In the mood for some authentic Schweinshaxe? Have a hankering for some Kassler Rippchen? Or maybe you'd just like to know more about both of those food items. You can sample the German specialties (pork knuckle and smoked pork chops, respectively) when Lancaster Liederkranz holds its annual Christkindlmarkt.

The event will be held on Sunday, Dec. 10, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the grounds of the Liederkranz, 722 Chiques Road, Manheim. It will feature vendors, music, entertainment and lots of food.

"Outside, we will have pierogies, wurst sandwiches, homemade soup, Gluhwein, German beer and hot chocolate," said Elise Fasnacht, event chair. "Inside, we will have a sit-down meal with beef roulade, pork schnitzel, Schweinshaxe, Oktoberfest chicken, Kassler Rippchen and apple strudel for dessert." Food will be available to eat in or for takeout.

Four varieties of homemade pierogies will be for sale - mushroom and cheese, potato and cheese, pork and sauerkraut and apple cinnamon - and new this year, frozen potato and cheese pierogies will be sold to go.

More than 30 vendors will be featured throughout the market. "Some will be selling German candies and food items," Fasnacht said. "Others will have traditional German Christmas decorations, nutcrackers and Advent calendars. We try to focus on local talent, so we'll have artists, photographers and people who make handmade ornaments as well."

Entertainment will include performances by the Schuhplattlers dancing group, featuring adults; the Kindergruppe children's dancing group; and the AllweilJung folk dancing group. "Our mixed chorus and men's chorus members will be walking around singing Christmas carols," Fasnacht added.

Inside, a kids' craft station will be set up for children to make pinecone ornaments rolled in birdseed, and for the second year, a Kinder Shoppe will offer low-cost items for children to purchase as holiday gifts. "That was very well received last year, so we decided to do it again," Fasnacht remarked. "Things are donated by our members, and kids can buy something for very little money, like 25 cents."

Admission to the Christkindlmarkt is free. On-site parking will be available at the event for a fee, and off-site parking will also be offered, with a shuttle bus to the site.

Fasnacht invites everyone out to enjoy the event, adding, "This is a great way to experience a little bit of German culture right in your backyard."

For more information about the Christkindlmarkt, visit http://www.lancasterliederkranz.com.