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Christkindlmarket debuts in downtown Milwaukee

Posted at 6:13 AM, Nov 19, 2018
and last updated 2018-11-19 07:16:25-05

Outside of Fiserv Forum, the plaza was transformed into a traditional German holiday market called the Christkindlmarket.

The market is the first major outdoor event held on the plaza and organizer said the opening weekend was a big success. An estimated 15-20,000 people strolled through the plaza on opening day alone.

"It's been amazing we couldn't have asked for a warmer welcome," said Kate Bleeker, director of German American Events.

Djuro Rodic is the Co-Owner of Angelic Roots, a local small business that specializes in handcrafted crystal jewelry and art. They said within the first two days, they were already running out of inventory.

"We will be working like elves and marking more of our products and marking sure we have new products as well," said Rodic.   

Many visitors went for the handcrafted gifts like Steven whose mother grew up in Germany. He was searching for a traditional nutcracker.

"It's a family tradition," said Steven.

Along with handcrafted items, others went for the mouth-watering food, melted cheese, pretzels, brats and hot chocolate. Eight-year-old Logan said he was excited to visit the market for the first time. 

"It's kind of exciting and I see all these places to get food and stuff and it's kind of awesome," said Logan. 

Four-legged friends and their humans were all dressed for the cold weather but visitors said despite it feeling frigid outside, the market has a way of warming the spirit.  
   
 "It feels very warm here because it just like everyone feels that same kind of love," an attendee said.  

The Christkindlmarket is open until December 31st.