HUNTSVILLE – Arts Huntsville and The Orion Amphitheater plan to get festive this December at Christkindlmarket Huntsville, a free community event. Combining German and European tradition with local flair, the new Christkindlmarket Huntsville will feature a unique holiday shopping experience with over 60 juried artists featured alongside a blend of holiday food, drink and music at The Orion Amphitheater on Dec. 9, 10 and 11.

Christkindlmarket Huntsville offers shoppers the opportunity to find that one-of-a-kind gift for someone special from long-time favorite artists along with 18 new artists that have not previously shown work at an Arts Huntsville event. Juried artists mediums present at the market include painting, drawing, mixed media, clay, glass, jewelry, fiber, photography, sculpture and wood.

“This holiday season, Arts Huntsville is excited partner with The Orion to welcome the community to a holiday shopping market like none other Huntsville has experienced before,” Arts Huntsville Executive Director Allison Dillon-Jauken said. “High-quality art selections in all price ranges make amazing holiday gifts, while at the same time support our Alabama artists – when you add specialty Bavarian food accompanied with holiday sounds, Christkindlmarket Huntsville will truly be a special time to make memories with your loved ones.”

Musical performances will be held throughout the three-day market. On Friday, Dec. 9, there will be music from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, will feature Winslow Davis from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Alex D. Banks II from 3 to 5 p.m. and Preston Watts from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. On Sunday, Dec. 11, Gabe Larose will share his music from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. with Karmessa and Micah closing out the market from 3 to 5 p.m.

“We are thrilled to partner with Arts Huntsville for Christkindlmarket Huntsville,” Orion Amphitheater Cultural Programming Manager Dianya Markovits said. “By featuring a multitude of talented artists alongside live entertainment, food and fun will make for a fantastic three-day, arts-focused holiday market. It’s an incredibly fun way to celebrate the holidays as a community.”

Christkindlmarket Huntsville will be open to the community from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9 – from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10 – and, from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11. The market is a free event with free onsite parking during event hours only, and The Orion Amphitheater will offer a specialty food selection of Bavarian treats available for purchase along with holiday activations and additional enjoyment with pricing associated. The amphitheater is located at 701 Amphitheater Dr NW, Huntsville, Ala. 35806.

The tradition of Christmas markets stretches back to Saxony, Germany, during the Middle Ages. Throughout the centuries, the joys of these markets have spread from town to town and around the world – and this December, Huntsville, Ala. will be no exception. Inspired by the 16th-century Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, one of the first outdoor markets of its kind, the Christkindlmarkt is well-known for its vendors’ high-quality gifts with food and holiday cheer. Arts Huntsville and The Orion Amphitheater hope to create an annual event that will be the ideal place for the community to make treasured memories every December.

Christkindlmarket Huntsville details, along with a full list of artist participants, can be found at http://www.artshuntsville.org/christkindlmarket/. Info can also be found on the market’s Facebook event page. For more information on Arts Huntsville, visit www.artshuntsville.org and follow @ArtsHuntsville on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

For more information on The Orion Amphitheater, visit www.theorionhuntsville.com and follow @theorionamphitheater on Facebook and Instagram and @theorionamp on Twitter.