The Countdown Is On For NJ’s German Christmas Market

SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ — It was a tradition started in Lake Mohawk with several volunteers and booths in 2001, that has grown into a regionally-loved festival, attended by people who travel in from neighboring states.

The German Christmas Market is back in 2021 after it first relocated from its former home on the Lake Mohawk Boardwalk to its new spot at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. Following a hiatus in 2020 because of COVID when it was supposed to re-debut at its new location, there was a small pop-up market only in 2020.

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The full German Christmas Market returns for its 20th anniversary year beginning this Friday at noon.

The “Weihnachtsmarkt” now coined the “German Christmas Market of New Jersey,” started by the volunteer organizers with roots from Germany as a way to bring a German-style Christmas Market to the United States, runs at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta Friday, Dec. 3 through Sunday, Dec. 5.

Admission and parking for the event are both free, with proceeds benefitting New Jersey charities. According to the group’s website, not only has NJ.com named the Market as one of the top happenings in New Jersey during the month of December, booth sales - including the 501(c)(3) group’s beloved “Cookie Hut” - have raised over $370,000 since the annual tradition started.

The market features a range of German-style foods, handcrafted items for sale, cultural happenings including dancing and music and more.

During this year’s market, the festive family activities include:

• Time with Santa and Mrs. Claus
• The Mt. Pocono Train Display
• Petting Zoo and Pony Rides
• Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides
• Visits with local book author Sue Steinhardt and pup, Phil

Among this year’s vendors are jewelers, glassmakers, photographers, artists, vendors with apparel for sale, food items and others with a range of unique treasures to offer, with chances to shop locally without worries about supply chain issues or shipping delays.

Bacon Bites, Uncle Jimmy’s Cheesecake, For The Love Of Toffee, Helmuts Original Austrian Strudel, Michele’s Bistro Food Truck, Homers Food Truck and Hayek’s Market, are just a handful of the many food vendors planning to attend, including those in food trucks.

Check out all of the events and vendors at www.germanchristmasmarketnj.com/market-vendors.

The Sussex County Fairgrounds is located at 37 Plains Road in Augusta. The market’s hours are:

Friday, Dec. 3 - noon to 9 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 4 - 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 5 - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information about New Jersey's German Christmas Market, visit www.germanchristmasmarketnj.com.

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