For the last six years, a little bit of Germany has come to Ludowici in the form of Christkindlmarkt in December.
For those who are unfamiliar with the term, it is a small Christmas market put on by local vendors. In Europe, Christkindlmarkts are as common as flea markets are in this country.
The term originated in the Middle Ages, with small villages setting up street markets the month prior to Christmas, and running the event up to the day of the holiday. Now in Europe, Christkindlmarkts are often mega-events in which 1.5 million to 2 million people participate.
Ludowici business owner Kadee Dasher, who was born in Germany, began holding her own localized version of a Christkindlmarkt in
2009 outside of her Kadee’s Korner shop. The event has become a favorite in Long County, with local crafters and vendors setting up booths to display their products to potential customers.
This year, patrons can check out a variety of handmade items including quilts, candles, custom fans, toys, scarfs, sweatshirts, T-shirts, purses, hats and Christmas wreathes and decorations. And for that hard-to-please person who has everything, locally made honey also is available for purchase.
Dasher said Christkindlmarkt is a unique shopping experience, and she encourages all to stop by.
“Having Christkindlmarkt allows local artists and crafters a week to highlight and sell their products. It also gives customers a unique experience while they are shopping, and everyone can find something here if they are having a hard time finding the right gift for that special someone,” Dasher said.
In addition to being able to shop during the event, patrons also will be able to grab some lunch as they browse because Ludowici Barbeque will be on hand with plenty of lunch and dinner specials.
The Christkindlmarkt will take place in front of Kadee’s Korner at 33 Lee St. in Ludowici. It begins Wednesday and runs through Friday. The hours are from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 912-545-2266, or search “Kadee’s Korner Gift Shop” on Facebook.