Events

Christkindlmarkt Schedule of Events

All times listed are Eastern Time.
No admission fees to events or markt sites.

6:30 pm | Opening Ceremony & Dinner
Location: Monastery Immaculate Conception
Herald in the Markt! The Christkind Angel appears from the crypt of the Monastery Immaculate Conception during the performance enhanced by trumpeters and tradition! This outdoor, candlelit opening ceremony is free followed by the Sisters of St. Benedict Bake Sale.
A plated dinner with live piano entertainment in the historic Monastery follows the opening ceremony. Be sure to reserve your spot! Tickets are $35/person and can be purchased at the link below:

10:00 am-11:30 am, 12:30 pm-3:00 pm | Saturday
12:30 pm-3:00 pm | Sunday
Location: Monastery Immaculate Conception Church
Take a free guided tour of the incredible Monastery Immaculate Conception Church at the home of one of the largest communities of Benedictine women! Experience what locals call the "Castle on the Hill."

11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm | Glockenspiel
Location: Forest Park High School Auditorium
You don't want to miss this! A cuckoo clock comes to life at the top of the hour!

10:00 am - 12:00 pm | Balloon Twisting
Location: Ferdinand Library
Come experience the magic as Non & Pop make your favorite things out of balloons! Free of charge.

12:15 pm, 1:15 pm, 3:15 pm | Saturday
11:15 am, 1:15 pm | Sunday
Location: Forest Park High School Auditorium
Since 1952, the Melchior Marionettes have been performing throughout the US, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Asia. Join 3rd generation of The Melchior Marionettes, Heidi, as she shares her beautifully hand-crafted marionettes once again here at the 2025 Ferdinand Christkindlmarkt. She is excited to mark the 16th year of entertaining visitors and enjoys being a part of this annual tradition.

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Santa Claus Visits
Location: Ferdinand Library Community Room
Be sure to visit Santa and tell him your Christmas wish list! Along with visiting Santa, you can also color and write him a letter to help him remember when he returns to the North Pole!

7:00 pm | "Sounds of the Season" Concert
Location: Monastery Immaculate Conception
Talented musicians will be performing beautiful, seasonal selections and traditional Christmas carols. There is no admission fee. A freewill offering is encouraged.

10:00 am | Catholic Mass with German Hymns
Location: St. Ferdinand Church
7:00 pm | Lights on the Grotto
Location: Monastery Immaculate Conception
Take a self-guided tour of the beautiful Christmas lights around the "Castle on the Hill."