This holiday season, take a trip to Europe without leaving Lancaster County.

"Ditch the mall and go straight to Germany for the day!" said Elise Fasnacht, chair of Lancaster Liederkranz's Christkindlmarkt. "It only happens for one day, and it's the most authentic holiday magic you'll find in the area. It's the perfect place to find a truly special, non-mass-produced gift."

Christkindlmarkt will be held on Sunday, Dec. 14, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lancaster Liederkranz, 722 S. Chiques Road, Manheim. It will feature a variety of food, fun and entertainment for the whole family.

People are invited to browse more than 30 craft and gift vendors and enjoy traditional German food and beverages such as Gluehwein, a hot mulled spiced wine. A variety of musical performances from various Liederkranz groups will entertain guests as well. Pictures with St. Nick and Ruprecht will be offered, along with access to a children's playground and a bonfire with s'mores. Children's crafts and gift shopping at Kinderland will be held inside the clubhouse on the lower level. Fest food and beverages will be sold outside at the pavilion, with seated dining available in the clubhouse.

"We hold traditional events like this to share, celebrate and support the preservation of German culture," Fasnacht said, noting that the Liederkranz has been a vibrant part of Lancaster's German-American heritage for almost 150 years. "This event is particularly special to me as it was the brainchild of my late mother, Monica. There is a Christmas tree at the pavilion dedicated in her memory."

She hopes that people who have never come to Christkindlmarkt before will check it out and that returning attendees will come back again this year.

"From the Gluehwein recipe to the German choruses, for people of German descent, it offers a tangible link to their heritage," she said.

Parking is available with a charge per car in a lot adjacent to the clubhouse as well as one across the street. Free parking will be available at Farm Credit, 15 Eby Chiques Road, Mount Joy, and a free shuttle bus will transport visitors to Christkindlmarkt beginning at 10:30 a.m. Christkindlmarkt is a cash-only event. An ATM is located on-site.

For more information, visit https://bit.ly/48FEWs0.