With many holiday events being cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Town of Pendleton is trying something new to help area residents celebrate at a safe distance.
Pendleton Christkindlmarkt, a quaint, European-style Christmas market inspired by the historic holiday markets in Germany and across Europe, will be held on Friday and Saturday evenings from Nov. 27 through Dec. 19 on the historic Village Green in Pendleton, SC.
The first-ever event will feature vendors from across the Upstate offering hand-crafted ornaments and other seasonal items, local treats and an outdoor bar serving apple cider, hot spiced wine (Glühwein) and German beer in souvenir Town of Pendleton mugs.
“This has been a hard year for a lot people,” said event organizer Ginny Gaulin, owner of The Well Center in Pendleton. “With a lot of regular holiday parties being cancelled, we want this to be an event where people can meet up in an outdoor setting that allows them to spread out.”
Social distancing and safe vendor spacing are a priority, according to Gaulin, and attendees are encouraged to wear masks.
Pendleton Christkindlmarkt will center around the town’s 40-foot Christmas tree erected in Village Green. Vendors will rotate so there will be different items for sale each weekend, Gaulin said. Every weekend will feature the Shining Star tent where teachers and students from Pendleton High School will be selling taper star lanterns to raise funds for the school.
“We want The Pendleton Christkindlmarkt to be a destination this holiday season and a reason to come to historic Pendleton,” Gaulin said.
Want to visit?
What: Pendleton Christkindlmarkt
Where: Village Green, 105 Exchange St, Pendleton, SC 29670
When: Friday & Saturday evenings, November 27 – December 19, 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Cost: Free admission.
For more information, visit pendletonchristmas.com.
