Tuong Vi P.
Yelp
Just to set the record straight, I'm not a Christmas market expert and I try not to be overly snobby about stuff. I've been to French Christmas markets--in Paris and Rochefort-en-Terre--and my only American one in Denver in 2014, which was pretty awesome.
So the German American Cultural Foundation is presenting the first Christkindlmarkt in Atlanta, to stand alongside other holiday festivities in Atlantic Station, such as Santa and snow in the Central Park area, the Snowball Express train for kids, and the ice skating rink. I'll be frank, I was disappointed by how small the Market was. Having been to French Christmas markets, I know how large and elaborate these things can get but I have different expectations for the American versions. Though it was only once that I went to Denver's (and I met up with Tom E. -- big ups to this awesome dude and fellow Yelper!), it was impressive, large enough to spend a couple hours wandering around, and had a wide varieties of vendors with many offerings of crafts, food and drinks, and toys. I was hoping for something similar and found that vendors were lined up around the perimeter of Central Park.
I came with AT, our 8-month-old little homie, and my sister. At the time we didn't know how lucky we were to see the Christkind, but today I read that she is Teresa Treuheit from Nuremberg, Germany and she was there for the Grand Opening Ceremony (Dec. 2) through Dec. 4. We passed her multiple times and should've gotten a photo with the blonde woman dressed in gold. Anyway, I did snap a quick shot of her, which I shared with you lovely folks.
Lines were long, considering the crowd wasn't large when we were there. It seems vendors were getting their feet wet, servicing market-goers. I'm really, really hoping they find their groove and pick up the speed. We waited in line for about 15 minutes for mulled wine for AT (which he really liked, so that's a big win!) and hot chocolate. The latter was a big disappointment, as it was just lukewarm water with a packet of Swiss Miss (or the like) not even stirred in. Just clumpy, watery chocolate-flavored water... We wanted to get roasted nuts. I think the cart is called the Nutty Bavarian and the first time we asked for cashews but were told they'd be available in about 10 minutes. We decided we'd wander around and come back. Big mistake. The wait for the wine and hot chocolate was longer than anticipated. When we got back, everything (pecans, almonds, and cashews) were out. And it would take 45 minutes to replenish the stock. WTF...? I bet this is the typical time needed to roast nuts but the wait time and low supply is sort of unacceptable for a holiday market in Atlantic Station, which must see decent foot traffic.
I saw stands for German beers, bratwursts, Christstollen, marzipan, pralines, truffles, popcorn, gingerbread, baked goods from Bernhard's German Bakery & Deli of Marietta, chocolates, wooden toys, Christmas ornaments and decorations, glass art, stuffed animals and other plush toys. For those looking for some Christmas shiz to do, see, and taste, Atlanta Christkindl has no admission cost. Just pay for what you want to consume and buy for gifts.
My rating is probably more of a 3 to 3.5 and I'm rounding up in hopes of getting more people to check out our Christmas market and make it a yearly tradition!
If any of the organizers are reading, it would be nice to have a bigger market next year! Maybe even close off some of the streets in Atlantic Station to make it more pedestrian-friendly. More food options would be amazing!