Texas Christkindl Market (Arlington, TX) 2024 Guide ft. Dates, Tips, Etc

Each year, Arlington, Texas hosts one of the largest Christmas markets in the state, the Texas Christkindlmarkt.

Inspired by a 70-year relationship with its sister city, Bad Konigshofen, this free family focused market features old-world German traditions and a unique holiday gift shopping experience.

In this Texas Christkindlmarkt Guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about experiencing the wonder of Texas’ traditional outdoor Christmas Market for yourself.

NOTE: We last visited this Christmas market in 2018, so take note that some things may be different this year. We’ve tried to keep this guide as up-to-date as possible, but let us know if you spot anything we should change!

When is Texas Christkindlmarkt?

2024 Dates: TBA (Previous year’s event: Nov 24 – Dec 23)

Where to Stay for Texas Christkindlmarkt

If you have never been to the Texas Christkindlmarkt, plan for at least a full day of walking and shopping.

You can also combine holiday shopping with sightseeing in Dallas and Ft. Worth, or a trip to Six Flags over Texas for a true experience.

In need of a place to stay? Here are some quick recommendations for hotels near Texas Christmas Market.

• Budget: Check prices and availability
• Mid-Range: Check prices and availability
• Luxury: Check prices and availability

Budget Hotel: Lux Hotel & Spa. A nice hotel, with all the amenities. Splurge for the spa tub.

Mid-Range Hotel: Live by Lowes Arlington. This hotel is a weekend experience all its own. Soak pool, roof top bar, daily amenities. If you have the time, this hotel is highly recommended!

Luxury Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel. Most luxury hotels are a 15 minute drive from the Texas Christmas Fair. The Four Seasons Hotel is a beautiful resort with spa, excellent dining, and an award winning golf course.

Where to Find Texas Christkindlmarkt

The Texas Christkindlmarkt is held each year in Arlington, Texas on North Plaza at Globe Life Field, 1650 E Randol Mill Road at the corner of Ballpark Way.

Admission is free. Ample parking is available.

Arlington is a suburb of Dallas located between Fort Worth to the west and Dallas to the east. DFW International Airport serves both cities.

What to Eat at Texas Christkindlmarkt

Christmas is a time to indulge, celebrating with family and friends.

Walking through the Texas Christmas Fair, you will find amazing food.  Choose an order of kartoffelpuffer – potato pancakes with applesauce, or traditional bratwurst and sauerkraut. Snacks of hot roasted nuts or German chocolates fill the stalls.

Of course, there is plenty of beer, hot cider or even Glühwein – a mulled spice wine, for the adults. And for the kids, creamy hot chocolate is a must.

Don’t forget your sweet tooth with a piece of cheesecake, apfelstrudel, gingerbread cookies. My favorite is Stollen, a type of fruit cake. It makes a great gift for the office or neighbors.

What to Buy at Texas Christkindlmarkt

Germany’s famous Christmas markets, are best known for their shopping and Texas’ Christkindlmarkt is no different!

As you listen to German music and Christmas Carols, it’s easy to shop for traditional handcrafted gifts and collectibles. Find unique imports, straight from Germany’s exclusive Käthe Wohlfahrt. Or browse merchandise from the iconic Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Village.

On our last visit, we picked up a wooden boat for my nephew. We always look for ornaments as gifts and there are some creative stocking-stuffer ideas.

Extra Tips for Visiting the Texas Christmas Market

If you’re planning to visit Arlington, Texas at Christmas time, here are some additional tips to make your trip more enjoyable.

• Always bring cash. Most vendors welcome credit cards, but some do not.
• Bring Comfortable shoes it’s a lot of walking.
• Bring a coat and a few layers. Northern Texas weather is at best unpredictable.
• Driving? Bring a GPS. There is a lot of concrete in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. I’ve lived in Dallas, and still get lost upon occasion.

Where to Find More Info on Texas Christkindlmarkt

For more information, visit the visit the Texas Christkindlmarkt website.

Help us improve this Texas Christkindlmarkt Guide!

Do you have a pro tip about the Texas Christkindlmarkt? A particular souvenir you loved, or a delicious treat you tried? Let us know in the comments what your insider tips are for Texas Christmas Market so we can help improve this guide for all future visitors.