GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The second annual Christkindl Markt has begun at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market.

The much-anticipated event opened to the public at 11 a.m. with twice as many vendors, twice as many holiday beverage options and twice as many curling sheets as the first year.

Vendor booths offer everything from alpaca fleece, soy candles, European sausage, homemade decor, sweet and savory crepes, raclette, Polish food, Greek delights, German Christmas favorites, pet accessories and more.

Like last year, the 2024 Christkindl Markt features year-specific commemorative glassware with two additional beverage options: a boot-shaped mug for gluhwein, a ceramic beer stein, and frosted eggnog and Champagne glasses. Add-ons are available for the gluhwein, hot chocolate and cider, like amaretto, Lillet and Irish cream.

If you purchased a commemorative glass last year, you can bring the glass back to receive the refill price on your drink.

A new Champagne bar — dubbed the Bubbles Bar — is located on the second floor of the Grand Rapids Downtown Market’s greenhouse.

After the first year, organizers improved the rentable chalets and set up Alpenglobes. They can be rented for three hours and seat up to eight people. They come with a server to skip the lines for a beverage. Exclusive food and beverage add-ons will be available. Reservations can be made here.

The number of curling stations has doubled to four. Each 38-foot synthetic “ice” sheet is stocked with eight curling stones. Market organizers recommend groups of up to eight people for reservations, which can be made here.

Just like the inaugural year, guests can buy s’mores in the information booth for $10 and roast them over an open fire.

The market will be open Wednesday through Sunday weekly and run through Dec. 23, with hours varying by day. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making appearances on Sundays.