Press Releases
Experience an Old World Christmas in Historic Missouri Town
November 20, 2006 | For Immediate Release
With the Holiday season upon us 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.
For older visitors A Hermann Christmas provides an opportunity to rekindle memories of an earlier time; for younger people, A Hermann Christmas provides an opportunity to experience the joy of days gone by. Together, people of all ages can share this special time of the year with a wide variety of activities that reflect the traditions of the season and create new memories that will last a lifetime.
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 2-3 the 14th annual Kristkindl Markt at the Stone Hill Winery Pavilion will feature a wide range of crafts and Holiday items, food and local entertainment. This year’s event will include some new activities, including a youth tree decorating contest and rides on a miniature Christmas train around the Stone Hill grounds for kids. The Hermann Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsor of this event.
On December 9-10 the market moves to the Hermannhof Festhalle on 1st Street and is sponsored by the Hermann Arts Council. This event will feature 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. This unique festival provides traditional baked goodies, music, authentic table trees with period decorations, antique toys on display, and special items in the shop.
Hours will be from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and there is no charge. Pelze Nichol, an early German Santa, will be featured. This is a quality event that can be enjoyed by all ages. Christmas displays at Deutschheim can also be viewed daily through the first week of January.
The German School Museum, built in 1871, will also be open both weekends to observe the Holiday season with decorations and refreshments. Hours on Saturday will be from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday hours are noon – 4 p.m. Tours are $2 for adults and $1 for children under 12. The museum showcases toys, schoolhouse displays, steamboat items, and many other items reflecting the history of Hermann.
On December 2 there will be Holiday House Tours from 2-7 p.m., offering an opportunity to visit four unique homes in the Historic District specially decorated for the season. The tour ends at the Scenic Regional Library in Hermann, featuring a large Christmas doll collection and refreshments. Tickets are $10 and available at the Hermann Welcome Center.
Several extra activities are also planned on December 9.
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.
At 7:30 p.m. that day, the highly touted Columbia Handbell Ensemble will perform at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 135 West 1st Street.
Another highlight of Hermann’s Holiday observance is A Christmas Remembered at the Show Boat Theatre featuring two plays: “The Littlest Reindeer” and “A Dickens of a Christmas.” 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 2:30 p.m. November 25, December 1 at 7:30 p.m., and on December 2 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $4 for students and $6 for adults if purchased in advance; at the door they cost a dollar more. Tickets are on sale from cast members and at the Welcome Center.
Christmas in Hermann events begin on November 24 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 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.
For More Information Call: Jim Grebing (573) 486-8995 or (573) 270-8488 (cell)
