Press Releases
Celebrate a Hermann German Christmas
September 12, 2007 | For Immediate Release
Experience an Old World Christmas in Historic Missouri Town
When the Holiday season approaches, there is no better place to celebrate a traditional German-style Christmas than Hermann, MO. This 19th century village, on the banks of the Missouri River, provides a unique setting where visitors can step back in time and experience the feeling of a true old time Christmas.
Holiday events are nothing new to Hermann, but the number and quality of events have increased in recent years. Now there are an abundance of opportunities to enjoy traditional German culture and celebrations as part of the Christmas season.
Most of the activities will be the first two weekends of December, centered on the Kristkindl Markts, which are reminiscent of traditional Christmas markets in Germany.
On December 1-2 the 15th annual Kristkindl Markt at the Stone Hill Winery Pavilion will feature a wide range of crafts and Holiday items, food and local entertainment. The Hermann Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsor of this event.
On December 8-9 the market moves to the Hermannhof Festhalle on 1st Street and is sponsored by the Dierberg Operating Foundation. This event will feature food and craft demonstrations both days, story telling, a visit from Father Christmas, a select group of artists and crafters, and a variety of food and entertainment.
Both markets have a number of local performers scheduled to display their talents and highlight the spirit of the season. The markets are open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free.
Weihnachtfest will be celebrated both weekends at the Deutschheim State Historic State and the German School Museum, built in 1871, will also be open both weekends to observe the Holiday season with decorations and refreshments.
On December 1 the Hermann Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Holiday House Tours from noon-5 p.m., offering an opportunity to visit several unique homes in the Historic District specially decorated for the season. Tickets are $10 and are available at the Hermann Welcome Center.
At 7:30 p.m. on that evening the highly touted Columbia Handbell Ensemble will perform at St. George Catholic Church.
Also on December 1, there will be an opportunity to celebrate Christmas 1800s style as the Discovery Expedition of St. Charles holds its annual Christmas Party at the Hermannhof Festhalle. The group, re-enactors and educators of the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery, will have special events open to the public from noon-5 p.m., including a twilight lantern parade through the downtown at 5:00.
A Christmas dinner, starting at 6:30 p.m., followed by a military ball at 8, is open to the public. Tickets are $28 and can be purchased at the Hermann Welcome Center or Hermannhof Winery. Period dress is encouraged but not required; seating is limited.
On December 8, from noon to 7 p.m. the historic St. George Rectory tour is scheduled. Father William Debo and parishioners from St. George Catholic Church will work many hours to create a spectacular old world Christmas display that sparkles with candles, music, traditional art and décor, and dozens of Christmas trees. A good will offering at the door will help fund the Hermann Ministerial Alliance’s efforts to assist needy residents.
Another highlight of Hermann’s Holiday observance is Remembering Christmas at the Show Boat Theatre. Featuring a cast of several dozen children, ranging in age from 3 to 18, the performance is offered by Mad Kap Productions. Shows are scheduled for November 24 at 3 p.m., November 29 and 30 at 7 p.m., and December 1 at 3 p.m. Tickets are on sale from cast members and at the Welcome Center.
Christmas in Hermann events begin on November 23 at 7 p.m. with the annual Lantern Parade, a traditional German festival of lanterns. Children from the area, many in costume, will gather at the Hermannhof Festhalle and walk to the City Park for the lighting of Weinachtsstrasse — Christmas Street. Also on that day, stores in Hermann will stay open late with special sales as part of their annual Holiday Open House.
For a head start on Christmas activities, the seven wineries in and around Hermann will hold their annual Holiday Fare Wine Trail on November 17-18. Participants can visit Stone Hill, Hermannhof, Adam Puchta, OakGlenn, Bias, Robller, and Bommarito Wineries to sample wines matched with Holiday dishes. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased in advance from the Hermann Welcome Center or from our online sales page.
For more details about events that are part of A Hermann Christmas, go to www.hermannmo.info or call 1-800-932-8687. Additional information about lodging and other activities are also available.
Hermann is an hour west of St. Louis. It can be reached from Highway 19 at both Interstates 44 and 70 and from Highway 100 off I-44.
