GREEN BAY – On Broadway Inc. wasn’t sure what to expect it when it introduced Green Bay to its first Christkindlmarket in 2022, but it didn’t take long to get its answer.
People loved it.
Using funds awarded through a grant, On Broadway created a pilot Christkindlmarket to see if there was public interest in a traditional German-style holiday street market. The inaugural five-day run, with a modest 11 vendor tents, drew roughly 10,000 people to the area known as Red Sculpture Park.
The feedback was merry and bright. Not only did it bring visitors down to the Broadway District for the event, but people said it inspired them to explore local businesses while they were there, said Allie Thut, chief operating officer for On Broadway Inc.
So in 2023, On Broadway expanded the Christkindlmarket footprint by also closing part of Hubbard Street. The Boldt Company built and donated 11 wooden chalets to house more vendors, in addition to the tents. Programming increased substantially to include costumed characters, an ice rink, a movie night and rooftop igloos. There were more food vendors and more holiday decor, too.