you should work with us:
